The most powerful uses for cannabis

A decade ago, cannabis was not openly discussed in most circles. It was widespread but was only sold, bought, and discussed in muted tones. Today it is legal in many parts of the country. And within a few years it will be legal across the United States. And if you think it’s just about getting high, you’re wrong. Cannabis is a strong connection with many uses. Let’s examine this in more detail.

What is cannabis?

Cannabis is a term that refers to a group of three different plants with psychoactive properties: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The flowers of these plants can be harvested and dried to produce marijuana / weeds.

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While names like marijuana and weed carry some stigma, the truth is that the plant is natural and overwhelmingly safe. It has relaxing and calming effects, and is known to treat a wide variety of conditions.

“Cannabis is made up of more than 120 components known as cannabinoids,” explains Healthline. “Experts still aren’t sure what each cannabinoid does, but they know two of them, known as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), pretty well.”

RELATED: 5 Marijuana Questions That Are Too Embarrassing You

CBD is a compound within the cannabis plant that offers numerous benefits without being euphoric. It is often used to treat medical problems and conditions.

THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s the part that is responsible for getting high. It is the element that is still illegal in some parts of the country. (Though that changes quickly.)

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5 ways cannabis can be used

Most people consider cannabis to be a recreational drug that people smoke to get high, but that’s not always the case. Most cannabis users have a good reason to use it. Here are some powerful uses:

Research studies show that cannabis is an effective treatment option for a variety of painful conditions – from headaches to childbirth. It is also viewed as a much safer alternative to opioids, which are often prescribed to treat acute pain.

While cannabis can treat physical pain, it also has effects on certain psychological problems. This also includes reducing stress.

“Cannabis isn’t always beneficial for people who are prone to anxiety, but very low doses can help relieve nervousness and restlessness and make people calmer and more relaxed,” explains Las Vegas ReLeaf. “Some people find that cannabis can help calm the nerves associated with social anxiety.”

RELATED: How Cannabinoids Inhibit Anxiety

This is one aspect of cannabis use that can explode. Used in small doses, it can help with chronic stress and prevent potentially full-blown cases of anxiety caused by chronic stress.

According to Epilepsy.com, “early evidence from laboratory studies, one-off reports, and small clinical trials spanning several years suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) could potentially help control seizures”.

As more studies are conducted into the relationship between cannabis and CBD use in epilepsy patients, it will be interesting to contrast the health benefits and risks. At this point, the Advantages column has far more ticks.

For years, politicians, lawmakers, and even doctors have complained about the addictive nature of cannabis. But over time it has become clear that it isn’t nearly as addicting as it was once thought to be. In fact, it could be a viable treatment option for other addictions.

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In certain cases, cannabis is used to wean people off other substances such as opioids, alcohol, or hard drugs. In this sense, it is able to fight addiction and provide healing.

• Alternative to less desirable habits

As per the previous point, cannabis is seen as a healthy alternative to less desirable habits such as smoking cigarettes and heavy drinking. All in all, science suggests that it is much safer and less harmful than either of the alternatives.

Is Cannabis An Option For You?

We are by no means advocating cannabis use for everyone. The hope is that this article has opened your eyes to some of the potential uses and benefits so that you can make an informed decision as to whether it is right for you. If you do decide to give cannabis a try, make sure you do your research and only buy from reliable companies.

At the moment, the cannabis industry is pretty new. So it is wise to shop around, read reviews, and find a company that you believe in. For the best results, look for companies that track their products from seed to sale.

This article originally appeared in the Green Market Report and was republished with permission.