The Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids 

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    Cannabis has been used for centuries because of the effect it can have on our bodies. Today, we know that it can also have a therapeutic effect on certain health conditions.  

    Using cannabis for medical purposes is not a new thing, but it is still being researched for its various therapeutic effects.  

    In this text, we will talk about what cannabinoids are and some of the common therapeutic effects of cannabis and cannabinoids, as well as how successful they are in therapy practices. 

    However, you would want to consult with a specialist before taking any kind type of cannabinoid. If you live in the state of New York and you want to use cannabis legally as part of your recovery, you can contact Dr. Dave for a medical cannabis card

    Types of cannabinoids and their overall use 

    Cannabinoids are molecules of cannabis that are very similar to the ones that we already have in our bodies. Because they are so similar to the molecules we naturally have, they stimulate the receptors in the immune system, digestive system, and brain. 

    The most famous ones are probably THC and CBD. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or simply THC, stimulates our digestive system, which results in boosting our appetite. Our digestive system works faster after we take in THC and it makes eating seem more enjoyable, which makes us eat more food than usual. 

    Apart from increasing appetite, THC also releases chemicals in the parts of the brain that are in control of positive emotions. It can make a person feel calm, pleased, or euphoric.  

    Unlike THC, cannabidiol, or CBD doesn’t produce any kind of stimulus but rather blocks receptors that respond to stress. For this reason, they are used for stopping seizures caused by epilepsy and reducing inflammation that can cause pain.  

    Cannabinol, or CBN, is a product of THC that has been exposed to air and sunlight. Its effects are more subtle than those of THC. This cannabinoid is known for its therapeutic effects in treating glaucoma, an eye condition that increases pressure in the eyes and can cause vision loss. 

    Dronabinol, also known as Marinol, is an artificially made form of THC. It can also be used as a sleep apnea reliever, as well as to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. However, it should be avoided if the person suffers from depression or a similar mental illness.  

    The use of cannabinoids 

    Numerous studies tested cannabinoids for their therapeutic effect on patients with different types of diagnoses. Most cannabinoids are used as pain relievers for patients who suffer from chronic diseases like cancer, multiple sclerosis, or HIV/AIDS.  

    Because of their psychological effects, they are sometimes used to lower anxiety and PTSD. Some are used for minor disorders like lack of sleep or appetite stimulation too.  

    It’s important to acknowledge the different ways in which cannabis can be ingested in the body. The most common way is of course smoking the plant, but cannabinoids can come if forms like oils, capsules, edibles and creams. The form depends on their type and purpose.  

    Anti-emetic use of cannabis 

    Compared to other anti-emetics like prochlorperazine, cannabinoids have better control over preventing nausea and vomiting. More and more studies show that oral cannabinoids are very effective in controlling nausea and vomiting in patients who had gone under chemotherapy.  

    It also helps stop nausea and vomiting that are caused by anesthesia or post-operation pains. AIDS patients are given oral cannabis to ease the pain caused by the illness. Other patients, like those with cachexia and vomiting syndrome, are also treated with anti-emetic cannabinoids. 

    Chronic pain reduction 

    Many studies have shown that cannabinoids are used as analgesics, meaning they are effective in lowering pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis and migraines. They are also effective in reducing inflammation and pain caused by cancer. 

    Using oral cannabinoids like Nabiximol, which is a cannabis extract, proved effective in treating patients with multiple sclerosis, which caused spasticity symptoms. Spasticity is the involuntary action of muscles caused by injury to the upper motor neuron or chronic neurological conditions like MS.  

    They regulate sleep schedules  

    It’s been proven that certain cannabinoids can help regulate the sleep schedule. Apart from reducing chronic pain, nabiximols can also help patients with obstructive sleep apnea. They improve short-term sleep outcomes in patients with sleep apnea syndrome. 

    Lowering epilepsy seizures 

    Using cannabis oil has been reported to be very effective in regulating epilepsy seizures among children. In this case, CBD proved to be effective because of its lack of psychological effect. However, since there are different types of epilepsy, CBD might have different effects on different patients.  

    Appetite increase 

    As already mentioned, THC can increase a person’s appetite because the digestive system works faster after THC consumption. For this reason, it is believed that cannabinoids can help patients with eating disorders like anorexia or sudden weight loss.