Generally, there is no difference between Cannabis and Marijuana. They come from the same dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, although Marijuana is derived mainly from the flowers. However, due to its racist history, many avoided using the term. Cannabis was also deemed an illegal substance for many decades.
Cannabis has two known components – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD). Both are psychoactive components that produce different effects when consumed. Both components are present in Marijuana derived mainly from the flower buds of Cannabis Sativa.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the growing of cannabis and CBD products derived from hemp throughout the United States on the premise that it only contains 0.3% THC. Anything with more than 0.3% THC is not federally legal.
Laws vary in each state. Some states limit its use for medicinal purposes; in other states, it is legal to use for medicinal and recreational purposes. The rest that has no law provisions consider it still illegal to use.
The legality of using Cannabis sparked debates in the United States and worldwide. Many say the legality of using Cannabis for medicinal purposes is just an excuse to freely use the substance. However, despite the support it is receiving, many are still skeptical. Lawmakers and researchers want more research to prove the efficacy and benefits of using Cannabis as a treatment. Added to this is a growing concern that the risks could outweigh its benefits.
Are the benefits worth the risks?
What Are the Risks?
The controversy about using Cannabis for medicinal purposes stems from its opioid-like effects on the body’s central nervous system. Some of the potential risks to consider include:
- Stimulating effects. Cannabis may boost one’s mood but can also cause hyperactivity, increased blood pressure, rapid breathing, and increased heart rate.
- Hallucinogenic effects. The THC compound in Cannabis may cause a distorted perception of reality, mild hallucinations, and poor motor skills, making certain physical activities such as driving and operating heavy machinery unsafe.
- Depressant-like effects. The substance can make you feel relaxed and calm, but it may cause depressive symptoms similar to alcohol use.
- Other side effects. Some studies showed prolonged use of Cannabis might cause memory loss, gum disease, impaired judgment, and an increased risk of testicular cancer.
The effects vary for each individual, and are not noticeable until you use it.
The Benefits of Cannabis
Cannabis is not a “one-size-fits-all” kind of treatment. The compound CBD is said to provide the benefits of Cannabis; however, THC is also present in the substance, the compound that gives its hallucinogenic effects. THC is concentrated mainly in the flowers of the female Cannabis Sativa, the part used in making medicinal Cannabis.
Scientific and anecdotal research suggest that Cannabis may provide the following benefits:
Reduces nauseous effects of chemotherapy
Nabilone and Dronabinol are oral drugs that contain THC used for over 30 years to treat the vile effects of chemotherapy.
A study on chemo patients showed that medicines containing THC combined with standard treatment experienced less vomiting and nausea.
Alleviates Pain
The cannabinoids in Cannabis can help alter the brain pathways on how you perceive pain. It explains why many seek medical Cannabis to treat chronic pain.
A review of a study on cannabinoids determined that THC increases pain management by 40%. Sometimes, it is said to be better than using NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.
While much clinical research supports the use of Cannabis for treating chronic pain, researchers agree they need more information on forms, combinations of cannabinoids, and doses to determine its therapeutic use.
Reduces spasms of the muscles in paraplegics
Studies suggested products containing THC can moderately reduce muscle spasms experienced by people with paraplegia and those with multiple sclerosis.
A review of a study posted in NIH on the effects of cannabinoids concluded that THC combined with other cannabinoids could improve muscle spasms more than a placebo.
Improves Sleep
Who could sleep when you are in pain? Health problems like chronic pain and multiple sclerosis often cause sleep disturbance. Studies on these illnesses show that THC products can help improve sleep problems. However, it is unclear if THC directly affects the quality of sleep or if sleep improves due to reduced chronic symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Although THC often gets the credit for the inflammatory properties of Cannabis, it is the combination of cannabinoids that gives its potent anti-inflammatory effects.
Reducing inflammation can contribute to the overall health and benefits some conditions like:
- Irritable bowel movement
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Crohn’s disease
Cannabis plays a considerable role in the recovery from inflammation, gearing the body towards health and healing.
Body Weight Management
Cannabis is rich in macro and micronutrients the body needs. It contains complete proteins, providing all the amino acids you need. Amino acids are an excellent source of digestible protein.
Cannabis seeds are the most nutritious, but this is not to say that their other parts are less. The leaves, stems, and flowers are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Fiber makes you feel full, allowing you to eat less.
Although Cannabis can help increase your appetite, its nutrients and other cannabinoids can balance one’s eating habits.
Mental Health Management
The anti-inflammatory properties of endocannabinoids help reduce brain inflammation that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Cannabis derived medication – Epidiolex to treat Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, two rare types of epilepsy.
Studies also suggest that Cannabis showed promising effects on mental and neurological disorders like Tourette syndrome, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), AD/HD, autism, and Parkinson’s disease.
Relaxes muscle tension
Muscle tension happens when you are tired and feeling stressed. Some relieve kinks in their muscles by stretching or doing yoga, but others use Cannabis as a quick fix.
THC is a muscle relaxant, making it the primary driver in relieving physical tensions.
Takeaway
Cannabis contains many chemical compounds that may harm the body if not regulated.
Despite the risks and legal issues accompanying its use, many still believe that medical Cannabis can bring more benefits than risks, turning it into a lucrative business.