Cannabis is a multidimensional, controversial plant that has grown in popularity in recent years. And since it has become such a trend, you cannot help wondering what makes people choose it. Well, it seems cannabis enhances the quality of people’s lives. Numerous studies conducted to examine the health benefits of the substance have concluded that cannabis can serve as a natural treatment for different physical and mental health conditions.
More and more products consisting of cannabis are developed to meet every consumer’s need.
But how does cannabis influence people’s lives? It varies from person to person, depending on several factors, such as the quality of cannabis and the type and method of use. Studies have revealed that most people use cannabis moderately, and they are not compelled to keep using it because its risks for addiction are low. People use cannabis when they consider its effects beneficial, and the reasons can be medical, social and spiritual. Although research is still ongoing, cannabis has promising therapeutic advantages.
This article explores how cannabis improves people’s health and well-being. But first, let’s take a look at the various ways you can consume cannabis.
Different methods of consuming cannabis
When thinking of cannabis, the first thing that comes to mind is smoking. However, there are many different ways of consuming the substance. Luckily, many products have been developed in recent years, so anyone who wants to try cannabis can find the best product for them. You can even purchase cannabis seeds and grow the plant yourself. That way, you’ll get something that perfectly fits your taste and needs.
Here are some ways you can consume cannabis:
- Edibles. Basically, they refer to any type of food that includes cannabis. Cannabis ice cream and weed cookies are two popular examples, but you can also find various infused snacks and candies. You can even find infused ingredients to cook the treats yourself.
- Capsules. THC capsules are a popular way of consuming cannabis. This method of ingesting the substance is beneficial, especially for individuals with respiratory issues.
- Tinctures. Cannabis tinctures are oil or alcohol-based extracts. They can either be incorporated into various cannabis recipes or administered sublingually. The sublingual method of consuming cannabis is popular for those individuals looking for a quick yet durable dose of cannabinoid substance.
This list is not comprehensive, as there are many other products that contain cannabis. People always consider the quality of the product, and that’s understandable since they want to ensure the effects are positive. Autoflower cannabis seeds are exceptional both in terms of flavors and effects. They are also easy to cultivate, as they don’t require light cycle changes to flower.
Cannabis uses in different life contexts
The social context
Cannabis is used socially for recreation and socializing purposes. Historical records have shown that wealthy people in ancient Rome had a cannabis-seed dessert at the end of their banquets. The dessert was popular for the pleasant sensations it caused. In old times, cannabis was also served at Indian weddings as a symbol of hospitality and luck.
Nowadays, cannabis is used for various activities, such as socializing, listening to music, and creative processes. The substance works as a recovery facilitator, helping you get out of the fight or flight state and enter a relaxing one.
The spiritual context
Spiritual well-being is an essential part of people’s overall health. People use cannabis spiritually to find connection and enlightenment. There’s a rich history regarding the spiritual use of cannabis. Ancient Chinese texts mention that cannabis can lighten someone’s body and allow them to interact with spirits.
The Scythians, inhabitants of Eastern Europe, utilized cannabis at funerals to show respect for deceased leaders. These days, people use cannabis in different spiritual ways, like personal growth or contemplation. It seems like the calming effects of cannabis help individuals gain another perspective when trying to understand complex life problems. Some even use cannabis to increase their connection with nature. And some individuals use it to bond with each other and reach a state of ‘oneness’.
The medical context
Many people use cannabis for medical purposes. Research has shown that cannabis can improve not only physical health but also mental wellbeing.
Several studies have shown that cannabis may improve nausea that occurs because of chemotherapy. Additionally, it may also promote cell death in cervical cancer. Cannabis has several anti-cancer effects that may help prevent some types of cancer and boost the immune system.
Cannabis has significant anti-inflammatory properties, benefiting conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Studies have also found cannabis can reduce blood pressure and relieve pain. It may help treat health issues that result in chronic pain, such as migraine, fibromyalgia or endometriosis.
Additionally, cannabis reduces soreness that follows a workout, being especially beneficial for athletes who find CBD products a helpful aid in healing from muscle inflammation. For instance, topicals and tinctures have incredible effects for locally targeted recovery.
In 2018, the FDA authorized the use of a medication consisting of cannabidiol to treat two types of epilepsy – Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. CBD is one of the various substances cannabis contains, and it’s not psychoactive. According to this study, the use of CBD decreased the number of seizures among children who suffered from Dravet syndrome, as opposed to a placebo, which didn’t prove to be as effective.
The health benefits of cannabis are not only physical – the substance may also help people struggling with mental health disorders such as PTSD, depression and anxiety.
A review from Clinical Psychology Review examined the scientific literature that investigated the benefits of cannabis in relieving mental illness symptoms. The authors concluded that cannabis might be helpful for depression and PTSD. However, it is not appropriate for other mental health conditions, like psychosis and bipolar disorder. A preclinical study has also shown that cannabis may be effective for relieving anxiety symptoms.
The bottom line
While a great deal of evidence currently exists regarding the benefits of cannabis on health, researchers continue to look for new ways in which the plant can play a role in helping to alleviate medical conditions.
From relieving anxiety and depression symptoms to decreasing seizures, cannabis products benefit people’s lives in numerous ways.
