10 Surprising Cannabis Oil Benefits
Medical marijuana is legal in 29 states and in Washington, D.C. Millions of Americans have already been helped by consuming cannabis in its various forms.
As the nation inches closer to full decriminalization, a lot of the stigma associated with the plant is dying. And with advances in extraction and safety, patients are experiencing amazing cannabis oil benefits.
Marijuana is a unique remedy to a score of different conditions because it offers both physical and psychological relief. And as new research continues to come out, we'll learn even more about how to tailor its delivery and dosage to help patients.
Not sure if cannabis oil is right for you? Let's take a deeper dive and see exactly why and how cannabis oil benefits those who use it.
What Is Cannabis Oil?
Cannabis oil is the most concentrated and potent of the three main marijuana plant extracts (the other two being the flower and the resin, sometimes called hashish).
It is a thick, sticky substance consisting of different cannabinoids that have been extracted from the marijuana plant. It can contain both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is responsible for many of the psychoactive effects of cannabis, producing that feeling of being high. CBD is much more effective with pain management and is a godsend to many patients who need relief but don't want to be “stoned.”
Cannabis oil is most effective when produced by professionals who can keep the quality high.
Often, cannabis oil bought from street dealers or friends contains impurities. There may be lower levels of THC or CBD in the oil, which reduces the cannabis oil benefits in treating illness.
How Do People Consume Cannabis Oil?
Those who rely on cannabis oil aren't just looking for a quick high. They need medicine that's effective for their specific conditions.
Thankfully, cannabis oil can be ingested orally as a pill, vaporized for inhaling, made into a cream to apply directly to the skin, or turned into a suppository. It's also regularly been infused in different beauty products and skin care salves.
You have options for receiving your medicine. Patients should consult with a professional about the best method for consumption.
Finding the right dosage and application is crucial to getting the most from your treatment.
The Top 10 Cannabis Oil Benefits That May Surprise You
Now that you have a sense what cannabis oil is, you may be surprised to learn just how many different uses it has. The list of conditions that can be treated, if not cured, is long.
And the kinds of people who benefit from the product are as diverse as the different strains of cannabis present in the world. Below are 10 amazing cannabis oil benefits patients experience.
Reduces Stress And Anxiety
The natural compounds found in cannabis oil are quite effective in lowering stress levels and reducing anxiety. They stimulate the release of pleasure hormones and can help cause feelings of relaxation.
It's important that patients find the right dosage to maximize the stress-relieving cannabis oil benefits. The properties of THC at certain levels can actually cause an increase in anxiety and paranoia.
For those new to the plant, the increased heart rate and heightened senses can feel more stressful than relaxing. CBD, however, naturally combats the effects of THC, reducing the psychoactive effects and helping keep the patient calm.
Numerous studies have shown that CBD is incredibly effective at lowering many forms of anxiety, from social anxiety to clinical depression. It allows patients to go about their daily lives more confidently and interact with others in a meaningful way.
Want to know even more about how cannabis oil reduces pain? Check out our in-depth blog.
Relieves Physical Pain
Cannabis oil benefits those suffering from all kinds of physical ailments. From rheumatoid arthritis to migraine headaches, the properties of cannabis have been proven effective time and again.
Pain relief is one of the original uses for marijuana. Dating back thousands of years, ancient cultures in China and India made use of the plant as medicine.
Cannabis products are effective pain relief for a couple different reasons.
First, they've been shown to block neural transmitters in the brain that send pain signals to the body. They've also been shown to be effective in fighting inflammation.
Patients recovering from surgery, for example, benefit greatly from this property. A regular dosage of cannabis oil as part of the healing process can be quite useful in reducing pain and keeping the patient comfortable so he can heal properly.
Protects The Skin
When used as a topical ointment, cannabis oil is a great tool for promoting healthy skin and reducing the harmful effects of certain chronic skin conditions.
It stimulates the shedding of dead skin cells and encourages the growth of new ones. Your skin will look more youthful and vibrant with regular application of cannabis oil-based creams or lotions.
Cannabis oil also aids in the production of lipids, which are crucial to the fight against psoriasis and acne, among other skin problems. For those who've tried numerous other remedies, cannabis oil provides a natural and effective alternative.
Additionally, the stress-relieving effects particularly in CBD work to combat eczema, rosacea and other skin diseases that arise during times of anxiety.
Whether you're looking for a boost in anti-aging, relief from a painful skin condition, or just want to have healthier skin, the cannabis oil benefits are plentiful.
Calms Asthma
Most people don't associate a product that is commonly smoked with being able to treat breathing conditions, but cannabis oil is a powerful tool in calming asthma and other related diseases.
It can be a natural solution for millions of people suffering from asthma because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It can help dilate bronchial tubes, making it easier to breathe and allowing for a better oxygen flow.
While more research needs to be done, there is also evidence that cannabis may also be an effective expectorant. Helping patients produce mucus during an asthmatic episode or other bronchial condition is a major step in finding relief.
