A growing number of patients are seeking cannabis to help ease a host of ailments, including pain, nausea during pregnancy, and anxiety. But is it safe? There are many factors to consider in evaluating cannabis product quality. Clinicians should look for a regulated source and standardized laboratory testing to ensure the final product meets safety standards.
Better Sleep
Cannabis can help people with sleep disorders, including insomnia, get a better night’s rest. 71% of patients who were interested in and utilizing medical cannabis for sleep problems at an Ottawa, Canada, community pharmacy reported a subjective improvement in their quality of sleep, according to a retrospective chart analysis. Additionally, 39% could reduce or discontinue their prescription medication for sleep and related conditions.
Wonderling recommends trying CBD and THC tinctures or CBD and indica edibles for sleep. Tinctures typically take 20 to 30 minutes to start working and can be adjusted easily by varying the dose. Indica strains are considered soothing and relaxing, while sativa strains can excite and energize you.
Reduced Anxiety
With the increased accessibility of cannabis for medical and recreational use in Canada, many individuals are exploring its potential as a natural treatment for anxiety. While research on this application is ongoing, some studies have shown promising results. It’s important to note that individual responses vary, and consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial before considering Medical Marijuana Canada – Access Top-Quality Cannabis Products for Your Health Needs.
One study found that low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, significantly reduced anxiety—however, higher doses—enough to produce a high—increased stress and discomfort in the participants.
If you’re interested in trying cannabis for anxiety, it’s essential to find a quality product with a balance of THC and CBD. It also helps to speak with a trained staff at a dispensary to get guidance on which products will best suit your symptoms.
Reduced Stress
Cannabis products containing both CBD and THC can help ease stress and anxiety by balancing the nervous system. CBD increases serotonin levels, the “feel-good” hormone that relieves stress and improves mood.
Inhaling cannabis through smoking and vaping is the fastest way to feel relief, with the effects kicking in almost immediately. However, if inhalation isn’t for you, there are other methods, such as tinctures and edibles, that may take longer to kick in but still provide anxiety relief.
A study by Washington State University examined how different strains and amounts of THC and CBD affect medical marijuana users’ feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. Using an app that allows patients to rate their symptoms before and after inhaling, they found that a mix of high THC/low CBD strains reduced symptoms more than strains with higher THC concentrations alone.
Increased Energy
Many cannabis users have reported feeling more focused and able to accomplish tasks after using Sativa strains. This may be due to the terpenes in these strains, like pinene and limonene, which have been linked with alertness and cognitive function.
Indoor cannabis cultivation requires large amounts of energy for lighting, ventilation, and precise microclimate control. These operations also generate significant amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.
Currently, the lack of standardized testing and regulations in medical and recreational cannabis production leads to inconsistent quality in products. Healthcare professionals should be familiar with a framework for evaluating cannabis products to ensure safety and quality.
Better Memory
Cannabis works through the endocannabinoid system to impact your brain’s performance. Endocannabinoids are made naturally in the body and bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors. Exogenous cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, don’t attach to these receptors but still interact with them.
The CU Boulder team tested participants over Zoom videoconferencing. At the same time, they inhaled their cannabis product. Then, they administered tests of everyday life memory (prospective, source, and false memory) and decision-making (resistance to sunk cost, risky choice framing, and consistency in risk perception). High-potency flowers without CBD impaired free recall, THC + CBD flower and concentrates impaired source memory, and all products increased susceptibility to false memories.
Reduced Pain
Cannabis, commonly referred to as marijuana, is a flowering plant that has more than 100 compounds in it that are classified as cannabinoids. It is used to treat conditions like pain and anxiety. It is often smoked or vaped and can be eaten in foods and drinks.
In a few trials, cannabis and cannabinoids are effective in decreasing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and in improving spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury (Zajicek et al., 2015).
However, Solmi said people with these diseases should not self-medicate with cannabis. He pointed out that it can have adverse side effects, including impaired cognition and mental health issues.
Improved Mental Health
In a society where mental health has become as much of a priority as physical wellness, cannabis can help support mood and anxiety disorders. However, it is important to consume products with a low-potency THC and high CBD balance to avoid the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Additionally, smoking cannabis poses a risk for people with pulmonary diseases. Getting your cannabis from a dispensary that sells lab-tested and certified products helps ensure the composition and quality of what you are consuming.
Cooper is working on her following study, which will examine a specific combination of cannabinoids to see whether tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) alone is necessary for pain relief or if a combination with another nonpsychoactive cannabinoid like cannabidiol (CBD) could achieve the same results.
