Despite having a controversial past, studies have proven that there are health benefits linked to the use of cannabis; with this, more and more states have been legalizing its use for medical and recreational purposes. Researchers have found that certain substances found only in cannabis are responsible for its healing properties. These substances are called cannabinoids which we can separate into two major types.

• Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This psychoactive compound is found in cannabis responsible for getting cannabis users high. Found to be beneficial for people suffering from glaucoma, nerve pain, and more.
• Cannabidiol (CBD). It does not make cannabis users high. CBD helps relieve anxiety, PTSD, depression, and other mental health conditions.

The compounds can work either hand in hand or on their own when used to treat or ease symptoms caused by multiple health conditions, whether physical or mental.

There are also three types of cannabis depending on how it was bred. Below are the types of cannabis:

• Sativa. These breeds are known to make users more energized. It helps them become more productive and social.
• Indica. These breeds are best used during nighttime. It helps users fall asleep with its relaxing effects.
• Hybrid. These are a mixture of Sativa and Indica breeds.

Cannabis strains are bred differently to achieve the right THC and CBD balance, and Sativa or Indica dominance is needed for various conditions. Not only does cannabis help out with illnesses or conditions, but it can also enhance your health.

Benefits of Cannabis Use

Controls Anxiety Symptoms

The CBD compound found in cannabis is known to help relieve anxiety in patients. Although there is an increase in anxiety for people who intake high doses of THC, lower doses can do the opposite and help alleviate its symptoms.

Relieves Pain Caused by Arthritis

Both THC and CBD are found effective in alleviating pain caused by arthritis. As time passes, more and more cannabis-based products are being invented. Aside from smoking cannabis or munching on edibles, cannabis-based ointments and topicals have also shown efficiency in relieving pain caused by arthritis.

Helps Relieve Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Studies have shown that the compounds found in cannabis help induce sleep and relieve pain and muscle spasms caused by MS. The THC found in cannabis is responsible for relieving pain for MS patients.

Lessens Tremors Due to Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease can negatively affect a person's day-to-day life since it causes tremors in patients. It also reduces their quality of sleep. This disease is known to worsen over time, but cannabis can help with the symptoms that come with it. Certain cannabis strains have been claimed to be effective in reducing tremors in patients diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, such as Harle-Tsu, Girl Scout Cookies, and ACDC.

Prevents Depression

Debates revolving around the relationship between cannabis use and depression are common. Some say that cannabis worsens depression, while others say the opposite; the type of strain being used plays a part in this relationship. Some strains are better for those with depression, while others may worsen it; this is why it's important to figure out which strain would best work for you. Strains with high THC levels and are Sativa dominant are known to help people suffering from depression feel better.

Promoting Focus for Those with ADHD/ADD

When a person is diagnosed with either ADHD or ADD, their attention span can be quite short. Those who suffer from this illness may also find it hard to control their actions. Cannabis is effective for people with ADHD or ADD by aiding symptoms such as lack of restraint, agitation, and irritability while helping them focus more on their day-to-day tasks.

Helps Combat Chronic Pain

Chronic pain may be caused by multiple reasons, regardless of its causes. Those who suffer from chronic pain find it hard to go about their day-to-day routine, and its symptoms could last for over three months. Since our bodies are equipped with natural cannabinoid receptors, we can process the cannabinoids found in cannabis that is deemed helpful in relieving chronic pain.

Shows Behavioral Improvement for Those with Autism

Many people have autism; some are even diagnosed with the condition during childhood. People with autism sometimes find it hard to communicate with others, affecting how they build relationships. Numerous states have approved the use of medical marijuana for those diagnosed with autism after seeing behavioral improvement.

Better Alternative to Alcohol

While we cannot say that cannabis is 100% risk-free, when compared to alcohol, cannabis has several health benefits that come with it. Aside from this, a study shows many more alcohol-related fatalities due to overdose, and no fatalities have been reported for cannabis overdose.

Better Effectivity for Hepatitis C Treatments

Those with Hepatitis C can count on cannabis to help them out by alleviating the side effects that they may experience due to treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, and pain. When cannabis helps alleviate these side effects, it helps patients complete the entire treatment process simultaneously.

Moderate Use of Cannabis Isn't Bad for the Lungs

On the contrary to popular belief, smoking cannabis does not pose the same amount of harm to the lungs compared to tobacco smoke; this is because of the THC compound found in cannabis. THC is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which doesn't cause a cannabis smoker's lungs to be inflamed. Studies also show an increase in airflow when the lungs are exposed to cannabis.

Reduces the Risk of Getting Cancer

For years, researchers, doctors, and patients have been battling cancer. Compounds found in cannabis have effectively slowed down the growth of some cancer cells and killed others. Additionally, cannabis has also helped those undergoing chemotherapy cope with the side effects that come with it.

Good at Helping Reduce Weight

Plenty of people finds it hard to lose weight. Although cannabis intake may trigger the so-called "munchies," this doesn't mean cannabis will make you gain weight. While it increases a person's appetite, it simultaneously boosts their metabolism. Cannabis can also help boost a person's energy to spend time exercising.

Relieves Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

Positive results have been seen with the use of cannabis to relieve symptoms of IBD. Cannabis has been used to relieve visceral pain while decreasing secretions in those with IBD. It's being used hand in hand with therapy to make the treatment process more bearable.

Relieves and Controls Seizures

Cannabis is being studied to see if it could potentially treat seizures. CBD found in cannabis is responsible for relaxing a person's nervous system and is currently prescribed to patients who suffer from seizures.

Can Help Treat Fractures

Treating fractures can take a long time, but the process is shortened with the help of CBD. Studies show that CBD aids in the healing of broken bones while making them stronger and be less prone to future fractures.

Good with Relieving Glaucoma Symptoms

Cannabis is proven effective in reducing glaucoma symptoms such as the pressure and pain felt at the back of people's eyelids. Medical cannabis has been used as an alternative treatment for glaucoma.

Relieves PTSD Symptoms

PTSD can cause paranoia, stress, and hallucinations. Plenty of patients find it hard to sleep at night; indica-dominant cannabis has shown to be effective in inducing sleep in those with PTSD. Simultaneously, CBD can reduce activity in areas of the brain responsible for panic attacks, making patients feel more relaxed.

Helps in Preventing Diabetes

Users who have used cannabis to aid with diabetes have found it successful in lowering their sugar levels and preventing insulin spikes. These effects are caused by CBD and THCV, which are compounds known to stabilize blood glucose while improving a person's metabolism.

Delays Progression of Alzheimer's Disease

CBD in cannabis has helped prevent memory loss and behavior disorders. Since Alzheimer's is caused by inflammation in a person's brain, CBD can counter the inflammation with its anti-inflammatory properties. More studies are being conducted to support the use of cannabis for Alzheimer's Disease.

If you are interested in learning more about the different types of marijuana you can consume, visit a nearby dispensary and talk with a professional budtender! They won't give you any medical advice, but they will provide their personal opinion on what type of cannabis to use to potentially achieve desired outcomes!