There is no doubt that the fight to legalize marijuana and prove its benefits is challenging. Although more and more studies support the widespread use of marijuana, the law has not yet sided with it. Even though marijuana, like many other substances, can have adverse effects, an increasing number of diseases are responding positively to marijuana and its psychoactive substance, THC.
A cannabis plant comprises over 500 compounds, and certain parts contain varying amounts of THC. As marijuana has an active effect on both the mind and the body, certain plant strains have already become widely used in pharmacies. In contrast, others remain cautious due to their harmful effects.
What Is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, is a chemical substance found in cannabis plants and interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. This way, THC activates neurons that affect the consumer’s mental state by triggering pleasure, thinking, coordination, muscle relaxation, memory and many more.
Benefits Of THC
THC is a substance that, with its proper application, can lead to numerous benefits. Depending on the condition the user is suffering from, THC can be inhaled or ingested, so eating is definitely recommended for users suffering from lung diseases. At the same time, inhalation is always a better choice for patients with chronic pain, given that it reacts quickly.
- Pain relief
According to research, THC has analgesic properties, which moderate pain in the body. Medical cannabis is most commonly sought for relief from chronic pain, particularly neuropathic (nerve) pain. Cannabis studies for chronic pain patients evaluated that THC significantly increased the chances of improving their pain by around 40% if the dose, application, and combination with other medications is controlled. In order to achieve that, you can check the list of conditions for medical Marijuana card, and apply for treatment.
- Reduces depression, anxiety and stress
There has been substantial research suggesting that marijuana with lower doses of THC is exceptionally effective for treating depression, anxiety, and stress in the workplace. To effectively treat these diseases, the dosage must be carefully considered, as excessive amounts of the drug can increase the symptoms of the disease and result in panic attacks, increased heart rates, and delusions.
- Sleep deprivation
Many diseases can cause sleep deprivation. Chronic pain sufferers, multiple sclerosis patients, muscle spasm patients and many others often have difficulty sleeping. The calming effects of marijuana, in this case, reduce the disease’s symptoms, resulting in calmer nights and improved sleep quality.
- Eating disorder
Marijuana, in addition to its other effects, also increases appetite, as anyone who has ever consumed it knows. As a result of nausea and lack of appetite in patients with HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis and chemotherapy, many of these patients lose weight. Cannabis can stimulate appetite, ultimately leading to weight gain.
- Epilepsy and other illnesses
It has been shown that THC significantly affects a rare form of epilepsy that primarily affects children, called Dravet syndrome. In a study that examined 120 children, it was demonstrated that the number of attacks was reduced by up to 50% monthly. However, because the psychoactive substance is administered to children, several side effects have been observed that are not negligible in nature. As a reminder, THC must be used with great caution when treating many diseases, especially mental illnesses.
Conclusion
Several studies have demonstrated the positive and negative effects of THC use. However, we are sure that cannabis can act differently according to each of us and cause different benefits depending on the condition at hand. In order to maximize the positive effects of cannabis, the dose, application, and combination with other drugs must be controlled.
