Medical cannabis or medical marijuana is a term used to describe the unprocessed cannabis plant or the chemicals in it, which are useful for relieving some health conditions. Although the plant has been known about and used for a long time, its medicative functions have become more popular in recent years, fueling an increase in interest in it. This growing interest has been observed among the countries or states that have allowed its use for medical purposes or have eased their laws toward it generally.
Understanding medical cannabis
The cannabis plant contains over a hundred chemicals, also known as cannabinoids, in it. However, for the medical purpose, two chemicals make the plant useful:
Cannabidiol (CBD) – This is the non-psychoactive chemical, or the one without the mid-altering characteristic. It is responsible for the majority of the medical uses of the plant
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): This is the psychoactive chemical in the marijuana plant, and is associated with the “high” feeling after using cannabis.
Medical cannabis contains higher quantities of CBD to produce the relieving effect on patients as opposed to the ‘high’ sensation. On the other hand, recreational cannabis has higher quantities of THC due to its hallucinogenic quality as its users pursue it for the ‘high’ feeling.
Those who want to use medical cannabis are advised to buy it from reliable sellers like Berkshire CBD because cannabis products are not well-regulated. As such, their quality is not assured unless you are dealing with a well-reputed and trusted vendor.
The conditions that medical marijuana treat
Through a lot of studies and analysis, it has become known that cannabis can treat different illnesses. It has been seen to be suitable for alleviating pain and other issues such as anxiety and stress.
Here are some of the conditions that medical marijuana treats or helps to manage:
- Controlling seizures due to epilepsy
Most people who suffer from epilepsy and are affected by seizures have reported that medical cannabis came in handy in minimizing and controlling the issues. The marijuana chemicals, specifically THC, attach themselves to the brain cells responsible for excitability and controlling relaxation and assist in reducing seizures.
- Treating glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye illness that results in a higher pressure in the eyeball. It destroys the optic nerve and may lead to loss of sight. Studies have shown that cannabis can help to treat and prevent glaucoma. The National Eye Institute explains that smoking marijuana reduces intraocular pressure in those suffering from glaucoma.
- Reducing the development of Alzheimer’s
According to a study in 2006, medical cannabis can help to decrease the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. THC plays the role of inhibiting the accelerator in the brain and reduces the pace of the formation of amyloid plaques, which kill brain cells and bring about Alzheimer’s.
- Reduce anxiety
Medical marijuana can help to reduce anxiety and boost the users’ mood. This was concluded after a 2010 Harvard Medical School study. Users must be cautious since a higher dose may make them more anxious and paranoid.
- Stop the spread of cancer cells
The discovery that cannabis can help to stop cancer from spreading was made in a study at the California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco. The researchers focused on breast cancer cells and observed that CBD could be useful to put a stop to the aggressive spread of cancer cells.
Conclusion
The legalization of medical cannabis or having less strict rules to do with it has made it possible to have more research on this drug, raising interest in it. Furthermore, the discovery of its many benefits and effectiveness in treating various conditions has increased its interest.
To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.
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