When we think about cannabis, we don’t always think of it as beneficial, and we definitely don’t think of it as something that we can use to ease our aches and pains, insomnia, or anxiety. Lots of people still associate cannabis with the hippies from the 60s and a habit that gets you high. These opinions and thoughts are beginning to change, and research is beginning to show us a whole new side of cannabis!

Though research into the benefits of cannabis is really still in its infancy (due to it being illegal and difficult to get a hold of for research purposes), we have already discovered some major promising benefits of cannabis! Because cannabis interacts with our bodies endocannabinoid system, the system responsible for maintaining homeostasis, cannabis holds tremendous potential for being effective in the management of symptoms for all sorts of conditions, which is unlike anything we have ever really experienced before. 

Based on a little bit of current research as well as personal experience here are 8 common benefits and uses of cannabis:

Sleep Aid

Most cannabis users will tell you that cannabis helps them sleep. Because cannabis reduces the amount of time we spend in the REM sleep cycle, in theory, this pushes us into a deeper state of sleep; this provides us with a higher quality of sleep. When looking to combat insomnia, keep an eye out for Indica dominant strains such as Pink Kush or Northern Lights.

Helps Treat PTSD

By reducing the amount of time we spend in the REM cycle, individuals suffering from PTSD-induced nightmares have found refuge from the sleepless nights they experience.  

Eases Nausea and Vomiting 

Another common symptom treated through the use of cannabis! Chemotherapy causes intense nausea and vomiting, and some doctors are already prescribing a synthetic form of THC to ease the symptoms associated with chemotherapy. Even in my own experience, getting through a bout of food poisoning would have proven difficult had it have not been for a low potency flower. By smoking a hybrid or Indica the effects are almost immediate. 

Pain Relief

We have people calling every day looking to use cannabis as a pain reliever. Anecdotal evidence shows that cannabis may help relieve some types of pain including headaches, muscle pain, and different types of pain associated with inflammation. Most people actually know someone who uses cannabis to ease some of their aches and pains! Preliminary observations and experimental research show a potential correlation between increased cannabis availability and a decrease in opioid use among adults. 

Muscle Relaxant

If you have ever tried an Indica strain, you know the feeling of couch lock. Your body becomes so relaxed you can’t be bothered to even move! Some might not enjoy that super relaxed feeling but the benefit of this is that it can ease symptoms associated with both Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis, disorders that cause painful muscle spasms and uncontrollable tremors in the hands. 

Anti-Inflammatory

Inflammation is our body’s defense mechanism against something potentially harmful and we experience it with so many different conditions. Some research suggests that because cannabis interacts with our CB1 and CB2 receptors found on immune cells, it can ease and control inflammation caused by all sorts of conditions.   

THC Increases Appetite

We have all heard of the munchies, and although some want to stay clear of them, cannabis use has shown to increase appetite in conditions like HIV, eating disorders, hepatitis, and even dementia. Really if you ask any cannabis consumer, food just tastes better when you’re high!

Depression and Anxiety Management

Though no conclusive evidence has been confirmed, doctors and scientists believe that cannabis has the potential to be effective in the treatment or management of symptoms of depression and anxiety. There are many individuals who have shared their stories with us about how cannabis has helped them cope with anxiety and depression. 

Anti-Convulsant 

One thing that is known for certain is that CBD improves seizure control in specific types of epilepsy. Epidiolex is the first pharmaceutical-grade plant-derived CBD oil that has been approved for the treatment of certain types of seizures. 

As more research opportunities arise for the cannabis plant, we hope to see more clean-cut evidence of the benefits of cannabis! For some this is enough proof, and if you’re looking to try cannabis, it comes in many different forms! Smoking flower, eating edibles, and even applying topicals, you can pick and choose and modify whatever works for you and whatever works for your body! So, if you’re new to cannabis and want to learn where to start, check out our blog post “Where do I even begin?”

Please note that we are not doctors, and if you have any medical questions regarding cannabis please consult your healthcare provider. Stopping or adjusting any medications without speaking to your doctor can be extremely dangerous. Other information can be seen at https://sparqretail.ca/ and if you have questions, you can dial 705-986-1833. We’ll be waiting at 340 Charlotte St, Peterborough, ON K9J 2V9, Canada if you want to talk to us directly.