Since its discovery, the world has changed. Weed has become legal across the country and many states have even decriminalized possession. More and more people are realizing the medical benefits of weed. But how does it work exactly and is it a viable option as a medication or lifestyle choice? Let’s dive in.
What Is Weed (cannabis) And How Does It Work?
Weed is a genus of flowering plants in the cannabis family (cannabaceae). It is one of the most common and widely available substances worldwide. The two species most frequently referred to as “weed” are Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Cannabis sativa is the source of almost all of the drug’s psychoactive effects and is typically associated with the “green” high. Cannabis indica, on the other hand, is associated with the “kush” high and is the source of many of the drug’s medicinal properties.
Both species of weed contain high amounts of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that gives the plant its psychoactive effects.
The active ingredient in cannabis is called cannabinoids. There are more than 100 unique cannabinoids that can be found in the plant. While all cannabinoids can not be therapeutic, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. There are minor variations in the amount of THC in each strain of weed, with some varieties containing more than twice the amount found in others. The difference in the ratio of THC to CBD, however, remains relatively stable.
How Does It Work For Medicine?
The medicinal properties of cannabis have been known for centuries. The earliest record of using weed to treat various illnesses dates back to 2700 BC in China. Since then, numerous studies have supported the plant’s use as a treatment for a variety of diseases and conditions.
Many people use medical marijuana to increase appetite, alleviate pain, reduce nausea and vomiting, relieve anxiety and depression, and enhance mood. Though many diseases can be treated with cannabis, it shouldn’t be used for recreational purposes. The plant can have various effects on a person, including altering body perception, appetite, and short-term memory. Because of these risks, it is imperative to screen for drug abuse when prescribing and administering the medicine.
The Emerging Trend Of Using Weed As A Treatment For Heart Disease
The stigma that surrounds marijuana is beginning to fade, as more people are realizing the potential medical benefits of the plant. While the primary use of cannabis is to relieve physical ailments, scientists are also discovering that it can be used as a treatment for various heart diseases. One of the biggest problems that modern medicine faces is the fact that many heart patients are subjected to repeated blood tests, which can cause anxiety and lead to a deterioration in mental health. The tests, which are necessary to diagnose the disease, frequently give false positive results and many patients end up suffering needlessly because of them. Cannabinoids can be used as a therapy for many different diseases and conditions including asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and epilepsy. It has even shown potential to treat cancer.
The psychoactive effects of weed can make it extremely difficult for some people to be objective about their health. For this reason, it is advisable to screen potential patients for substance abuse before administering the medication. However, once they are on it, it is imperative that they adhere to the prescribed dosage and continue with the therapy. Many doctors will also advise patients to eat only raw food and avoid foods with added sugar, which could otherwise upset their gastrointestinal system and produce undesired side effects. Unhealthy eating habits and a poor diet affect every part of the body, but the intestinal tract is particularly sensitive and even minor changes there can cause serious health problems. The same is true for the liver, which helps in metabolizing toxins and drugs. If the drugs or toxins metabolized by the liver are stronger than the plant’s, these problems can arise. Additionally, those on certain medications should also be cautious about combining it with certain foods, as some interactions can be dangerous. A combination of ketoconazole and cannabis can produce toxic effects in the body, so patients must be exceptionally careful about what they eat while on this treatment plan.
Is It Possible To Self-medicate?
Though medical experts advise against recreational use of cannabis, there is evidence that those who use it recreationally do have some benefits from it. The active compound in cannabis, THC, has been shown to bind to receptors in the brain that regulate the feeling of pleasure. Because of this, it is possible that some people feel better while on cannabis because it gives them a “high” that is different from their usual feeling. Though this may sound like a recipe for addiction, if used responsibly, it can be a helpful medicine for some people who suffer from various ailments and disorders.
Can I Take It If I Am Pregnant?
Cannabis is dangerous to pregnant women and their unborn children. Though the risk of complications is low, it is still a serious matter. Because of this, physicians generally advise against using cannabis during pregnancy. However, if you are already using it recreationally, it is important to consult your doctor about whether you should continue or go off of it during your pregnancy. It is also a good idea to change your routine and be extra careful about what you eat while on it, especially if you are breastfeeding. Though the evidence for harm is low, cannabis use during pregnancy can still result in low birth weight and other complications. It is therefore advisable to avoid it as much as possible, even if it means giving up some of its benefits.
Is It Safe For Loved Ones?
The toxicity of cannabis is one of its biggest drawbacks. The plant contains a chemical called cannabichromene, which is highly toxic to humans. This chemical is responsible for the plant’s characteristic color, as it gives the substance a deep reddish tint. Because of this, people who are allergic to cannabis-derived products or have severe skin sensitivities should avoid it. As mentioned above, it can also have adverse effects on the liver and intestinal tract if used incorrectly or excessively. Though these effects are rarely life-threatening, they can still cause serious harm and inconvenience to the patient.
The Legal And Social Implications
It’s one thing to understand how cannabis works from a scientific standpoint and another to understand its social and legal implications. The stigma that surrounds marijuana is slowly diminishing, which is evident in how many states have now legalized its medicinal use. Though the medical evidence is still relatively scarce, it is clearly beneficial in alleviating the suffering of many. Its legality in all 50 states varies from completely legal to fully banned, so it is essential that physicians and patients understand the law in the area they live in.
Those who choose to self-medicate with cannabis must understand that it is still a drug and, as such, has the potential to be abused. Though its popularity is rising as a self-diagnostic and -treatment option, it is also a drug that can give people various feelings and perceptions. It is always a good idea to discuss the risks and benefits of using any drug or substance, as it is often a grey area and much depends on individual factors, such as body type and history, genetics, and education. Though the risks are low, it is an ideal that those who use cannabis should be knowledgeable about what they are doing and the potential side effects.