Medical cannabis has been making a lot of headlines among researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals. In fact, New Zealand’s Ministry of Health recently made it legal and in the U.S., a total of 22 states have legalised its use. The world is certainly beginning to loosen up on its bias about the plant.

The reason why a lot of folks are now looking at cannabis in a better light is thanks to the many health effects of cannabis that both scientists and researchers have uncovered. While it’s true that cannabis does have a substance that can make an individual high, it also has a very helpful chemical in it. Let’s take a better look at how medical cannabis can help improve one’s health!

Aids Those with PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression

Promising results have been discovered pertaining to the treatment of patients who suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. It’s been observed to reduce tension and uplift mood. Compared to other known anxiety-reducing medicines like benzodiazepines, medical cannabis has shown to minimise drug reliance by up to 47%.

Additionally, a California study discovered that war veterans suffering from PTSD reported having fewer nightmares and have shown to be less sensitive towards audio triggers.

Eases Pains and Aches Related to Old Age

Pains and aches are common for the elderly, especially when arthritis, diabetes mellitus, and other cardiovascular and neurologic diseases set in. The health effects of cannabis for the elderly are known to be a safe alternative than opium-based medicines, since most of them can’t use those drugs due to ulcers or kidney problems.  Medical cannabis is particularly effective in treating pain linked to multiple sclerosis and arthritis.

Helps Lessen the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment can prove to be a life-saving procedure for a lot of patients. However, they’re known to cause weight loss, nausea, and loss of appetite. Medical cannabis has been shown to mitigate these side effects.

Decreases Tremors in Parkinson’s Disease Patients

Patients who have Parkinson’s Disease have fewer numbers of cannabinoid receptors called CB1. With medical cannabis, the cannabidiol (or CBD for short) could bind to those receptors and use its muscle relaxant properties to reduce the frequency of tremors. Although more research is needed to really pinpoint how cannabinoids react within the patient’s body, the initial results are quite promising and show great potential for future use.

Improves Sleep to Battle Insomnia

A study in Colorado discovered that one in three individuals using medical cannabis declared to have been sleeping better. It acts in the same way for those with Parkinson’s Disease, with the CBD binding to the cannabinoid receptors to help the muscles to relax, ease up anxiety, and tension. Once in a relaxed state, the body would then naturally produce melatonin, making the person feel sleepy.