Should you turn to cannabis for relief? From chronic pain to anxiety, the promises of this plant are tempting. But there are real risks to consider as well. Before you make a decision, you need to understand both the potential benefits and the possible downsides.
So, let’s explore the science behind cannabis. The cannabis plant contains various chemicals and cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, which play significant roles in both medical and recreational use. Cannabis plant material encompasses the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. Studies and findings from national institutes provide valuable insights into the benefits and risks of cannabis use, its potential effects on your body and mind, and the resources available to help you make informed choices about your health and well-being.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a psychoactive substance derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. This plant contains over 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) being the most well-known. THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the euphoric effects often associated with smoking marijuana. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive and has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety and inflammation.
Cannabis use can lead to addiction, known as cannabis use disorder. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as withdrawal, tolerance, and compulsive use. Understanding the components and effects of the cannabis plant is crucial for making informed decisions about its use.
Benefits of Cannabis
Here are some medical benefits: Medical marijuana and medicinal cannabis have become pivotal in treating chronic conditions, underscoring the necessity of professional guidance in prescribing medical cannabis within a legal and regulated framework.
Taking on Chronic Pain
Cannabis can offer relief for chronic pain by tapping into the body’s natural pain management system – the endocannabinoid system (ECS). That system plays a key role in how we experience pain, inflammation, and even affects our mood.
Cannabis contains compounds like THC and CBD, which work with the ECS in different ways.
THC, the part of cannabis that gives you that “high” feeling, directly connects with receptors in your brain and nervous system, changing how you perceive pain. CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t produce a “high” and works more behind the scenes by reducing inflammation and influencing other pathways involved in pain.
Many people find that cannabis helps with various types of chronic pain, such as nerve pain and arthritis. However, please note that scientists are still working to fully understand how cannabis works for pain relief.
Easing Nausea and Vomiting
Cannabis has a long history of helping with these symptoms, and scientists are starting to understand why it works so well. THC is the main player in reducing nausea. It interacts with the part of the brain that controls vomiting, lessening the signals that make you feel sick. Plus, cannabis can stimulate appetite, which is particularly helpful for those struggling with appetite loss due to illness or medication.
Anxiety and Sleep Problems
When it comes to anxiety, THC can be unpredictable. Many people find that small amounts help them calm down, while others feel more anxious, especially if they use too much.
CBD, however, is often linked to easing anxiety and helping people relax without the “high” that comes with THC.
At the same time, cannabis can also affect how you sleep. It might help you fall asleep easier, but it can sometimes mess with the deeper stages of sleep that are important for memory and thinking clearly. CBD, on the other hand, may help you relax and get better quality sleep without disrupting those crucial sleep stages.
Other Potential Uses
Early research suggests that cannabis might also be helpful for other conditions, including:
● Epilepsy: Certain compounds in cannabis, especially CBD, can reduce seizures for some people with epilepsy, especially those who haven’t responded well to other treatments.
● Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a sickness that messes with your brain and body’s connection. It can make you feel weak, tired, and have trouble moving. There’s no way to make it go away entirely, but Cannabis might help with muscle stiffness and pain associated with multiple sclerosis.
● Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Research indicates that cannabis might have anti-inflammatory effects, which could help manage conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Risks of Cannabis Use
Here are some risks you need to be aware of, including cannabis abuse and drug abuse. These are significant concerns that can lead to long-term health and legal issues. Understanding the potential for cannabis addiction is crucial, as it underscores the importance of seeking cannabis addiction treatment. This treatment is vital for those feeling powerless against their addiction, offering a pathway to recovery through safe detox processes, therapy, and expert guidance.
For individuals grappling with cannabis addiction, cannabis rehab and cannabis rehabilitation provide a supportive and therapeutic environment essential for recovery. These specialized programs offer rehab treatment tailored to address the root causes of addiction, ensuring that recovery cannabis rehab clients receive the compassionate support and professional care needed. This comprehensive approach aids in overcoming dependency and fosters a supportive network crucial for preventing relapse.
Cannabis and Mental Health
One of the biggest worries about using cannabis is how it can affect mental health. Studies show that using cannabis, especially for people who are already prone to conditions like psychosis or schizophrenia, can make them more likely to develop these problems or make existing symptoms worse. That risk seems to be greater when using high doses of cannabis or types that have a lot of THC.
Respiratory Risks of Cannabis Use
Just like smoking cigarettes, smoking cannabis is bad for your lungs. Cannabis causes bronchitis, it happens when your airways get inflamed and swollen, making it hard to breathe. Over time, it could also increase your risk of getting COPD, a serious lung disease.
While edibles and vaping might seem like safer choices because you don’t inhale smoke, they have their own problems. Edibles can be tricky because it’s hard to know exactly how much you’re taking, which can lead to accidentally taking too much and having unexpected effects. And we’re still learning about the long-term effects of vaping, especially how it affects lung health.
Impact on Cognitive Function
Teenagers especially need to be careful about using cannabis because their brains are still developing. Studies show that regularly using cannabis during these important years can mess with how their brains work, especially when it comes to memory, paying attention, and making decisions. These problems could last into adulthood, making it harder to do well in school, find good jobs, and just navigate life in general.
