Cannabis and Wellness: Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits
Introduction
Cannabis, long viewed as an illegal substance, is now experiencing a significant shift in public and legal perception. This change is largely driven by a growing recognition of its potential medical benefits.
In recent years, a majority of Americans have expressed support for legalizing cannabis, not just for recreational use but, more importantly, for its medicinal properties (1). This evolving stance has led to the legalization of medical marijuana in numerous states, reflecting a broader cultural and legal reevaluation.
Central to the medicinal value of cannabis are compounds known as cannabinoids, with Cannabidiol (CBD) being one of the most extensively researched. Unlike its more famous counterpart, THC, which is known for its psychoactive effects, CBD does not induce a 'high.'
Instead, it is believed to offer therapeutic benefits, particularly due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This has sparked a growing interest in its potential application in treating various medical conditions, ranging from chronic pain to neurological disorders. As the conversation around cannabis continues to evolve, so does the exploration of its potential in the realm of medicine, especially focusing on compounds like CBD.
Understanding Cannabinoids: CBD and THC
Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, with CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) being the most prominent. CBD is known for its potential therapeutic effects without causing a 'high.' It's being studied for its role in reducing inflammation and pain, and for its potential benefits in neurological and mental health conditions. (We'll delve deeper into this topic later in the article.)
On the other hand, THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. It can alter perceptions and mood, and is also used for its pain-relieving properties.
How Cannabinoids Interact with the Body?
The interaction of cannabinoids like CBD and THC with the body is primarily through the endocannabinoid system. This system consists of two main types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are more commonly found in the immune system.
THC binds with CB1 receptors, leading to the well-known psychoactive effects (2). CBD, however, does not bind directly with either receptor (3). Instead, it influences the body to use its own endocannabinoids more effectively, potentially leading to pain relief and reduction of inflammation. This interaction is key to understanding how cannabis can contribute to wellness and health.
Having explored the science behind cannabis and its interaction with the body, let's now turn our attention to its therapeutic benefits. From pain management to aiding in sleep disorders, cannabis has shown potential in various medical applications.
Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabis
● Exploring Cannabis for Pain Relief
Cannabis, particularly through its cannabinoids, has shown promise in altering pain perception (4). This is particularly relevant for chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and migraines. Cannabinoids interact with pain receptors in the brain, potentially reducing pain intensity and improving quality of life for sufferers. This pain-relieving aspect is one of the primary reasons for the growing interest in medical cannabis.
● Cannabis in Combating Inflammation
Inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis can be debilitating. Research suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids, especially CBD, may play a role in reducing inflammation (5).
This can lead to a decrease in symptoms and an improvement in overall health for individuals with these conditions.
● Addressing Neurological and Mental Health
The potential of cannabis in treating neurological and mental health issues is a growing area of interest. A 2019 systematic review focused on cannabis in psychiatric care, analyzing its effects on mood, anxiety, sleep disorders, psychosis, and ADHD (6).
This study, pivotal in understanding cannabis' role in mental health, emphasized the need for further research and patient-centered approaches in its clinical application.
● Improving Sleep with Cannabis
Insomnia and other sleep disorders can severely impact health and quality of life. Cannabis has been reported to aid in sleep management, primarily due to its relaxing effects (7).
By potentially reducing pain and anxiety, cannabis can help in creating a more conducive environment for restful sleep.
● Enhancing Cardiovascular Health with Cannabis
Recent studies, including one conducted by JCI Insight, reveal that CBD can effectively lower blood pressure (8).
This research found that CBD not only reduces resting blood pressure but also lessens the blood pressure response to stress-inducing tests like mental arithmetic and physical exertion. These findings suggest CBD's potential in cardiovascular health management.
● Cannabis in Cancer Care and Prevention
CBD has shown promise in the realm of oncology. Not only does it help mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy, but it also exhibits properties that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, particularly in cervical cancer (9).
Its ability to induce cell death and support the immune system highlights its potential as a valuable tool in cancer treatment and prevention.
Potential Side Effects
Even though cannabis offers a range of potential benefits, it's important to be aware of its possible side effects. Like any medication or therapeutic substance, cannabis can have adverse effects on some individuals.
