The Medicinal Application of Cannabis –
Definition, Benefits, and Side Effects

The global health sector has always been working on research to find better health solutions. There is so much attention on organic products with few or no side effects. As such, medicinal cannabis has received a lot of attention in recent years.

Medicinal cannabis products are produced from medical marijuana, which is legal in many parts of the world. Most of the products require a prescription from a doctor, although quite a number can be bought and used, particularly if they are produced by a reliable manufacturer.

Today, various medicinal cannabis products are used to treat different health conditions. However, all of them rely on the active ingredient of cannabis called cannabinoids. Just so you know, a marijuana plant has over a hundred cannabinoids, and the active ones include cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

What Is Medicinal Cannabis?

According to experts, this is a treatment or therapy to manage and treat health conditions using cannabis or marijuana that is grown, harvested, and processed for medical purposes. If you have heard about CBD, then you probably know the benefits associated with its medicinal use.

The medicinal cannabis products bought in a licensed Cannabis Clinic should be rich in CBD and low in THC. The latter has a psychoactive effect if it is present in more than 0.3%; hence, the manufacturer must ensure it is lower than this for the product to be approved for medicinal use. On the other hand, CBD has numerous medicinal health benefits as we will see later.

How Does Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes Work?

Are you interested in medicinal cannabis? If yes, then you must be curious about how it works. As mentioned, the cannabis plants such as marijuana and hemp contain hundreds of ingredients called cannabinoids. But they also have hundreds of other non-cannabinoid chemicals.

The main cannabinoids in the medicinal cannabis plant are CBD and THC. There are also acids such as THCa, CBGa, and CBDa. The cannabinoids bond with neuron receptors in the endocannabinoid system in the body to trigger various actions.

It is advisable to seek the help of a medical doctor before consuming any cannabis products whether for medicinal purposes or leisure. Although there is insufficient research to show the right dose for any health condition, health experts will help you get as close as possible to a useful dose and monitor progress.

What Are the Medicinal Applications of Cannabis?

Medicinal cannabis comes as either standardized and controlled herbal products or pharmaceutical cannabis products. Regardless, they have therapeutic benefits for many conditions. Here are some of the areas where they are used.

• Pain alleviation – When CBD is consumed, it bonds with CB1 receptors in the body and sends signals to relieve pain in any area of the body. It is excellent for soothing chronic pain, injury-related pain, migraines, and any other pain. People with chronic pain should use medical marijuana as prescribed by their doctors to avoid overdose and possible side effects. There are also many excellent ways to consume the products such as smoking weed leaves and flowers, ingesting CBD oil sublingually, taking cannabis pills, and so forth.
• Inflammation relief – The body might trigger inflammation when the nervous system is under pressure. It could be a result of illness, surgery, or other health conditions. Medicinal cannabis also comes in handy to relieve inflammation, although it is a gradual process. Again, the user should consult with a doctor for appropriate use of the products.
• Anxiety and stress treatment – Have you ever been anxious? It is an overwhelming feeling triggered by various events in life. Fortunately, cannabis products used for medicinal purposes can take care of this. Research shows that the CBD component in the products lowers anxiety and reduces stress. Furthermore, it is excellent for people who want to enjoy the calming properties after work or after exhausting exercise.
• Manages symptoms of various illnesses – Epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and diabetes are some of the illnesses where medicinal marijuana is used to manage the symptoms. We have already mentioned some of them such as chronic pain and inflammation. Some of these medicinal treatments are prescribed by doctors while other people use medicinal cannabis on their own after research.
• Stimulates appetite – Another area where medical cannabis is used is to stimulate appetite in people with chronic illnesses. We all know that being sick for a long time can take a toll on the digestive system and contribute to loss of appetite. But the good news is that CBD and THC play a role in triggering appetite in sick people.
• Boosts sleep – Again, chronic illnesses can take a toll on your sleeping pattern. Anxiety, stress, and depression also do the same thing. If you are having insomnia because of any of these conditions, taking medicinal cannabis can help you get better.

Where Can You Obtain Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes?

By now, you probably want to get your hands on these medicinal products to enjoy the benefits. It is worth noting that the best way to get them is through a doctor. It is commonly prescribed in cannabis clinics or health shops.

However, online shops have changed how people access some of the products that are hard to get locally. If you have an issue finding the best medicinal cannabis locally, then you can try licensed and legit online shops.

Regardless of the option you choose, ensure that you thoroughly discuss your health condition to confirm whether cannabis is the appropriate therapy to consider. They also take time to review the progress and side effects of the medicinal therapy.

What Are the Side Effects of Medicinal Cannabis?

Just like many other drugs, medicinal cannabis has side effects, especially when used improperly or depending on the reactions of the body of the user. Some of the side effects that you might experience when using the products include dizziness, loss of concentration, temporary memory loss, and many others. Your doctor should keep tabs on the side effects and advise you on the next move.

Final Thoughts

Medicinal cannabis is a breakthrough in the health sector. With all the advantages in one product, many people have benefitted and will continue to benefit when research becomes more comprehensive. For now, you should take and utilize the insights we have shared to enjoy the known benefits and avoid the side effects. The most important thing is to work closely with your medical doctor for the effective use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.