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Cannabis has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Here’s what modern science has to say about the potential health benefits of cannabis.
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The Benefits of Cannabis
Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. More recently, it has been gaining popularity as a recreational drug. But what does science say about the benefits of cannabis?
Pain relief
Cannabis has been used for centuries to treat pain and it is one of the most common reasons people use medical marijuana. One of the main active ingredients in cannabis, THC, binds to receptors in the brain that reduce pain signals. CBD, another major active ingredient, also has pain-relieving properties. Cannabis is thought to be more effective and have fewer side effects than other commonly used pain medications, such as opioids.
Anxiety relief
Cannabis has been shown to help people with both social anxiety and performance anxiety. In a 2010 study, THC was found to significantly reduce self-reported anxiety and discomfort in people with social anxiety disorder during a public speaking test. And, in another study from 2012, CBD was found to improve performance in a simulated public speaking test for people with social anxiety disorder. These findings suggest that cannabis may be an effective treatment for social anxiety.
Improved sleep
Cannabis has been used to treat insomnia for centuries. In a 2018 survey of 2,000 medical cannabis users, 66% said they used it for better sleep.
Cannabis increases levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and social behavior, appetite, digestion, and sleep. A lack of serotonin is thought to contribute to conditions like anxiety and depression.
Cannabis also increases levels of another neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA helps regulate nerve activity in the brain and is involved in sleep. Low GABA levels have been linked to conditions like anxiety and insomnia.
THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, binds to receptors in the brain that are responsible for regulating sleep. THC increases the release of GABA and also inhibits the breakdown of GABA by increasing its production. This can lead to deep relaxation and improved sleep.
CBD, another compound in cannabis, has also been shown to improve sleep by reducing stress and anxiety
The Risks of Cannabis
Cannabis is a drug that has been used for centuries, but its legalization is a relatively new phenomenon. With more and more states enacting laws to allow the use of cannabis, it’s important to understand the risks associated with its use. Cannabis can be addictive and can lead to impaired judgment,memory, and motor skills. It can also worsen anxiety and psychotic disorders.
Short-term memory loss
Short-term memory loss is one of the most well-known risks associated with smoking cannabis. This is because THC, the main psychoactive component in cannabis, affects the part of the brain responsible for short-term memory.
Studies have shown that people who smoke cannabis have poorer short-term memory than those who don’t. One study even found that people who smoked cannabis every day for five years had significantly lower levels of a key protein involved in forming memories.
While the effects of cannabis on short-term memory are well established, it’s less clear how long they last. Some studies suggest that the effects disappear after a few weeks or months of abstinence, while others find that they can last for years.
It’s also worth noting that not everyone who smokes cannabis will experience problems with their memory. Some people may be more vulnerable to the effects of THC than others, due to genetic factors or differences in how their bodies process the drug.
Risk of addiction
Cannabis addiction is a real phenomenon. It occurs when an individual focuses their life around obtaining and using cannabis, to the point where they neglect other important activities and social obligations. Cannabis addiction is often characterized by a preoccupation with using cannabis, difficulty controlling use, and continued use despite negative consequences.
Cannabis addiction is a serious issue with potentially harmful consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with cannabis addiction, it’s important to seek professional help. Treatment for cannabis addiction often includes behavioral therapy and counseling, as well as support groups.
Paranoia
Cannabis use has been linked with paranoia, especially in young people. A study of over 500 young cannabis users found that those who used cannabis daily were more likely than those who didn’t use at all to believe other people were deliberately trying to harm them.
A more recent study found that people who used cannabis daily were almost twice as likely as those who didn’t use at all to experience paranoia when they were high.
There are a number of possible explanations for this link between cannabis and paranoia. One theory is that the THC in cannabis interferes with the way the brain processes information, making it harder to distinguish between real and imagined threats.
Another possibility is that people who are prone to paranoia are more likely to self-medicate with cannabis in an attempt to relieve their symptoms.
Whatever the cause, it’s clear that there is a link between cannabis use and paranoia, especially in young people. If you’re concerned about this risk, it’s important to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional before using cannabis.