These may include altered mental states, such as confusion or hallucinations, particularly associated with THC. Users might also experience dizziness, dry mouth, and changes in appetite. In some cases, cannabis can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression, especially in high doses or in those predisposed to these conditions. It's also important to consider the risk of dependency with prolonged use.
Given these potential side effects, it's crucial to consult with a medical doctor before using cannabis, especially for therapeutic purposes. A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice, taking into account your medical history and current health status, to ensure safe and effective use.
Advancements in Cannabis Research and Clinical Trials
U.S. Rescheduling and Global Impact
On January 12, 2024, The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a pivotal document, indicating a likely shift in the U.S. federal classification of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.
This move, based on a comprehensive 252-page review, acknowledges cannabis as a medicine with benefits for at least 15 ailments, especially pain (10). This development is not just symbolic but sets a precedent, potentially influencing global medicinal cannabis markets. Countries worldwide are now reevaluating their stance on cannabis, aligning with these new standards and recognizing its medicinal value.
Following the significant shift in the U.S. federal classification of cannabis, it's also crucial to examine recent research findings that further illuminate the relationship between cannabis use and mental health, particularly among young adults and adolescents.
Recent Study on Mental Health Impacts in Youth
A recent study, conducted over two years, has found no link between cannabis use and an increased risk of psychosis, worsening of clinical symptoms, or decline in neurocognitive function in high-risk adolescents and young adults (11).
The study, which involved participants divided into three subgroups (continuous use, occasional use, and no use), observed that continuous cannabis users showed higher social and neurocognitive functioning and a decrease in the use of antidepressants and antipsychotics compared to non-users.
Conclusion
This journey through the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and the latest developments in research and policy highlights the evolving understanding of cannabis in health and wellness.
As we move forward, it's clear that a nuanced understanding of cannabis is emerging, one that recognizes its potential benefits while also considering its complexities and the need for further research. This evolving perspective is not only reshaping policies and medical practices but also reflecting a broader change in societal attitudes towards cannabis. The journey towards fully understanding and integrating cannabis into medical and recreational frameworks continues, promising new insights and developments in the years to come.
We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts. Please feel free to comment below with your perspectives, experiences, or any questions you might have about the evolving world of cannabis research and policy.
References
Andrew Daniller. Two-thirds of Americans support marijuana legalization. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/11/14/americans-support-marijuana-legalization/
Ketcherside A, Noble LJ, McIntyre CK, Filbey FM. Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Gene by Cannabis Use Interaction on CB1 Receptor Density. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2017;2(1):202-209. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2017.0007
Zlebnik NE, Cheer JF. Beyond the CB1 Receptor: Is Cannabidiol the Answer for Disorders of Motivation? Annual Review of Neuroscience. 2016;39(1):1-17. doi:https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-neuro-070815-014038
Mack A, Joy J. MARIJUANA AND PAIN. Nih.gov. Published 2011. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224384/
Atalay S, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Skrzydlewska E. Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants. 2019;9(1):21. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010021
Sarris J, Sinclair J, Karamacoska D, Davidson M, Firth J. Medicinal cannabis for psychiatric disorders: a clinically-focused systematic review. BMC Psychiatry. 2020;20(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2409-8
Vaillancourt R, Gallagher S, Cameron JD, Dhalla R. Cannabis use in patients with insomnia and sleep disorders: Retrospective chart review. Canadian Pharmacists Journal / Revue des Pharmaciens du Canada. 2022;155(3):175-180. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/17151635221089617
Jadoon KA, Tan GD, O’Sullivan SE. A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. JCI Insight. 2017;2(12). doi:https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.93760
Lukhele ST, Motadi LR. Cannabidiol rather than Cannabis sativa extracts inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016;16(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-016-1280-0
Windham WBDA. ALERT: US DHHS Publishes Full Report Detailing Recommendation to Move Cannabis from Schedule I to III. Lexology. Published January 16, 2024. https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e7e472ca-e723-4cba-a750-fddf84264010
1.New Longitudinal Study Finds Lack of Association Between Clinical Psychosis and Cannabis Use in High-Risk Young Adults and Adolescents. Medical Cannabis Research Center. Published September 20, 2023. https://drexel.edu/cannabis-research/research/research-highlights/2023/September/study-finds-no-assoc-with-cannabis-clinical-psychosis/
