In recent times, more people are increasingly becoming aware of the benefits of marijuana. However, the truth remains that there are numerous gains you can derive from marijuana which you probably never knew but the good news is that I’m going to bring them to your knowledge, right now.
Marijuana can help to relieve nausea and the frequent urge to vomit in patients undergoing chemotherapy. THC which is the popular cannabinoid found in marijuana is the crucial element that helps prevent nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. A 2001 study indicated that patients undergoing chemotherapy who smoked cannabis had 70-100% less chances of experiencing nausea or vomiting.
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What Exactly Is CBD?
Cannabidiol or CBD in its shortened form is a compound that is derived from the cannabis plant. This naturally occurring compound has been known over thousands of years to be efficacious in treating certain health challenges. In recent times, scientists, as well as doctors globally, have continued to test and confirm the therapeutic properties of CBD. Largely considered as a safe and non-addictive substance, CBD belongs to a family known as phytocannabinoids and is closely associated with tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, another compound that is famously known for its “high” effect and together, they are the two most studied cannabis compounds by scientists.
The health benefits of CBD include its ability to neutralize or reduce THC’s psychoactive effects based on the amount that is consumed. Lots of people are eager to enjoy the health benefits of cannabis without having to experience the “high” effect and that is why CBD has become so popular since it is readily available, therapeutically potent and convenient to take in liquid forms such as CBD oil.
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How is CBD Useful against Anxiety?
The human body is known to have lots of diverse receptors (receptors are chemical structures made of protein that are connected to cells and their duty is to receive signals from diverse stimuli). CBD reacts with CB1 receptors found within the central nervous system and CB2 receptors which are largely located in the peripheral nervous system.
It is believed that CBD interacts with CB1 receptors and helps to alter serotonin signals. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an active role in regulating mental wellbeing. It is important to note that low serotonin level is directly proportional to depression. Likewise, reduced serotonin level is also associated with anxiety.
The generally accepted way of treating low serotonin is through selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) but SSRI can only be administered through prescription. However, CBD can be used as an alternative in managing anxiety but it is advisable to discuss with your doctor before substituting SSRI with CBD.
Does CBD Based Medication Help With Anxiety
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Social Anxiety Disorder
CBD could also be beneficial in treating other known forms of anxiety-like social anxiety disorder or SAD. This was made known after a 2011 study discovered CBD’s positive effects on people battling with SAD. Those that participated in the study were either given a placebo or 400 milligrams of CBD and when the results were obtained, they discovered that those who were given CBD generally experienced reduced anxiety levels relative to those that were given a placebo.
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Panic Disorder
Panic Attack is a kind of anxiety disorder that can be experienced by some people whereby they feel acute terror or apprehension. Some of the symptoms include chest pain, profuse sweating, heightened heart rate, feeling dizzy, having trouble with breathing, etc.
Unlike anxiety attacks, panic attacks can occur at any moment and without notice. When such happens, victims are often misdiagnosed as having experienced a heart attack whereas it was a panic attack. Unfortunately, it is not yet known why panic attacks happen to some people but it is assumed to occur as a result of family history as well as environmental factors.
Lots of people consume cannabis as an antidote for anxiety or even depression; so in essence, they can be of help too in solving problems with panic attacks. Some studies have proven their efficacy in this regard but you may have to be careful with the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol.
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder or GAD for short is a psychological problem that can affect some people. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) pointed out that when CBD was used on animals during its study, it proved efficacious in reducing stress in rats.
During the study, it was noted that increased heart rate which is a physiological symptom associated with anxiety was observed to have improved. That notwithstanding, more research is needed especially on humans so that conclusions can be made.
Considering the numerous health benefits of CBD, many people are always seeking reliable ways they can source for CBD and dc weed.
