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The use of medical marijuana has expanded rapidly in recent years. With the increased supply and use of medical marijuana, users have had more questions about its health effects. Thankfully, additional research detailing marijuana's health benefits is being published each year.  Clinical evidence has revealed that compounds naturally found within marijuana such as cannabidiol (CBD), and the psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), provide remarkable health benefits for those diagnosed with a range of diseases and disorders. 

Medical cannabis is a unique resource that contains a myriad of chemicals with incredible effects known as cannabinoids and terpenes. The effects of these cannabinoids and terpenes are already evident across more than half of the U.S. as 35 states have recognized and legalized medical marijuana use.  While we know that cannabinoids like Delta 9 THC and CBD are responsible for desirable medical benefits, researchers are still conducting clinical trials with over 100 different cannabinoids found in marijuana to further isolate and understand each chemical’s effects (such as Delta 8 THC, Delta 8 THCA, CBDA, CBDM, CBDP). For now, they have named the overall combination of chemical uses the "entourage effect."   

 According to Harvard, Americans primarily use medical marijuana to treat pain. While medical marijuana isn't strong enough for very severe pain (such as post-surgery pain), research has shown that both cannabinoids--CBD and THC--can alleviate pain.  THC is cited as being most useful for neuropathic pain, while CBD is cited as being best for inflammatory pain. Medical marijuana helps alleviate pain thanks to its effect on neurotransmitters on cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.  Medical marijuana has also been shown to help manage pain associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Aside from marijuana's psychological utility when it comes to treating PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety, the use of cannabis has also been known to promote homeostasis in the body. First, the multitude of cannabinoids in marijuana attaches to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. Then the resulting entourage effect relaxes the body and promotes balance among the immune and nervous systems. This has lead to further research into the medical benefits of cannabis.  The overwhelming support behind the medical usage of marijuana probably has you wondering how exactly people are benefitting from it. It may surprise you to learn that medical marijuana is effective in helping treat common but serious medical conditions and other health problems. From long-term pain relief to releasing eye pressure in glaucoma patients, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of medical cannabis have profound and fast-acting positive health effects for patients with a wide variety of health conditions.  

Marijuana flowers contain the cannabinoids THC and CBD. THC is the cannabinoid which causes the psychoactive effects for which marijuana is most well known. CBD is a cannabinoid which doesn’t induce psychoactive effects but still offers numerous health benefits.  Some researchers have argued that the combination of CBD and THC together in its natural state is the most effective medical cannabis product. The beneficial chemical synergy present in that product is known as the entourage effect. Whether THC and CBD are most effective isolated or combined is highly dependent on the individual patient.  CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve sleep quality, decrease anxiety, relieve pain and reduce muscle spasms. CBD is particularly appealing for patients since some don't want to experience the high produced by THC.  cannabis health benefits  THC has also been shown to ease nausea and vomiting, protect brain cells, trigger neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells), and diminish symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). THC is also particularly effective at increasing one's appetite, which is helpful for those who suffer from anorexia and/or take medication that suppresses their appetite.  Among the cannabinoids present in medical marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most popular and are widely accepted as the catalysts behind marijuana's physical and psychoactive effects. However, cannabinoids have varying effects, especially when combined.  THC is the foremost cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. CBD is chemically identical and similar in effects and usage to THC, but it doesn't induce psychoactive changes. CBD can also be extracted from both hemp and cannabis plants, while significant THC concentrations can only be found in cannabis.  

The history of medicinal cannabis goes back to the ancient times. Ancient physicians in many parts of the world mixed cannabis into medicines to treat pain and other ailments. In the 19th century, cannabis was introduced for therapeutic use in Western Medicine. Since then, there have been several advancements in how the drug is administered. Initially, cannabis was reduced to a powder and mixed with wine for administration. Currently, medical marijuana is available to smoke, vape, be eaten, taken in pill form and applied topically in lotions and creams. Most people who are prescribed marijuana for medical purposes use it to alleviate severe pain and anxiety.