Cannabis Wellness

Here, I'd like to give a general overview of cannabis; what it is, who should use it and how. Medicinal cannabis use has been dated back to ancient times. According to ancient Chinese legend, Chinese physicians discovered the healing properties of cannabis. It is even said that ancient Egyptians prescribed cannabis to treat glaucoma, inflammation and cooling the uterus as well as administering enemas! Before I talk about who can use cannabis and how it can be used, let's first get an understanding as to what cannabis really is.

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a term used to refer to a plant or group of plants known to possess medicinal properties. There are a number of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant which are used to treat diseases or conditions. The two most common are THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) the psychoactive chemical and CBD (cannabidiol) the non-psychoactive chemical.

The cannabis plant contains more than 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids. Each one has a different effect on the body. There are three general types of cannabinoids:

1. Phytocannabinoids, that occur uniquely in the cannabis plant.

2. Endogenous cannabinoids produced naturally in many animal species including humans.

3. Synthetic cannabinoids compounds produced in a laboratory. Forms of synthetic THC are available by prescription in a number of countries, including the US. In the US, marketed as Marinol®.

Phytocannabinoids, also called natural cannabinoids, herbal cannabinoids, and classical cannabinoids, are only known to occur naturally in significant quantity in the cannabis plant. They are concentrated in a viscous resin that is produced in structures known as trichomes, and are most prevalent in the flowers of the female plants.

The endocannabinoid system refers to a group of neuromodulators and receptors involved in a variety of physiological processes including appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory.

The endocannabinoid system possessed by all vertebrates regulates all body systems and maintains homeostasis. This means the phytocannabinoids’ biological impact is multidimensional. This would explain why the ''entourage effect" could be the reason why cannabinoids work best synergistically.

In a 2010 study, patients with cancer pain were given either a pure THC extract or an extract containing near-equal levels of both THC and CBD—patients given the THC/CBD combo reported having less pain.

Who is Cannabis for?

When I say cannabis is for everyone, I am speaking from a place of personal experience. I've personally had many medical setbacks in my life and found cannabis to be the best remedy for all of them. Cannabis was my comeback.

Cannabis is said to help treat the following conditions:

• Appetite loss

• Alzheimer's disease

• Cancer

• Crohn's disease

• Diseases effecting the immune system like HIV/AIDS or Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Eating disorders such as anorexia

• Epilepsy

• Glaucoma

• Mental health conditions like schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Multiple sclerosis

• Muscle spasms

• Nausea

• Pain

• Seizures

• Wasting syndrome (cachexia)

IF HESITANT, I ADVISE YOU SPEAK TO YOUR PHYSICIAN! Patients suffering from aliments such as insomnia, anxiety, depression and so much more are already beginning to embrace medical cannabis as it has virtually little to no side effects compared to their typical choice of over the counter or prescription medications.

How should Cannabis be used?

Cannabinoids act as a bio regulatory mechanism, which explains why they have been recommended as a treatment for many diseases and ailments. According to Harvard.edu, the most common use for medical cannabis in the United States is pain control. Cannabis should be used in moderation to each specific user. It can be eaten, smoked, applied topically or vaporized. Since medical cannabis can be self prescribed, You have the ability to find whatever method you works best for you!

Reviewed and edited by Chandler Crenshaw, CO.

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