Cannabis has many medical uses. After decades of prohibition, the once forbidden plant is at the forefront of discussions for its amazing health benefits. Keep reading to learn more about medical marijuana and how it may help you.
1. Medical Marijuana for Pain
One of the most significant benefits of medical marijuana is for relieving muscle and joint discomfort. The first legal reason to use cannabis in the U.S. was for cancer-related pain. Everyone from pro-athletes to senior citizens uses the powerful, all-natural herb to safely reduce everything from simple aches from aging to nerve pain and inflammation from debilitating conditions.
Medical marijuana cards can be obtained online in states that have legalized cannabis use for medical applications.
The science backs consumer testimonials, and experts agree it’s an excellent solution to reducing pain without dangerous and addictive narcotics. Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a leading cannabinoid expert and primary physician at Harvard Health, writes,
“The most common use for medical marijuana in the United States is for pain control. While marijuana isn’t strong enough for severe pain (for example, post-surgical pain or a broken bone), it is quite effective for the chronic pain that plagues millions of Americans, especially as they age.”
2. Treat ADHD Symptoms with Medical Cannabis
If you have trouble concentrating and get distracted easily, you’re not alone. A 2017 report found at least 8% of adults in the U.S. experience ADHD symptoms. One of the biggest health benefits of cannabis is helping those adults find the focus they need to be successful.
Unfortunately, there are no clinical or other research studies available to support these findings. However, many testimonials from consumers use the potent plant to stay calm and carry on with their work tasks.
3. Use Marijuana Medicinally to Treat PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a major ailment that affects 3.5% of the American population. Following the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic, that number is sure to increase. While many patients see relief with standard treatment, there’s a large number that’s not that lucky.
These people can benefit from medical cannabis. Plus, unlike ADHD, there are clinical trials supporting marijuana for PTSD.
A 2015 study published in the Oxford Academic found,
“While further research into cannabinoid treatment effects on PTSD symptoms is required, the evaluated evidence indicates that substantial numbers of military veterans with PTSD use cannabis or derivative products to control PTSD symptoms, with some patients reporting benefits in terms of reduced anxiety and insomnia and improved coping ability.”
Overall, patients with PTSD report fewer nightmares and improved sleep, which reduces anxiety and improves mood.
A later study in 2019 discovered even more promising results. People who have PTSD are at a higher risk of depression and suicide. In conclusion, the researchers explain,
“This study provides preliminary epidemiological evidence that cannabis use may contribute to reducing the association between post-traumatic stress disorder and severe depressive and suicidal states. There is an emerging need for high-quality experimental investigation of the efficacy of cannabis/cannabinoids for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.”
To put the numbers in perspective, Mark Travers, Ph.D., wrote in an article for Psychology today,
“… they calculated that the odds of experiencing either major depressive episodes or suicidal ideation were about 20 times greater among non-cannabis users with a PTSD diagnosis.”
4. Try Medicinal Marijuana to Boost Your Mood
It’s pretty clear that people using cannabis appear to be happier and are in a better mood. Many cannabis cultivars are known for giving customers the “giggles” and washing away the day’s troubles. While these are just temporary responses, the physical evidence that marijuana can boost your mood and reduce depression is visible.
The University of New Mexico collected data on people using cannabis flowers to relieve depression through the Releaf App. The study reviewed information from nearly 1,850 users and learned many consumers were self-medicating with cannabis. The researchers reported,
“… is that Cannabis flower with relatively high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is particularly associated with immediate reductions in the intensity of depressive feelings.”
However, it shouldn’t be used in place of medical treatment for psychological conditions without speaking to a medical professional.
5. Gastrointestinal Issues, Menstrual Cramping and Cannabis
A common reason people use medical marijuana is to reduce tummy troubles. A few puffs from a vape pen or joint can quickly resolve stomach issues, such as
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Menstruation
Many women report THC & CBD balanced marijuana to help relax pains and cramping regularly associated with monthly menstruation as well.
Whether you’re suffering from a chronic condition, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, or dealing with an upset stomach following one too many burritos, cannabis can help relieve the discomfort and help you function.
6. Improve Your Appetite with Medical Cannabis
Another related issue to stomach pains and other gastrointestinal problems is improving appetite. When you’re experiencing nausea and vomiting, getting the essential nutrients, you need to build up your strength and feel better. One thing cannabis is known for is the munchies.
Most marijuana cultivars will give you a boost in appetite that will have you raiding the kitchen within 20 minutes of smoking or vaping. For some patients, such as people undergoing treatment for cancer or HIV and AIDS, there are specific cannabis strains that increase your appetite more than others.
Heck, munchies are at the forefront of cannabis naming conventions, with many of the most popular strain names evoking some candy or food, even baked goods, naming method.
7. Sleep Better with Marijuana
Next to pain and stomach issues, many people use cannabis to sleep better. Everyone needs to between seven and nine hours of quality rest at night to function during the day. Sadly, it’s easier said than done.
Many people turn to prescription medications to sleep better, but these drugs can be dangerous and habit forming. Marijuana is an all-natural solution to an age-old problem. And like pain and PTSD, the research is available and supports consumers’ testimonials for cannabis and sleep.
“Consumption of medical Cannabis flower is associated with significant improvements in perceived insomnia with differential effectiveness and side effect profiles, depending on the product characteristics.” -Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
Many of the compounds within cannabis, like terpenes for example, work synergistically to create what is called an “entourage effect” that cumulatively impact the type of high and effects felt from a particular strain.
Many of these terpenes are also found in other plants like citrus fruits, flowers, and spices that are also already distilled for relaxing aromas. These same relaxing terpenes can be found in many popular cannabis strains.
This list is just a sliver of the potential health benefits of cannabis. Now that the potent plant is legal to use in dozens of U.S. states and a few countries, including Canada and Uruguay, the number of uses for medical marijuana will continue to grow. The bottom line for cannabis is simple: It’s an all-natural treatment that can improve the lives of millions of people suffering from health ailments globally.
Herb CEO Conclusion
Cannabis, the often unfairly maligned humble little weed actually has a whole host of wholesome benefits outside of just the psychological effects of the THC itself.
From reliving pain and stimulating appetites being useful for helping those suffering from chronic diseases, to offering those suffering from pain and alternative to addictive prescription drugs, cannabis truly is a natural Swiss army knife that we only hope is utilized by governments and doctors more and more frequently in coming decades.
Rachel Frampton
My dad would like to try the cannabis because he heard that this may help address any inflammatory problems. Well, thank you for informing me that this type of medicine will also help rescue any cancer-related pain. It’s also surprising to learn that will reduce anxiety as well.
rachel frampton
My sister would like to try cannabis because she heard that this may help reduce pain and inflammation. Well, I guess you’re also right that this may help people who have anxiety. Although, it’s interesting to learn as well that there’s a clinical report that supports the treatment for PTSD.