Medical cannabis: The basics
Medicinal cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, uses the marijuana plant and its derivatives to ease symptoms caused by certain medical conditions and treat other ailments. Evidence shows that marijuana has been used for therapeutic use since the 19th century, but over the years there have been several advancements in how the drug is administered. Marijuana has over 100 different chemicals, but Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the chemicals used in medicine. This blog post explores the basics of medical cannabis, so continue reading to find out more.
What is medical cannabis used for?
Cannabis has a long history of medical use as a pain reliever and antispasmodic. Today, physicians prescribe it to their patients for the following conditions.
• Rare and severe forms of epilepsy
• Muscle stiffness and spasms caused by multiple sclerosis
• Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
• Long-term pain
• Insomnia and anxiety
How does medical cannabis help?
Cannabinoids (CBD), the active chemical in medical cannabis, are similar to the endogenous chemicals involved in appetite, movement, memory, and pain. Although scientists are still studying the benefits of medicinal marijuana, limited research suggests that CBD can help:
• Reduce anxiety
• Stimulate appetite and improve weight gain in cancer and AIDS patients
• Relax tight muscles in MS patients
• Reduce inflammation and relieve pain
• Control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
How do you take it?
You can consume medical cannabis by:
• Smoking it
• Inhaling through a vapouriser that turns it into a mist
• Eating it in a brownie or lollipop
• Applying it to your skin in oil, spray, or cream form
• Placing a few drops of a liquid under your tongue
Each method works differently in your body. For instance, you feel the effects quicker when you smoke cannabis, unlike when you eat it. Edible products take one to two hours for the effects to kick in.
If you suffer from short-term or chronic pain and are looking for medicinal cannabis London, get in touch with us today for a consultation.