Many people who use cannabis do so for recreational benefits. They’re looking to relax and unwind at the end of the day or they enjoy the feelings that cannabis produces. Others, however, use it to provide relief from medical conditions. Here are just a few of the many medical benefits of cannabis.
Provides Relief During Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatments are rough. They also come with several uncomfortable side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, neuropathic pain, and more. Cannabis can help to manage these symptoms, alleviating the pain of neuropathy while also reducing nausea and vomiting. It can also help to stimulate your appetite, which, combined with reduced nausea, makes it easier to eat and regain your strength.
Scientists are also looking into cannabis as a treatment for cancer itself. Studies are finding that combinations of cannabinoids may be effective at reducing tumor growth. More studies are needed, but the results are promising.
Alleviates Pain
Many patients seek cannabis to help deal with different types of pain. When the cannabinoids interact with the cannabinoid receptors, they dampen the pain signals, which helps to reduce symptoms. Cannabis can be beneficial in treating:
- Chronic pain
- Arthritis pain
- Neuropathy (nerve pain)
- Muscle injuries
There are several different forms of cannabis. Ingestion via smoking, vaping, edibles, or tinctures can help to provide whole-body pain relief. If you’re looking for something more targeted, try a topical. Not only do they provide effective results, but they also don’t produce a high.
Treats Skin Conditions
Cannabis can help to treat many skin conditions, including:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Acne
- Rosacea
The cannabinoids help to improve the overall appearance of the skin, reducing redness, inflammation, scaling, and more. They also help to alleviate any itching or pain these skin conditions may cause.
May Help to Boost Brain Health
Cannabis may help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have found that low doses of THC help to slow the production of beta-amyloid proteins, one of the key factors thought to contribute to the disease.
Helps to Treat Muscle Spasms
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects millions of Americans. Those with epilepsy experience unpredictable seizures, which cause muscle spasms and convulsions. There is currently no cure. While there are medications, they’re not always effective. Some individuals have treatment-resistant seizures.
Cannabis shows promise in being able to help patients with treatment-resistant seizures. There’s even an FDA-approved medication on the market that contains cannabis-derived CBD. It’s been shown to help treat those with rare and severe forms of epilepsy.
Stimulates the Appetite
Several conditions can affect your appetite, leading to a loss of hunger. In addition to nausea and vomiting as a result of cancer treatment, medications such as those used to treat Alzheimer’s, chronic pain, HIV, and others can suppress the appetite, leaving you disinterested in food.
One of the most well-known side effects of cannabis is that it causes the munchies. Although it’s often portrayed as comical, this stimulation of the appetite can make it easier to eat, allowing you to ingest the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.
Medical Benefits of Cannabis Are Worth Exploring
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, undergoing cancer treatment, or have a condition such as epilepsy, medical cannabis can provide you with significant relief. If you’re interested in giving it a try, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider.