In the United States, more than half of the states have legalized medical marijuana. The FDA has approved a cannabis-based medication Epidiolex for the treatment of two severe epilepsy forms —Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Recently, the DEA has considered reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule II drug like Ritalin but then decided to list it as a Schedule I drug.
In a medical marijuana legalized state, you can access state-licensed dispensaries with an MMJ Card Temecula. Now, with telemedicine, you can apply for 420 evaluations from home. If you haven’t applied for an MMJ card online before, check out our previous blog—MMJ Evaluations in Temecula – A Step-by-Step Guide.
Research says that marijuana is effective in managing various conditions, and patients can use it as a natural alternative to prescription medications. So, how can cannabis help in boosting wellness? Read on to learn more.
Major Medical Conditions Marijuana Can Help
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a common condition among Americans. Symptoms of this condition include headaches, low back pain, muscle spasms, and joint pain. However, many experience some psychological effects such as anxiety, stress, and trouble sleeping.
Marijuana can help in managing chronic pain effectively and quickly. Its chemical compounds THC and CBD have medicinal properties, which can help in easing pain, nausea, etc.
There’s scientific evidence that THC has a similar chemical structure as naturally occurring compounds in the body have. When it’s delivered into the body by any method, it stimulates the brain’s cannabinoid receptors. However, THC activates the brain’s reward system, thus reducing pain. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that causes high effects.
Also Read- Expert Tips on How to Deal With Too High
According to a review of studies that were conducted between 1975 and March 2018, CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana, is effective in managing overall pain. And, it doesn’t cause any side-effects.
Top Cannabis Strains For Chronic Pain You Should Buy With an MMJ Card Temecula
- White Widow
- Sour Diesel
- Northern Lights
- ACDC
- Character Kush
- Cataract Kush
- Bubba Kush
- Blue Dream
- Redwood Kush
- Master Kush
Cancer
Marijuana can help in managing the side-effects of cancer chemotherapy. These include nausea and vomiting. Moreover, researchers confirm that inhaling cannabis can help in easing neuropathic pain.i
However, different cannabis compounds, such as THC, CBD, etc. are effective in slowing the growth of cancer cells. The United States Food & Drug Administration has approved nabilone and dronabinol for vomiting and nausea associated with chemotherapy. These are cannabis-based medications.
Additionally, insomnia is often caused by anxiety or chronic pain linked to cancer. And, cannabis can help in boosting sleep. In a study by the US National Library of Medicine, researchers noticed a reduction in anxiety symptoms in the first month of CBD use. Also, over 66.7 percent of the participants reported an improvement in their sleep scores.
Also Read- How Can Marijuana Use Help in Managing Sleep Problems?
Some of the best marijuana strains for cancer patients are—Blackberry Kush, Harlequin, Northern Lights, Blueberry Diesel, Bubba Kush, Granddaddy Purple, and Chernobyl.
Migraine
Marijuana’s cannabinoids bind to the chemical receptors in the brain, thus controlling the pain signals. Some studies say that CBD is effective in managing different types of pain, including migraine headaches.
Researchers at the University of Colorado analyzed the effects of marijuana use on migraine patients. With daily use of cannabis, 40 percent of the participants reduced headaches by half each month.
However, the participants used different delivery methods—most of them inhaled cannabis, which delivered significant effects. Edibles didn’t work well. Moreover, fewer side-effects were reported in participants who inhaled marijuana.
What about opioids? Yes, they can help in managing moderate to severe pain. But, they aren’t safe to use. On the other hand, cannabis for migraines is safe. In fact, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that states, where medical marijuana is legal, reported a reduction of 25 percent opioid-related overdose deaths.
Top marijuana strains for migraine patients are— OG Kush, ACDC, Harlequin, Purple Kush, Chocolope, and White Widow.
Muscle Spasms
Cramps and muscle spasms are common among sportspeople. However, the risks are increased in obese individuals. Spasms can last for a few seconds to hours. The common areas for muscle spasms are legs, arms, and back.
Medical marijuana is known for delivering anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is one of the major causes of muscle spasms. A study by the Univesity of South Carolina found that tetrahydrocannabinol deactivates the inflammatory proteins and reduces the response of the immune system to conditions including muscle injury.
In a 2011 study, 20 percent of the participants reported improvement in spasticity with marijuana use. The participants were given a cannabinoid drug Sativex. The researchers found that cannabis helps in improving spasticity twice the rate than a placebo.
Medical experts believe that different parts of cannabis such as THC and CBD deliver specific effects. However, mixing different compounds provides the entourage effect.
Some of the best marijuana strains for muscle spasms are—White Widow, Platinum Kush, Vanilla Kush, Romulan, ACDC, Northern Lights, Critical Kush, Kandy Kush, and Snowcap.
Arthritis
Arthritis can lead to pain and inflammation. There are about hundreds of forms of arthritis, and osteoarthritis is the most common one.
Cannabis can be used as a safe, effective treatment for arthritis. Unlike traditional arthritis medications, it doesn’t cause any unpleasant side-effects. Its active cannabinoids THC and CBD can help in managing pain, inflammation, and other arthritis symptoms.
A study by the University of Kentucky concluded that applying CBD topically can help manage pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Additionally, cannabidiol is effective in alleviating pain and nerve damage in osteoarthritic joints.
Top marijuana strains for arthritis are—GSC, Harmonia, Anesthesia, Cannatonic, Death Star, Pennywise, and ACDC.
Cannabis Consumption Guide to Users Getting
MMJ Card Temecula
In addition to cannabis strains, how you deliver cannabinoids into the body plays an important role in the medicinal effects you receive. Smoking and vaping deliver immediate effects. But, patients with lung problems should avoid these methods. They can choose other methods such as topicals, tinctures, etc.
Also Read- 4 Alternatives to Cannabis Smoking and Vaping
If you are using cannabis for the first time, we recommend you to start slow and analyze the effects of different cannabinoids on your body. Try different consumption methods and note the effects. This way, you can determine the type of cannabinoids and consumption methods work well for you.
It’s good to talk to a licensed doctor to seek professional help for marijuana use for managing your condition.
Key Takeaways
Cannabis is an amazing, natural medicine, which can help patients with various conditions. Research says that it’s effective for chronic pain, anxiety, muscle spasms, arthritis, migraine, cancer chemotherapy-related side-effects, cachexia, etc.
Marijuana contains chemical compounds, which stimulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS), thus delivering positive effects.
If you want to use cannabis for health benefits, make sure you get an MMJ card Temecula from a licensed doctor. Additionally, choose the right cannabis strains, consumption method, dosage, etc. to receive the desired health benefits.