In recent years, there’s been an increased interest in the world of medical cannabis. With the legalization of cannabis in Canada on October 18, 2018, recreational cannabis is now widely available to of-age citizens, but medical marijuana had been available for years previously.
Research has long shown that medical marijuana can have a positive impact treating symptoms such as pain, loss of appetite, and more. Medical marijuana is often used in chronic pain management, as a sleep aid, and as an aid in cancer treatment.
Despite legalization, the medical marijuana system in Canada remains in place, and recreational dispensaries remain separate from medical sources.
Chronic Pain
Medical cannabis is well-known for relieving chronic pain. There’s a strong body of evidence that suggests cannabis is an effective treatment for conditions where chronic pain is an issue. These conditions include nerve pain, fibromyalgia, spinal cord injuries, nerve changes caused by cancer treatment, and more.
Medical marijuana is also recommended as an alternative to opioid treatments, as they are harder on the human body, can cause addiction and can even increase the risk of death. A safer alternative, medical marijuana can easily be prescribed to a patient seeking relief for chronic pain.
Sleep Aid
Medical cannabis causes the body to naturally relax, which is why it’s also used as a sleep aid. Smoking or ingesting cannabis has been shown to help people get to sleep sooner, stay asleep longer, and even improve their quality of sleep. Again, as an alternative to sleeping pills and opioid medications, cannabis is also recommended for sleep disorders as it is a natural alternative with little to no addictive agents.
Marijuana is an effective sleep aid because it restores a person’s natural sleep cycle, which so often falls out of sync in today’s modern lifestyle. Whether you have a sleep disorder or you’re having difficulty sleeping after a stressful day, cannabis could help you. Marijuana’s analgesic properties might provide some relief for those with chronic pain, while its anti-anxiety properties can soothe a stressed-out mind and body.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, you may want to learn more at Starbuds about using cannabis as a sleep aid. As a legal cannabis retail store, they offer a wide range of cannabis products that can help you get to sleep.
Cancer Patients during Treatment
Cancer treatments can be tough on the body. Cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapies often suffer from various side effects like pain, nausea, and a lack of appetite.
Medical cannabis has been shown to assist cancer patients by alleviating some of these unpleasant side effects. Various cannabinoids can reduce pain, reduce nausea, and improve appetite among cancer patients.
Mental Illness
A number of recent studies have also suggested cannabis could be used in the treatment of mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. There have been mixed results, so research continues in this field. Anxiety and depression are two of the most common reasons patients seek out medical cannabis.
Medical marijuana remains an exciting field of research, while providing relief to millions of patients. Ask a medical professional for more information.