Medical Cannabis

What is Medical Cannabis

Any cannabis-based products or those containing its active components that are intended for medical use are referred to as "medical cannabis."

Cannabinoids, which are produced by the blooming cannabis plant, are molecules that can be used to treat the signs and symptoms of a variety of illnesses, including cancer, parkinson's, epilepsy and even arthritis. The endocannabinoid system in our bodies, which interacts with these compounds, affects immunological response, appetite, heart rate, memory, and mood in addition to pain and inflammation.

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Studies have shown that medicinal cannabis can help kill cancer cells, control epilepsy seizures and parkinson’s shakes as well as reducing arthritic pain, also it can help with anxiety and sleep problems. 

What are Cannabinoids

The term "cannabinoid" refers to any chemical compound, regardless of its composition or source, that interacts with the body's and brain's cannabinoid receptors and produces effects comparable to those of the Cannabis sativa plant.

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There are two types of cannabinoids available, natural cannabinoids which are found in the crystals produced by the plant and synthetic cannabinoids which are made by the pharmaceutical industry.

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According to studies, the cannabis plant generates between 100 and 130 cannabinoids as well as about 300 non-cannabinoids.

THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two major cannabinoids that people are aware of.

THC 

Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, is the molecule that, when consumed in large enough concentrations, can make one feel "high" or inebriated, yet in smaller levels, it can be beneficial for treating specific symptoms. THC can help relieve pain, anxiety, tension and nausea. It can heighten sensory perceptions, change sense of time, and affect motor control when taken in greater amounts. Some people may experience anxiety and paranoia while taking high doses of THC.

CBD

Cannabidiol, known as CBD, is a non-euphoric molecule, meaning it won't get you "high" and may even work to offset some of the side effects of THC when combined with it. Inflammation and chronic pain, as well as anxiety and insomnia, have all been treated with CBD.

Different Methods of Using Medical Cannabis

Cannabis used for medical purposes might be consumed, inhaled, used topically as a cream, or as a spray under the tongue. The rate at which you feel the effects of medical cannabis can differ depending on its type. 

Cannabis Oil

Cannabis oil is administered with a dropper or placed in a capsule after being diluted with a carrier oil, such as sunflower or olive oil. The oil can be put under the tongue and held there for a minute to help it absorb into the bloodstream, or it can be mixed with food or liquids.

Creams

Creams and ointments are absorbed into the bloodstream after being applied directly to the skin. Both once applied topically may reduce discomfort localized to the application area.

Sprays

Sprays are placed under the tongue and then ingested by the blood.

Edibles - Infused Foods

These include any cannabis-infused food items, such as those made with cannabis-infused cooking fats (i.e. olive oil, coconut oil, butter). These take up to two hours to fully take effect after being absorbed by your body's digestive system. Cannabis that is edible also has longer-lasting effects.

Because the effects of edibles can be harsher than those of other types of cannabis and may cause more pronounced side effects, it is vital to use caution and consume tiny portions of cannabis-infused foods with lower levels of THC.

Joints, Vaporizers and E-Cigarettes

In order for CBD and THC and the other cannabinoids to work, dried cannabis needs to be heated or decarboxylated. Vaporizers and e-cigarettes use heating components that can activate the chemicals, while joints are lit with a flame, but none of these methods will help medically.

Smoking medical marijuana is not advised.

It is advised to start with the lowest dose of a CBD-dominant (but which still has THC) product while taking medicinal cannabis for the first time, and to progressively raise your dosage until your symptom demands are satisfied. Finding the lowest dose for symptom management and correctly tracking dosage are made easier using capsules and oil.