How Medical Marijuana is Transforming Modern Medicine
For those suffering from chronic pain, severe illnesses, or debilitating health conditions, finding an effective treatment can often seem impossible. Powerful prescription medications may cause as many problems as they solve, leaving patients desperate for alternatives.
Could the answer lie in one of humankind’s oldest cultivated plants? Modern research is rediscovering what ancient peoples knew for centuries – that cannabis offers potent medicinal properties.
Medical marijuana has had a long, turbulent history. The medicinal properties of marijuana have been part of natural medicine for generations, yet controversy often obscures the benefits. The mere mention of “medical marijuana” can stir up emotions and debate. Yet, the evidence of its healing properties is stronger than ever.
The stigma attached to medical marijuana is now slowly being replaced by an increase in acceptance and understanding. Combined with a growing desire to find natural alternatives to prescription treatments, medical marijuana is quickly becoming a popular choice for many.
Is medical marijuana the solution so many are looking for to finally get the relief they need? The answer may surprise you. But first, we need to separate fact from fiction – and take a look at the science and research behind it.
What Is the History of Medical Marijuana?
When we look at the historical origins of cannabis, we see just how deeply rooted it is as a therapeutic substance. Some of the earliest written records of marijuana’s medicinal properties come from Ancient China, where the earliest known pharmacopeia text lists cannabis as a painkiller for rheumatism and menstrual cramps – as far back as 2700 BC!
References to the drug’s healing capabilities pop up repeatedly across history. From Arabic physician Ibn Wahshiyah expounding the anti-inflammatory virtues of “the plant called cannabis” in the 9th century AD, to famed Persian philosopher Avicenna, including hemp extracts in his published medical encyclopedia in the 11th century, traditional medicine widely embraced cannabis.
By the 19th century, Irish doctor William Brooke O’Shaughnessy brought Indian preparations of cannabis back to Europe, where he popularized “the new remedy” for treating pain, seizures, and muscle spasms.
Unfortunately, the generally welcoming attitude toward medical marijuana wouldn’t last. Marijuana’s modern fate as an illicit-banned substance came in the 20th century, as campaigns demonizing the drug led to strict prohibition laws and increased criminalization of possession.
However, the tides are turning yet again. Governments around the world are recognizing (again) the medicinal capabilities of cannabis, leading to an increase in research and investment.
What Are the Benefits of Medical Marijuana?
While cannabis has some well-known psychoactive effects, there’s far more to this plant than recreation alone.
Modern research has found that medical marijuana may provide a “natural remedy for treating pain, seizures, and muscle spasms. In addition to these therapeutic effects, medical cannabis can also offer relief from stress and anxiety, as well as help with depression and other mental health issues.
It is believed that the chemicals in marijuana interact with specific receptors in the brain to produce certain physical and psychological effects. One of these chemicals, known as cannabidiol (CBD), has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it effective in treating chronic conditions like arthritis or multiple sclerosis.
Effectively Relieves Chronic Pain
Research shows cannabis can relieve difficult-to-treat chronic pain as effectively or more so than opioid medications.
Marijuana has proven successful in reducing neuropathic pain, arthritis, muscle spasms, spinal injuries, headaches, and more. But unlike opioids, it accomplishes this pain relief with minimal risk of dependence or accidental overdose. This means marijuana can provide a safe alternative to opioid use.
Reduces Anxiety
In addition to relieving pain, marijuana has been shown to reduce anxiety – which means a lot for those suffering from chronic conditions. Anxiety can be a major obstacle to living life, and marijuana helps reduce it without the risk of developing an addiction or adverse side effects.
Improves Cognitive Functioning
Marijuana is also beneficial for the cognitive functioning of patients suffering from certain conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
While more research is needed on this subject, some studies have suggested that cannabinoids may help protect against the degeneration of brain cells, which could potentially improve memory and cognition in these patients
Controls Nausea and Boosts Appetite
The active compounds in medical marijuana have powerful anti-nausea and appetite-enhancing effects. This makes cannabis highly useful for treating GI symptoms or consequences of chemotherapy and HIV/AIDS drug regimens.
Marijuana calms nausea, improves appetite, and halts dangerous weight loss in seriously ill patients – significantly improving the quality of life for those facing a debilitating illness
Reduces Severe Seizures
Marijuana is demonstrating incredible promise for rare seizure disorders and serious forms of epilepsy unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Certain cannabis compounds have been shown to occasionally stop seizures and convulsions when all other available medications have failed. This area reveals some of the most profound life-changing treatment potential of medicinal cannabis.
What Is CBD and Its Benefits?
The root of those many benefits is CBD (cannabidiol), one of the many compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants. As a natural compound, CBD has exploded in popularity recently thanks to plenty of media buzz and promising research. But it’s not just hype – CBD holds legitimate science-backed benefits that set it apart from traditional cannabis compounds.
Unlike the infamous THC, CBD doesn’t have any “high” or mess with your head. Users tend to feel more focused and calm since it tames anxiety, lifts mood, and eases stress with zero sedation. Those suffering from depression or PTSD also get mood-boosting results from CBD without the dangerous side effects of pharmaceuticals.
People flock to CBD oil and gummies to gain relief from aches, soreness and pain too. It blocks pain signals to the brain, similar to pain pills, but without the same concerns about opioid addiction, drowsiness, or upset stomach. The neuroprotective superpowers still need more study, but working some CBD into your routine won’t hurt.
While the science keeps evolving, CBD has already cemented itself as a versatile health helper. From calming anxiety to alleviating pain and beyond, CBD’s benefits make it easy to see why so many are eager to jump on the bandwagon.
See How Easy It Is To Add CBD To Your Routine
The benefits of medical marijuana and CBD-infused products have been recognized for centuries, but it’s only recently that they’ve gained the mainstream recognition and acceptance they deserve.
That means that it’s easier than ever to find high-quality CBD products that fit your lifestyle, no matter what you need them for.
Whether you want to add a few drops of oil to your morning coffee or try some soothing topical balms before bed, there’s a product out there for everyone. Start exploring and see how easy it is to start experiencing the potential benefits of CBD today!