8 everyday uses for cannabis that will surprise you
More often than not, when we think of cannabis, we think of stoner guys, hot boxing in their parents’ basements, wasting away their lives. Unfortunately, this twisted view of the plant, perpetuated by pop culture media, has limited the views of many people when it comes to the everyday uses of cannabis.
In recent years, this perspective of cannabis has begun to change as the healing benefits of cannabis had become more mainstream. Slowly but surely, it is being more associated with health care and wellness, thus allowing this magical plant to be used to its full potential.
So, apart from its use as a psychoactive, what else can cannabis help you with?
1. Period pain
Cannabis is often used for its pain relieving properties. Cannabinoids are most effective for treating chronic pain, which is characteristically very difficult to manage owing to the addictive qualities of pharmaceutical pain killers.
In today’s market, where pills often have major side effects, homoeopathic methods are slowly becoming the option of choice. Cannabis, wherein the form of tea, oils or smoke, can have major pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects, making it perfect for period pains, headaches and muscle soreness after the gym.
The pain relief properties of cannabis reduce migraines to a mere headache. It also prevents nausea and dizziness that comes with migraines.
Cannabis can also help alleviate the symptoms of PMS which, as any woman who suffers from this knows, is most welcome.
2. Insomnia
In order to survive this fast-paced, ever-changing world we live in, we need to be ‘on ‘ all the time. These feelings of urgency that we live our lives by don’t just disappear when we climb into bed. They awaken our primitive brains, causing adrenaline to flood our bodies. This constant feed of adrenaline is often the cause of insomnia.
Cannabis has mind-altering and relaxing properties. This allows the brain to slow down, cutting off the supply of adrenaline. CBN, a cannabinoid compound found in cannabis, causes drowsiness and lethargy. It is perfect for helping you fall asleep.
3. Anxiety & Depression
Whether social, general or some form of specific anxiety, cannabis has been proven to lower anxiety levels across the board. Due to the CBD in cannabis, it has been known to lower the blood pressure and calm the mind by altering the body’s serotonin levels. This, paired with THC, causes an open-mindedness that counteracts anxiety allowing the user to feel more relaxed and comfortable in everyday life.
4. Asthma
Asthma is usually a lifelong condition that more and more people are being diagnosed with every day. While there is no cure, cannabinoids have been proven to reduce the effects of asthma, making the condition far more manageable. Egyptians were one of the first people to use cannabis to treat asthma, recognizing its inherent healing capabilities.
Obviously, for this one, smoking would not be the recommended method of consumption. Oils have been shown promise in treating and preventing asthma by reducing the inflammation of the airways. It has a similar effect for those with sinus issues and breathing problems due to inflammation and congestion.
5. Acne
The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD in cannabis can help reduce acne. It also controls the oil production in the skin, helping to fend off the bacteria responsible for acne. As the cannabinoids will be regulating your skin, it will not dry out your skin like many other products, but rather establish a new, regular, baseline for your skin.
6. Appetite
Munchies is a well-known side effect of cannabis consumption.
Cannabis can stimulate appetite as well as regulate your digestion. This can help people who want to gain weight and regulate their appetites after injury or illness. Some medications can cause individuals to lose their appetite. As cannabis does not interfere with most medications, it can be taken to induce hunger.
7. Addiction
Cannabis has been documented to help those struggling with addiction by interrupting the dopamine production that comes with hard drug use. CBD, in particular, can help stave off heroin and morphine addictions.
As addiction usually stems from a lack of serotonin in the body, the production of serotonin through the use of cannabis can help reduce the chances of relapse. Cannabis oils are used in such situations so as to not make the user high.
8. Neurological Issues
Whether it is epilepsy, schizophrenia or bipolar mood disorders, cannabis has been shown to have a positive effect on the brain. CBD has helped stabilize moods and prevent episodes. Persistent long term use has shown a reduction in epileptic spasms.
Cannabis and the cannabinoids found therein have been shown to even help with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) owing to the effects it has on an individual’s mood, behaviour and thinking.
Cannabis, most surprisingly, has shown the most positive outcomes in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It not only acts as a preventative treatment but helps reduce the effect of these conditions.
The research surrounding the benefits of cannabis to mental and physical health is astonishing. With the popularity of this magic herb increasing across the world, more and more benefits are being discovered. And as the stigma and laws surrounding cannabis fall, the more we can expect to see more detailed studies surrounding cannabis.
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