Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabis

Cannabis has been used medicinally for centuries, and it helps relieve chronic pain, mitigating anxiety and depression, and improving sleep quality.

FREMONT, CA: Cannabis sativa is a herbal medication. It contains cannabinoids, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol. Cannabinoids in cannabis function by binding to specific locations in the brain and nerves. There are about 100 cannabinoids in cannabis, but THC and CBD are the most comprehensively studied. Cannabinoids are most concentrated in the plant's leaves and flowers.

Cannabis is commonly used as a recreational substance. People commonly use cannabis to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and nerve pain. It is also claimed to treat nausea, vomiting, migraines, and various other illnesses, although there is no solid scientific evidence to back these claims. There is also no strong evidence to support the use of cannabis to treat COVID-19. 

People should not confuse cannabis with hemp. Hemp contains extremely low quantities of THC, less than 0.3 percent by legal standards. Cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis include CBD, cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerol (CBG), and others. Cannabis, unlike hemp, is prohibited under federal law in the United States. However, some states have legalized or decriminalized recreational use.

Cannabis is potentially effective for:

Multiple Sclerosis. Spraying a cannabis extract spray (Sativex) under the tongue appears to alleviate MS symptoms like muscle spasms and nerve pain. This product is unavailable in the United States.

It has also been used to treat nerve discomfort. Cannabis appears to relieve nerve pain caused by HIV and other diseases moderately. The pain alleviation lasts for approximately two hours.

Side effects of using cannabis are listed below:

When inhaled: Cannabis may be hazardous if consumed in high quantities or over an extended period of time. Cannabis smoking or vaping can cause breathing problems and has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Vaping products containing THC have been related to severe lung damage. Regular cannabis use may result in CHS and dependence.

When taken by mouth: Cannabis may be hazardous if consumed in high quantities or over an extended period of time. Edible cannabis with 50 mg or higher of THC has been associated with severe adverse effects. Regularly consuming high amounts of cannabis may result in cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). CHS causes extreme nausea and vomiting, which do not respond to normal anti-nausea medications. Additionally, taking cannabis for at least 1-2 weeks can result in dependence.