It also helps reduce the anxiety that goes along with being in the middle of an asthma flare-up. Not being able to breathe is quite scary. But by helping patients stay calm and reducing inflammation in the lungs, cannabis oil can speed up the recovery process.
Limits Stroke Damage
Cannabis oil benefits those who've suffered damage from a stroke and may actually reverse some of its effects. The CBD in it has been shown to protect neurons and limit the area of the brain a stroke can damage.
The quicker it is administered after an incident, the more effective it can be. Scientists believe this is because a stroke causes significant inflammation and stress on the brain.
Here is yet another case where the amazing anti-inflammatory properties found in CBD work to help the body heal itself. Combined with physical therapy and other treatments, cannabis oil can help stroke victims recover and return to leading a full life.
Helps You Sleep Better
Studies have shown that smoking marijuana is similar to drinking alcohol in its effect on your sleep. Regular use actually hinders the body's ability to go to sleep while limited use may benefit it.
However, cannabis oil benefits users in a way that smoking does not. It produces different results and therefore is a good choice as a natural sleep aid for patients who struggle with insomnia.
Current thinking suggests that this is the result of cannabis oil's anti-anxiety properties more than a direct sleep regulation feature of the compound.
Cannabis oil has been shown to block rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, allowing for deeper, less disturbed rest. Patients report dreaming less and waking up more rested.
It has also been found to cause drowsiness. While this is beneficial to inducing good sleep, this may not be a desired effect during other times of the day.
Patients should consult with a professional to find to proper dosage so they can get the most from the cannabis oil benefits to their sleeping patterns.
Having the right balance of CBD to THC and taking the medicine at the proper time can lead to vast improvements in sleep, and overall health as a result.
Aids In Cancer Prevention And Treatment
Some advocates and patients go so far as to say that cannabis can cure cancer. And while the jury is still out on this claim, the amazing testimonials of cancer patients experiencing cannabis oil benefits cannot be denied.
Cannabis is used to combat the damaging effects of chemotherapy. By increasing patients' appetite and reducing their anxiety and inflammation, it allows their bodies to fight the disease more effectively and speed up the road to recovery.
Beyond its uses for pain and stress management, scientists have found that some cannabinoids are useful in directly fighting the spread of cancer. They can kill cancer cells, prevent new ones from spreading throughout the body, and reduce the risk of new blood cells becoming tumors.
Beating cancer is a hard fight, but cannabis oil has helped many people deal with the physical and mental side effects brought on by the disease. As more research is done, scientists are hoping to find even more links between cannabis and a cure.
Improves Heart Health
Smoking marijuana can speed up the heart rate and make people feel uneasy, especially if they already have certain heart conditions.
However, the anti-oxidant properties of cannabis oil could prevent or reduce heart disease. Studies done in animals has shown positive effects in treating atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack.
And scientists have shown that certain cannabinoids can cause blood vessels to relax and dilate in humans. This reduces blood pressure and improves circulation.
The anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties in cannabis oil, particularly in CBD, also reduce the vascular response to stress. CBD has also been shown to help regulate white blood cell function.
On the whole, evidence suggests considerable cannabis oil benefits to heart health and could be an effective part of a treatment regimen for patients.
Soothes Tremors
For patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease, cannabis oil has been shown to help ease tremors and improve fine motor skills. The improvements to their quality of life can be tremendous.
As with other diseases like cancer, the anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties found in cannabis work to combat the crippling effects of the disease. It has been shown to prevent neuron damage in Parkinson's patients.
Certain neurons produce dopamine, a natural chemical that affects movement among other things. For people suffering from a movement-related disorder, this is a major breakthrough.
There is also some evidence coming out that cannabis oil might help in preventing seizures. For people with epilepsy, this is a major development. More research needs to be done, but the prospects are promising.
Reduces Glaucoma
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. It's also been cited often as a condition for which patients seek out medical marijuana.
And while doctors have known and accept the benefits cannabis has in combating glaucoma, there is a conflicting opinion about the dangers smoking poses to eye health. As a result, cannabis oil has emerged as a popular and safer alternative for those afflicted with glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases.
Some forms of glaucoma cause painful side effects and vomiting. For patients afflicted with these, cannabis can be a godsend.
So while the jury is still out on exactly how cannabis helps glaucoma and to what extent, it is clear that regular use of cannabis oil can at least make patients more comfortable.
Cannabis Oil Can Improve Your Health
For dozens of the crippling diseases and conditions, the cannabis oil benefits patients experience are life-changing.
Millions of people are seeing improvements in their health and mental wellness because they've added cannabis oil to their treatment program. From relieving anxiety to lowering inflammation, cannabis has proven to be a wide-ranging elixir.
As new research comes in, there is optimism around finding even more medicinal benefits.
The cannabis industry is growing at an alarming rate. CBD alone is expected to increase its market by 700% by 2020.
We're proud to be part of a growing industry and to offer solutions for companies looking to make a difference. Have a question about cannabis oil benefits for you or need a cannabis consultant?
Contact us today. We'd love to talk to you!
