Cannabis is widely extracted throughout the world for stress relief as well as pain management. It originates from a plant termed Cannabis sativa. The flowers or weeds of the cannabis plants are used for multiple purposes. There was once a matter of debate about the cannabis plant.
But now, there are many researches and studies on this plant. Through these studies, we shall investigate what are the health benefits and risks of cannabis through these research. So let’s start analyzing them.
Health Benefits And Risks Of Cannabis
Cannabis contains CBD which is cannabidiol and THC, which is known as tetrahydrocannabinol. Both are psychoactive compounds and help in reducing pain and depression as well as ease nausea or vomiting. Let’s explore the health advantages of cannabis.
1- Pain Management:
The capacity of cannabis to reduce chronic pain is one of the most well-established advantages of this plant.
THC and CBD as discussed earlier are the two main chemicals in cannabis and have analgesic characteristics that help in relieving pain from illnesses which includes multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, and arthritis.
2- Neurological Disorders:
Cannabis appears to be a promising treatment for neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. Both these diseases are nervous disorders that require great treatment.
Particularly, CBD has been praised for its anticonvulsant qualities, which give hope to suffering patients if they have not responded to standard medications.
3- Mental Health:
Excessive use of cannabis can worsen your mental health, but its moderate consumption has been associated with improved mood and decreased anxiety. Moderate cannabis usage has been linked to improved mood and decreased anxiety, while excessive use can worsen mental health problems.
According to some studies, cannabis oil may have anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, which help in the treatment of patients with mood disorders.
4- Cancer Support:
Initial investigation indicates that cannabis may have anti-cancer effects, but further research is required. In preclinical research, it is noted that compounds that consist of THC and CBD have shown anticancer effects.
They promote apoptosis, or cell death, and stop the growth of malignant cells.
5- Appetite Stimulation:
Cannabis is widely known for its ability to boost hunger. This quality is referred to as “the munchies.” This impact can be significantly helpful for patients who are receiving chemotherapy or those who are suffering from HIV or AIDS.
As CBD increases hunger which is the requirement to maintain their overall health.
Health Risks:
Cannabis has various health benefits which are discussed above but it deals with some negative side effects which are as follows:
1- Respiratory Effects:
CBD contains strains of THC which can affect the lungs. Like smoking tobacco, inhaling cannabis smoke can also irritate the respiratory system and cause lung infections and chronic bronchitis.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory illnesses are more likely to develop in people with these problems.
2- Cognitive Impairment:
If you a teenager during adolescence which is a puberty age and many changes occur in the body and are habitual of consuming high doses of CBD then be aware that your brain is still developing.
It can linked to cognitive impairments such as decreased IQ, impaired memory, and reduced executive function. Heavy users may also experience difficulties with attention, concentration, and learning.
3- Psychological Health:
People who have a susceptibility to psychosis should use cannabis with caution, especially when consuming high levels of THC strains.
Although cannabis can temporarily relieve stress and anxiety its excessive or frequent use may aggravate underlying mental health conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, and psychosis.
4- Cardiovascular Risks:
The use of cannabis temporarily increases the heart rate and blood pressure. But if you are using it frequently it increases the blood pressure and heart rate by widening the blood vessels which can cause cardiac disorders.
5- Dependency and Addiction:
Cannabis addiction is not as common in the individuals as compared to other drugs and chemicals. Individuals who are habitual in consuming its high doses develop a dependency and addiction to cannabis.
This addiction leads to symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, and loss of appetite when they try to reduce or stop their consumption. Generally, it happens with those who start using cannabis at a young age or consume its heavy doses.
If you want more information on the effects of CBD and THC, do read our articles: What are the negative side effects of CBD oil, How Weed Affects Your Mind and Body
Conclusion:
I hope you now have a thorough understanding of what are the health benefits and risks of cannabis. Therefore, it’s critical to weigh the hazards and possible health advantages of it. Remember, Cannabis serves many medical uses but its high doses also result in chronic.
Consult with a healthcare professional to enhance knowledge and be up to date with the latest research and studies on cannabis. By doing this, you may keep your general health and prevent such adverse consequences.