7 Health Benefits of Cannabinoids
“A report relating to the health benefits of cannabinoids published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under the title “The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research” reads that;
By contrast, anti-inflammatory activity of cannabis, under certain conditions, could be beneficial because inflammation is a key event in the processes of many diseases. For example, chronic inflammation is believed to be central in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and anti-inflammatory activity of cannabis could potentially be beneficial in decreasing the progression of neurocognitive decline.”
Traces of cannabis origin can be found in India, China & other Asian countries and it’s believed that the natives of these countries have used this plant since historical times or even prior to that. Obviously, after having established a few beneficial properties, they started using this plant for various purposes.
But during the 1930s; almost all the countries listed the plant under the category of “Narcotics”. Subsequently, they declared growing, possessing and using cannabis as illegal.
At last, a number of misconceptions that have been surrounding the cannabis have started receding. About half of the States have already allowed using cannabis for medical purpose, while a few others; including California, for recreational use as well.
- Cannabinoids & Our Endocannabinoid System:
California was the first State to open Cannabis for medical benefits. This could have been possible only after a number of researchers had established the medicinal properties of cannabis. Later on, they also identified certain compounds in the cannabis; THC, CBD & CBC and found them to be therapeutically useful.
They have also been successful in establishing a close similarity of these compounds with the cannabinoids receptors, endogenous lipid ligands, and the endocannabinoid the mechanism that functions naturally in our body.
Now, it’s beyond doubt that cannabinoids available in the cannabis & those which are part of our natural endocannabinoid system; both have the same chemical structure and both functions almost in the same manner. Therefore, when we consume cannabis, its cannabinoids support our internal endocannabinoid system and help it to function smoothly. Our Internal endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in regulating our general health.
- Cannabinoids & Our Health Regulatory Immune System:
Identification of cannabinoid receptors has given a major thrust to the studies on the functioning of our body. It’s our Immune System, which is engaged in protecting the body against diseases.
Endocannabinoid system is directly associated with and controls our immune system. Immune cells engage actively in regulating endocannabinoid peripheral and homeostasis systems.
THC & CBD available in the cannabis have the potential to stand by the natural cannabinoids and repair the damage done to the endocannabinoid system due to normal wear & tear or some outside inputs.
- Cannabinoids & Brain Disorders
Our endocannabinoid system has CB2 receptors. Their main function involves anti-inflammatory activities. Inflammation in the brain causes the death of the brain cells. This results in a number of critical conditions, depending upon the particular part or area of the brain where the inflammation occurs.
Normally, the cells that have become inactive or decayed, can’t be revived because no conventional medicine is available for this purpose so far. On the other hand, cannabinoids available in the cannabis have been found to be helpful to a large extent.
Scientific studies and researches show that cannabinoids available in the cannabis have the potential to stop the cell death by controlling the inflammation in the brain. It’s believed that phytocannabinoids are also competent to regenerate the process of cell formation. Researches & studies conducted on mice show that CBC compound in the cannabis could form the new cells.
As such, cannabis has been found to be helpful in the treatment of brain disorders and other co-related conditions that occur due to cells’ decay. These include Alzheimer’s, loss of memory, loss of sensation, multiple psoriasis, stress, depression etc.
A report relating to health effects of cannabinoids published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under the title “The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research” reads that; www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425755/
“By contrast, anti-inflammatory activity of cannabis, under certain conditions, could be beneficial because inflammation is a key event in the processes of many diseases. For example, chronic inflammation is believed to be central in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and anti-inflammatory activity of cannabis could potentially be beneficial in decreasing the progression of neurocognitive decline”
- Cannabinoids & Our Nervous System
Our entire body is connected to the brain via the nervous system. It’s this system that helps us perform different functions. The nervous system is made up of a large number of nerves and neurons. Both of them work jointly and act as messengers.
Their main function is, they send signals or transmit messages between the brain and our organs & limbs. Any damage caused to the nervous system hampers the functioning of the affected organs or limbs. Parkinson’s disease is one of such conditions.
Although the exact number of chemical compounds available in the cannabis is still under study, yet the researchers have found that more than 60 cannabinoids are exclusively available in the cannabis and not in any other plant. They all bind the cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
There are several factors that may cause degeneration of the nervous system. These include excessive stress, high blood pressure, trauma, infections, injuries, inflammation, tumors, etc. CBD available in the cannabis is considered to be helpful in repairing the damage caused to the nervous system.
- Cannabis & High-Blood Pressure
Our heart supplies blood through the blood carrying vessels. Whenever there is any damage to these vessels, the supply of blood is disturbed. One of the reasons assigned to the damage to them is the inflammation in the vessels. One of the main medicinal properties of cannabis is, it controls all types of inflammations.
CBD in the cannabis reduces the inflammation of the blood supplying vessels and widens the path that narrows down due to inside information. This, ultimately, normalize the blood supply to the brain.
The second most common cause of hypertension is the environments where we work, where we live and the people with whom we stay for most of the day. These conditions directly affect our lives. If we are living, staying or working under the conditions that are not comfortable for us, then that can cause stress.
Hypertension is closely linked to stress. Stress affects our brain most. Cannabis contains a plenty of THC, which is a psychoactive substance. It directly acts on our brain and provides soothing effects. It works on the lines of synthetic tranquilizers and relieves the user from the stress. Consequently, it’s helpful in controlling the stress & high-blood pressure related conditions like hypertension.
- Cannabis & Urinary Tract Conditions
Urinary incontinence is one of the neurogenic disorders involving incontinence. This is one of the common conditions that affect the elderly people most. Besides, youth due to certain specific reasons, like urinary tract infection etc. also get affected.
Weak bladder muscles result in the loss of bladder control. Inflammation in the urinary tract and enlargement of prostate leads to urinary problems. Above all, our brain through a healthy nervous system controls the functioning of the bladder and the urinary voiding process.
Our damaged nervous system and neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis cause bladder dysfunction. This leads to one or more urinary problems.
These include incomplete bladder emptying, frequent urge, uncontrollable urge and urinary tract infections, which are difficult to cure unless their real cause has been mended.
Our bladder has cannabinoid receptors like other major parts. THC & CBD have been found to act effectively on the bladder muscles and vessels that carry blood to the urinary system.
Cannabis alleviates all the issues co-related to the nervous system, inflammation and infections that hamper the urinary system function properly. It acts on the urinary organs & parts the same way as the conventional medicines act.
- Cannabis & Common Health Conditions
Several researchers have proved cannabis to be beneficial in the treatment of critical & chronic conditions that are not common. These include treatment of cancer (see how medical cannabis can be used to cure cancer), Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, seizures etc.
Beyond that, it has been widely accepted in the healthcare circles that cannabis alleviates various common conditions like stress, depression, pains, headaches, migraine, obesity, spasms, arthritis, appetite loss etc. It’s used as a tranquilizer and also in sleeplessness.
Although cannabis is legal in California for all purposes, yet the Health Dept. has allowed some selective diseases under the category of medical marijuana. In fact, there is hardly any health condition that could not be covered under one disease or the other.
People, who smoke marijuana for fun, should obtain an MMJ (medical marijuana) card from reputed licensed marijuana doctors, like OnlineMMJLosAngeles. That way, along with smoking for fun, they can be benefited on health grounds.