What You Should Know About Medical Cannabis

Cannabis is a drug that has been known to be used as a recreational drug. It has also been used for medical purposes for many years. Cannabis has a chemical known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which alters the mind by joining and reviving the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. When these receptors are stimulated, it results in various effects on the body, such as reducing pain and inflammation, and increasing appetite, nausea, and insomnia, among other outcomes. There has been an increase in medicinal usage among people with chronic pain and ailments, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Cannabis has also been used to control levels of stress, muscle spasms, and other conditions. Your medical cannabis specialist in Santa Monica at GreenBridge Medical offers both traditional methods and medical cannabis to treat chronic ailments.

What conditions can be treated using medical cannabis?

Research on the medical use of cannabis has continued, with specialists suggesting several conditions that cannabis can treat. These can include:

a)  Treatment of chronic pain

Marijuana has naturally occurring compounds called cannabinoids, which assist in the relief of chronic pain. Research studies have shown that cannabinoids in marijuana release the “feel-good” substances into the body that cause it to be more tolerant of pain. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) joins the pleasure-controlling receptors in the brain and increases dopamine levels, or feel-good hormones, which make the pain less unpleasant and tolerable.

b) Improve the capacity of lungs

Research has been conducted and published in the American Medical Association Journal that suggests marijuana use improves the lungs’ performance due to increased lung capacity. Researchers tested against risks of heart disease in over 5,000 young adults for two decades. They found that a significant number of pot users had an improved lung capacity compared to those who smoke tobacco; believing that improved lung capacity is due to the deep breaths taken when inhaling the drug.

Cannabis can also be used to treat AIDS, glaucoma, arthritis, anorexia, cancer, migraine headaches, diabetes, seizures, post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety, and other conditions. While medical cannabis is used to relieve symptoms and cure ailments, it does not change the result of a particular infection but, instead, eases its symptoms by making one feel better and improving quality of life.

What are the side effects of medical cannabis?

Though medical marijuana is considered safe, different types of marijuana have different amounts of THC which can complicate the administration of marijuana. According to the National Cancer Institute, possible side effects may include: headache, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, reduced memory and attention span, and a decrease in problem-solving skills. You may also experience increases in appetite, paranoia, and coughing. These side effects depend on the dose you take, and may result in higher doses needed. Intake of marijuana can affect your cognitive and memory functions, as well as lead to cardiovascular infections. It is, therefore, not advisable to use marijuana when operating or driving machinery. Patients with mental health issues should be cautious against the use of marijuana as it might worsen conditions associated with it. If you feel cannabis can help alleviate or relieve your health condition, talk to your doctor.