Cardiovascular Risks
Some studies suggest it might be linked to a higher risk of heart problems, like heart attacks and strokes. Things like whether someone already has heart problems, how often they use cannabis, how they use it (smoking, edibles, etc.), and even their genes could all play a role in their risk.
Dependency, Cannabis Addiction, and Cannabis Use Disorder
While cannabis doesn’t cause problems for everyone, some people develop what’s called cannabis use disorder. That means they use cannabis in a way that causes problems in their lives and makes them feel bad.
They might experience withdrawal symptoms like feeling irritable, anxious, or having trouble sleeping when they stop using cannabis. They might also find the need to use more and more to get the same effects.
Things like your genes, your environment, and how old you were when you started using cannabis can all play a part in whether you develop this disorder.
What is the Legal Landscape of Cannabis in the UK?
Although medical cannabis was legalized in 2018, accessing it isn’t straightforward due to the stringent regulations surrounding medicinal cannabis in the UK. It’s restricted to a handful of conditions such as severe epilepsy, side effects from chemotherapy, and multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, the process to obtain a prescription for medicinal cannabis is complex, with only specialist doctors having the authority to prescribe it. Patients face significant challenges in accessing medicinal cannabis legally, including the limited availability of prescriptions and the rigorous regulations for cultivation and access. This situation underscores the historical and recent changes to the laws governing medical cannabis, highlighting the risks and benefits of its use.
For recreational use, cannabis remains firmly illegal in the UK. Classified as a Class B drug, possessing, producing, or selling it carries penalties. Despite people calling for legalization or at least decriminalization, the laws haven’t budged significantly in recent years.
Meanwhile, CBD products, containing very low levels of THC (the psychoactive part of cannabis), have exploded in popularity across the UK. While legal, their sale and production are subject to regulations, with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) holding the reins on CBD food products. Companies wanting to sell these items need to jump through the hoops of authorization.
Prescribing and Using Medical Cannabis Safely: Forms, Dosage, and Use
When it comes to using cannabis, remember that everyone reacts differently. The way you consume cannabis, the amount you take, and even the specific type you choose can significantly impact your experience.
You can think of it like coffee – you can have it brewed, instant, as a cold brew, or even in a fancy latte. Similarly, cannabis comes in various forms, each offering a unique experience and set of effects.
Smoking is the most traditional method, but it comes with respiratory risks due to inhaling smoke. When people smoke marijuana, they’re exposed to various chemicals, including THC, which can have significant ‘marijuana affect’ on both the body and mind, influencing everything from cognitive functions to physical health. Vaping, on the other hand, heats cannabis to release its active ingredients without burning it, often considered less harsh on the lungs but not without its own concerns.
Edibles, like cookies or brownies infused with cannabis, take longer to take effect but can last for a longer duration, making dosage a bit trickier. Oils and tinctures, concentrated extracts taken orally, offer faster absorption than edibles.
Marijuana use, whether for medical purposes through marijuana dispensaries or recreationally, has become increasingly common. Dispensaries play a crucial role in providing access to medical marijuana for patients with qualifying conditions, offering a safer alternative to illicit market sources.
Just as you wouldn’t gulp down an entire bottle of cough syrup, being mindful of your cannabis dosage is crucial. Even if you’ve to use it, start low and go slow, especially if you’re new to cannabis. Begin with a small amount and give your body time to react before taking more.
It can take time for the effects to fully kick in, particularly with edibles. Pay attention to the potency of cannabis products, as they vary in the amount of THC and CBD they contain. Again, starting with lower potency options is always a good idea.
Avoid mixing cannabis with alcohol or other drugs, as this can amplify the effects and increase potential risks. Never drive under the influence of cannabis, as it can impair your coordination and judgment, making it dangerous to get behind the wheel.
Always use cannabis in a safe and comfortable environment, and be mindful of your surroundings. Most importantly, if you experience any unpleasant side effects, stop using cannabis and seek medical advice immediately.
Treatment for Cannabis Addiction
Treating cannabis addiction typically involves a combination of behavioural therapies and medications. Motivational enhancement therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and contingency management have all been shown to be effective in addressing cannabis addiction. These therapies help individuals understand their drug use patterns, develop coping strategies, and stay motivated to quit.
In some cases, medications such as nabilone and dronabinol may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These medications can help ease the transition away from cannabis use, making the recovery process more manageable. If you or someone you know is struggling with cannabis addiction, seeking professional help is essential for achieving lasting recovery.
There’s Always Help Out There. Talk to Us.
As we’ve explored, cannabis use comes with a complex set of potential benefits and risks. Understanding these complexities is critical for making informed decisions about cannabis use.
If you or someone you know is struggling with cannabis use or any other form of substance misuse, seeking professional help is essential. Here at The Perry Clayman Project (PCP), we offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs, including detox, therapy, and ongoing support, to help people achieve lasting recovery and build a brighter future.
Give us a call here!
