Despite the fact that humans have been using marijuana for thousands of years to treat a variety of physical ailments, the stigma remains in the United States and other countries around the world.
One of the reasons is the way marijuana is classified at the federal level. In the United States, cannabis is still considered a Schedule I drug similar to heroin or LSD. That is, researchers must have a special license to study marijuana.
But the research we have so far is overwhelmingly positive and shows many possibilities for treating everything from intermittent anxiety to terminal cancer.
Reshaping Our Views on Marijuana
Pot, weed, marijuana, cannabis. These are just a few of the literally thousands of names used to refer to cannabis. And while it’s still widely regarded as a “party drug,” for many users it couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, current research backs up what we’ve known for years at The Happy Camper. Marijuana and cannabis-infused products can relieve:
Anxiety and other mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Inflammation and pain from a variety of daily activities to more serious health conditions.
Immune system diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
Nausea and vomiting, are especially common in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
cancer cells and tumor growth
Muscle spasms and seizures are associated with conditions such as chronic arthritis, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
Eating disorders, Crohn’s disease, anorexia, and other digestive problems that may occur in people diagnosed with cancer, AIDS, and other diseases.
As science continues to uncover the mysteries and potential of cannabis, many healthcare providers and policymakers are taking note. Today, marijuana is legal for medical use in more than two-thirds of the states in the United States and has been decriminalized in most states where it remains illegal.
“The research is sorely needed because we need to be able to advise patients and doctors about the safe and effective use of cannabis,” said Dr. Marcel Bonmiller, a drug abuse expert at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
How CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids interact with the human body
Marijuana is derived from the potent hemp plant known to contain over 80 cannabinoids. cbd and delta 8 thc near me (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the best-known of these cannabinoids and are also the main compounds used in medicinal marijuana.
The science of how marijuana interacts with the human body is complex, but primarily involves the endocannabinoid receptor system (ECS). All humans and animals are born with a complex network of receptors in the brain that help regulate our sleep, digestion, and mood. Existing research points to serious potential for marijuana to balance the ECS, enabling optimal health.
Other marijuana facts to consider
If you are considering using marijuana to combat any of the aforementioned physical ailments, here are some important things to consider:
Marijuana comes in many different products and formats. It can be smoked, inhaled (vaped), eaten, applied to the skin as a lotion or cream, or taken sublingually (under the tongue) as a tincture or oil. These different modes of delivery can affect the onset and duration of side effects.
Undesirable side effects may occur. Some users have experienced side effects including red eyes, depression, dizziness, accelerated heart rate, and low blood pressure. This often depends on the type, dosage, and strain of marijuana. When in doubt, it is best to consult a licensed cannabis professional about your concerns, especially if you have limited experience with marijuana. You can also check out our simple guide to marijuana dosage here.
Quality matters. When navigating the vast cannabis market, buy only from reputable providers that are transparent in how they source, produce and distribute products for sale.
Marijuana is still illegal in many states and municipalities across the United States. If you’re considering exploring cannabis products in Colorado, read our tips for staying safe and enjoying marijuana legally.