Medicinal Benefits of Consuming Cannabis

Posted by Lucky Mileson on September 4th, 2022

What was once the devil's lettuce is now known as the medical industry's biggest craze. Who would have thought this plant would go from one of Richard Nixon's biggest foes to a respected and commonly used plant-based medicine? Now that is the true definition of the American dream. Cannabis comes with many benefits that aren’t just having a good time with friends. 

Research has shown that cannabis can be extremely beneficial to those suffering from chronic pain, epilepsy, insomnia, alcoholism, and drug addiction. Cannabis has been even shown to help alleviate the effects of chemotherapy on cancer patients. This may all sound a little bit too good to be true so let’s break down the medicinal benefits of consuming cannabis further. 

The CBD Craze

Anyone reading this will probably be familiar with the recent CBD boom. The cannabinoid known as cannabidiol or CBD is responsible for giving cannabis many of its health benefits. CBD is the second most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis just behind THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol is what gives cannabis smokers that “high” feeling. 

So with all that science in your head, it is clear why CBD products became so popular. CBD will not get users high regardless of how it is consumed. This not only meant CBD products could be sold legally in many places where cannabis laws were more restrictive, but consumers could enjoy all the medicinal benefits of consuming cannabis without getting high or breaking the law. 

Studies have shown CBD products to be extremely helpful to those who have trouble with sleeping or anxiety. The list of CBD products on the market is almost never-ending and ever-growing. You can buy CBD oil, chocolate, gummies, balms and even my personal favourite high CBD flower. Expert growers have developed high CBD seeds that have trace amounts of THC, 0.3% or less to be exact, and high amounts of CBD. These CBD cannabis seeds produce plants that in turn produce buds that look, smell and feel like real weed. The only difference is it won’t get you high and is federally legal. 

This CBD weed has become a great alternative for those looking to quit smoking cigarettes or maybe cut down on their marijuana consumption. Many love these products due to the fact they can be smoked and people can get on with their daily tasks and work thanks to the lack of THC high. 

CBD has made plenty of headlines lately as an almost wonderl drug. CBD oils and rubs have proved phenomenally effective in combating the effects of epilepsy in children. The oils not only reduce symptoms but also reduce the frequency of seizures. 

The Real Deal

While CBD products have given people access to the medicinal benefits of consuming cannabis outside of legal states, many states that have more relaxed cannabis laws can get access to cannabis with higher THC content which works just as well if not better from a medicinal standpoint. The cerebral high that often comes with more THC potent strains of cannabis can be very relieving for patients. Jack Herer, Lavender, and Sour Diesel are some of the strains of marijuana that have been credited for their medicinal benefits in recent years.

Depending on the desired effects some will consume Sativa strains while some will look for the benefits associated with Indica plants. Sativas traditionally will give the user more of a buzz, which works like caffeine. This should see Sativa smokers become more energetic, social and creative. The Sativa strain “head high” is sometimes used by those with mood or learning disorders as well as people who suffer from lack of focus and tiredness. 

On the other hand, as the great Katy Bates once said, an Indica will put you IN-DA-COUCH. Indica tends to have more soothing effects. Those seeking Indica strains should feel more of a relaxed, euphoric and chill sensation. These effects are beloved by those who maybe can’t get a good night's sleep. Indicas are well known for being a good pain reliever which has even seen many athletes use Indica strains. Some people with eating disorders have found it helpful as it can bring on the “munchies” which can help with appetite. 

It is important to remember because of years of prohibition the research around cannabis has been very limited. It is only in recent times we have seen research be done into the medicinal benefits of consuming cannabis. It may be not all sunshine and rainbows as cannabis can affect those with a predisposition to mental disorders very negatively. This is a plant that should always be treated with respect and should not be used for self-diagnosis. No doubt this will be a hotly debated topic for years to come. However, with such promising results for the medicinal benefits of consuming cannabis already, there is no doubt it can only go up from here.