Marijuana is known by many names: weed, pot, cannabis, and hashish, to name a few. It is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant and has been used for centuries for both medicinal and recreational purposes. The cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Of these cannabinoids, THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most well-known and is responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. CBD (cannabidiol) is another cannabinoid found in cannabis that has been shown to have therapeutic properties without causing psychoactive effects.
Marijuana has been legalized for medical use in 29 states and Washington D.C., and recreational use in 8 states plus Washington D.C. The potential benefits of marijuana are vast and range from treating chronic pain to reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. In this blog post, we will explore some of the lesser-known benefits of marijuana use as well as tips on how to achieve them.
It Can Help With Chronic Pain
The majority of states including Pennsylvania that have legalized medical marijuana have done so for the treatment of chronic pain. In the words of the pros behind the Pennsylvania cannabis portal, intractable obstinate pain of neuropathic origin is one of the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. Cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain as it helps to reduce inflammation and muscle spasms while also alleviating pain perception.
CBD-dominant strains or products are best for treating chronic pain as they will not cause psychoactive effects. However, before you self-medicate with cannabis, it’s important to talk to your doctor about other potential treatments as well as the risks and benefits of using cannabis. They will also help you determine the best dosage and delivery method for your individual needs.
It Can Help You Sleep Better
If you’re struggling with insomnia or other sleep disorders, marijuana may be able to help. THC has been shown to increase drowsiness and slow down the activity of the brain, which can lead to a night of deeper and more restful sleep. CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, both of which can help improve sleep quality. If you’re looking to use marijuana for better sleep, it’s best to consume it in the evening so that the effects have time to kick in before bedtime.
The best products to use for marijuana-assisted sleep are CBD-dominant strains or products, as they will not cause psychoactive effects. For best results, consume cannabis in the form of an edible or tincture so that it can be absorbed more slowly and evenly into the bloodstream.
It Can Boost Your Workout Routine
If you’re looking for a workout enhancer, marijuana may be just what you need. Cannabis has been shown to increase motivation and focus while also reducing pain perception, making it easier to push through tough workouts. Additionally, THC can help increase the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, which can improve blood flow and cognitive function. CBD, on the other hand, is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery time.
To use cannabis as a workout enhancer, consume it in the form of an edible or tincture about an hour before hitting the gym. Start with a low dose and increase as needed until you find the sweet spot that works for you.
It Can Help With PTSD
While PTSD is most commonly associated with military veterans, it can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and isolation. Cannabis is an effective treatment for PTSD by reducing flashbacks and nightmares as well as alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms.
If you’re using cannabis to treat PTSD, start with a low dose and increase as needed until you find relief. CBD-dominant strains or products are best for treating PTSD as they will not cause psychoactive effects. It’s also important to consume cannabis in a safe and comfortable environment where you feel relaxed and safe. If you are not sure where to start, talk to your doctor or a cannabis dispensary employee for guidance.
It Can Improve Digestion
Even though some people use cannabis to treat nausea and vomiting, it can have the opposite effect in small doses. Cannabis has been shown to increase appetite while also stimulating the digestive system, which can help improve digestion. Different studies have also found that cannabis can help treat various digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease.
While more research is needed to determine the exact role of cannabis in treating digestive disorders, there is evidence to suggest that it can be beneficial. If you’re looking to use cannabis for digestion, start with a low dose and increase as needed until you find relief. CBD-dominant strains or products are best for this purpose as they will not cause psychoactive effects.
It May Ease Epilepsy Symptoms
Cannabis is an effective treatment for epilepsy by reducing seizure frequency and severity. One study even found that a CBD-dominant cannabis strain was able to eliminate seizures in some patients. If you’re looking to use cannabis for epilepsy, start with a low dose and increase as needed until you find relief. CBD-dominant strains or products are best for this purpose as they will not cause psychoactive effects.
It’s important to talk to your doctor before using cannabis for any medical condition, especially if you are already taking medication. Cannabis can interact with some medications and may not be safe for everyone. Your doctor will help you determine if using cannabis is right for you and will also help you monitor your condition to ensure that you are getting the best possible results.
It Can Enhance Your Sex Life
Cannabis has long been used as an aphrodisiac and there is some evidence to suggest that it can indeed improve your sex life. One study found that nearly 70% of women reported an increase in sexual satisfaction after using cannabis. Cannabis can also help increase libido while also reducing anxiety, which can help you relax and enjoy sex more.
Different strains of cannabis can also have different effects, so it’s important to experiment until you find one that works best for you. THC-dominant strains are typically best for this purpose as they can increase libido and help you feel more relaxed. However, CBD-dominant strains may also be effective as they can help reduce anxiety.
As you can see, there is much more to cannabis than just the psychoactive effects that it is famous for. Cannabis has a wide range of potential health benefits that are only now being understood. If you think that cannabis could help you, be sure to talk to your doctor and do your research to ensure that you are using it safely and effectively.