Cannabis is used on 1 April 2024 legalized in Germanyfinally! But there are also people who associate cannabis with bad things, see it as a gateway drug or think that there is a reason why it is banned, It's not broccoli. In this article I would like to list, hopefully all the health benefits of cannabis and hopefully encourage critics to think about it.
Cannabis - THC or CBD?
Not all cannabis is the same, there are different strains, and each strain has different concentrations of THC and CBD, both of which are substances that anyone who has spent more time with cannabis than just smoking a joint should have heard of.
What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive component of cannabis that is responsible for the "high" feeling associated with consuming the plant. THC binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and affects functions such as mood, cognition and pain. Although THC is known for its intoxicating effects, it also has medicinal properties that can be used to treat symptoms such as pain, nausea and loss of appetite. The effects of THC can vary depending on the strain, method of consumption and individual user.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is another important component of cannabis that, unlike THC, has no psychoactive effects. CBD is valued for its potential therapeutic benefits, including its anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety properties. CBD can help alleviate the symptoms of a variety of conditions such as epilepsy, chronic pain and anxiety disorders without the user experiencing a 'high'. CBD products are available in many forms, including oils, tinctures and topical preparations, making them a popular choice for individuals looking for alternative treatments.
Cannabis - What are the benefits?
This article is about the health benefits that have been established through tests, studies and trials. There are of course also negative aspects to cannabis, which should not be completely ignored, but the dose makes the poison. And since the health benefits outweigh the negatives in my opinion, I will list them here, provided I hope to have found all of them as of 2023.
Note: Some texts have been translated from English from the original site, the sources of these benefits can be found at the bottom of the article.
1. lowering of blood pressure
One of JCI Insight study conducted in 2017 showed that CBD lowered the blood pressure of human participants. It lowered resting blood pressure as well as blood pressure after exercise tests such as mental arithmetic, isometric exercises and the cold pressor test.
2. reduction of inflammation
According to a study by the Rockefeller Institute of Medical Research CBD has been shown to help reduce inflammation and the neuropathic pain it causes.
3. prevention of relapse in the case of drug and alcohol addiction
A Study from the year 2018 found that CBD can help people suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. In a preclinical study with laboratory rats, CBD was found to reduce the stress-related cravings, anxiety and lack of impulse control that often lead to relapse.
4. treatment of anxiety
A Preclinical study showedthat CBD could be effective in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
5. treatment of inflammatory bowel disease / gastrointestinal disorders (GI)
A recent study found that CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids can be effectively used to prevent and treat gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and others. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD are key to reducing and preventing symptoms.
People with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can experience some relief through the use of cannabis. THC and cannabidiol are known to improve the immune response while interacting with cells that play an important role in the functioning of the gut. Cannabis helps fight off bacteria and other compounds that cause inflammation in the gut.
6. prevention of seizures
CBD has been researched for decades for the treatment of epilepsy and other seizure syndromes. One recent study has shown that CBD can have positive effects on reducing symptoms and the frequency of seizures.
7. fighting cancer
CBD has not only been used to improve the Alleviate the effects of chemotherapybut studies have also shown that it can inhibit cell growth and prevent the Cell death in cervical cancer cell lines can trigger cancer. It also has numerous anti-cancer effects that contribute to Prevention of a variety of cancerscan contribute to the treatment of tumors and to strengthening the immune system.
- Cannabis in cancer: more opportunities than risks?
- Cannabis in cancer - justified use in pain therapy?
8. relief of chronic pain
Cannabis contains hundreds of chemical compounds, many of which are cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are associated with the relief of chronic pain due to their chemical makeup. This is why the by-product of cannabis, medicinal cannabis, is often used to relieve chronic pain.
9. improvement in lung capacity
This point "should" be possible, other studies speak of such a burden when smoking a joint, as smoking several cigarettes. Everyone has to form their own opinion here. Too much is never good, and can in turn have negative effects.
- Influence of cannabis on lung volume
- Pot smokers can maybe breathe a little easier
- Long-term study on marijuana: Breathe better with cannabis
- Differential Effects of Cannabis and Tobacco on Lung Function in Mid-Adult Life
10. weight loss support
If you look around, you will notice that avid cannabis users are generally not overweight. This is because cannabis helps the body regulate insulin levels and efficiently controls calorie intake.
- Lose weight thanks to cannabis? Study shows that marijuana users are slimmer
- Are cannabis users less likely to gain weight? Results from a national 3-year prospective study
11. regulation and prevention of diabetes
Due to its effect on insulin, it is only logical that cannabis can help regulate and prevent diabetes. Research conducted by the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC) has shown that cannabis stabilizes blood sugar, lowers blood pressure and improves circulation. But there is also a Study which analyzed several studies that were of poor quality and found more disadvantages for diabetics when using cannabis. So further research is needed here too.
12. shows promise in autism treatment / ADHD
People with ADHD and ADD have difficulty concentrating on the tasks at hand. They tend to have problems with cognitive performance and concentration. Cannabis has shown promise in promoting concentration and helping people with ADHD/ADD. It is also considered a safer alternative to Adderall and Ritalin.
13. regulation of seizures
The Research on CBD has shown that it can help to control seizures. There are studies with children suffering from epilepsy, where positive developments and a reduction have been observed, but there is still little experience with adults.
- Cannabis and epilepsy: the current state of research
- Use of Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Epilepsy: Efficacy and Safety in Clinical Trials
14. bone healing
Cannabidiol is associated with supporting the healing of broken bones and speeding up the process. According to the Bone Research Laboratory in Tel Aviv it also helps to strengthen the bone during the healing process. This makes it more difficult for the bone to break in the future. But here too, the dose makes the poison, Frequent cannabis use leads to decreasing bone density.
- Strong skeleton thanks to CBD: cannabis helps with bone fractures
- CBD and CBG may promote bone fracture healing, manage pain
- Cannabinoid Use in Musculoskeletal Illness: a Review of the Current Evidence
- Marijuana in Orthopaedics: Effects on Bone Health, Wound-Healing, Surgical Complications, and Pain Management
15. treatment of glaucoma
Glaucoma leads to additional pressure on the eyeball, which is painful for those affected. Cannabis can help to reduce the pressure on the eyeball, providing temporary relief for people with glaucoma.
16. alleviation of anxiety disorders
While cannabis is commonly known to cause anxiety, there is a way around it. Taken in controlled doses and in the right way, cannabis can help alleviate anxiety and calm users. However, it depends on how much THC and CBD is contained.
- Anxiety and Cannabis: A Review of Recent Research | Cannabis Research | Drexel University
- Does weed help with anxiety or cause it? Here's what experts say
17. slowing down the development of Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is one of many conditions caused by cognitive degeneration. As we age, cognitive degeneration is almost inevitable. The endocannabinoid of cannabis contains anti-inflammatories that fight the inflammation in the brain that leads to Alzheimer's disease.
- Cannabis for Alzheimer's and dementia
- Cannabis against dementia: "We don't want to cure mice, we want to cure people"
- Cannabinoids remove plaque-forming Alzheimer's proteins from brain cells
- A Review on Studies of Marijuana for Alzheimer's Disease - Focusing on CBD, THC
18. treatment of pain associated with arthritis
Cannabis is now often offered in the form of creams and balms that are used by people with arthritis. Both THC and CBD help sufferers to deal with the pain.
- Medical cannabis for the treatment of arthritis
- Cannabis and joints: scientific evidence for the alleviation of osteoarthritis pain by cannabinoids
- Cannabidiol (CBD) reduces pain and concomitant medication in rheumatoid arthritis. A case report
- Does medical marijuana help with rheumatoid arthritis?
- CBD for Arthritis Pain: What You Should Know
19. help with PTSD symptoms
PTSD affects not only veterans, but anyone who has experienced trauma. With the legalization of cannabis, research is being done to see what effect it has on the treatment of people with PTSD. Cannabis helps control the fight or flight response and prevents it from going into overdrive.
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and cannabis
- Cannabis: A potential efficacious intervention for PTSD or simply snake oil?
- Cannabis Use and PTSD Among Veterans
- New Research Reveals Why Cannabis Helps PTSD Sufferers
20. relief for people with multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis can be painful, and cannabis is known to provide relief from this disease. Multiple sclerosis causes painful muscle contractions and cannabis can help to relieve this pain.
- Cannabinoids in the symptomatic treatment of MS
- The Efficacy of Cannabis on Multiple Sclerosis-Related Symptoms
- Cannabis for MS
- Cannabis treatment for multiple sclerosis
21. reducing side effects associated with hepatitis C and increasing treatment effectiveness
Treatment for hepatitis C has numerous side effects, including nausea, fatigue, depression and muscle pain. These can last for months in some hepatitis C patients. Cannabis can help to reduce the side effects caused by the treatment and at the same time increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Potential of Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Viral Hepatitis
- Promising study on cannabis in chronic hepatitis (HCV) published
22. help with tremor in connection with Parkinson's disease
In Parkinson's disease, cannabis can help relieve tremors and pain while promoting sleep. It has also been shown to improve patients' motor skills.
- Parkinson's disease: treatment with medicinal cannabis
- Pros and Cons of Marijuana in Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Sources used and further information:
10 health benefits of cannabis that everyone should know
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