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Three Ways Medical Cannabis Can Change Medicine

By May 24, 2018April 26th, 2022No Comments

With more and more U.S. states embracing medical and recreational cannabis, more pharmacists and physicians are considering medical marijuana as a way to help treat their patients and their medical conditions. If you have googled “retail marijuana close to me”, you may have seen a number of studies that look into how cannabis could make a difference and change the future of health care.

Here are several ways cannabis can avoid or delay conventional medical care.

Cannabis for mental health

A number of patients suffering from depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD and anxiety disorders reach out to dispensaries providing retail marijuana close to me in order to relieve their symptoms.

The healing properties of cannabis come from over a hundred cannabinoids, particularly THC and CBD. By activating cannabinoid receptors known as CB1 and CB2 and their endogenous agonists called endocannabinoids, cannabinoids affect our internal endocannabinoid system (ECS) and help restore homeostasis in our body. ECS regulated a myriad of biological processes, such as sleep, immune system functions, appetite, cognitive function, mood and more.

Evidence shows that ECS also affects neurotransmission, as well as inflammatory and neuroendocrine processes, which are impaired in both depression and chronic pain. Those searching for alternative ways of treatment for depression and the above-mentioned conditions have discovered that CBD is quite effective and beneficial for their mental health.

CBD has a soothing, calming effect without the THC’s psychoactive effects and studies confirm that this cannabinoid could be a possible solution.

Marijuana for neuropathic pain

Scientific evidence shows that medical marijuana can be useful for treating neuropathic pain, which is caused by damaged, injured or dysfunctional nerves. Although there is no pain-causing stimulus, the damaged nerves send inappropriate and incorrect signals to pain centers. People suffering from neuropathic pain experience painful, burning sensations often associated with stabbing, itching, numbness, or electric shocks.

Unlike other types of pain, neuropathic pain usually doesn’t get better with painkillers such as ibuprofen so stronger drugs like morphine are needed. However, these medications come with many unwanted side effects and doesn’t necessarily treat effectively neuropathic pain. Studies have shown that patients who are unresponsive to these forms of treatment respond well to cannabis. Marijuana can provide pain relief due to its relationship with the endocannabinoid system.

Cannabinoids bind to the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, which play a role in regulating the neurotransmitter and central nervous system. As a result, the symptoms associated with neuropathic pain are mitigated and patients can finally find relief from persistent and debilitating chronic nerve pain they are suffering from.

Cannabis can help fight the opioid epidemic

Opioid overdose is a very real threat. It has been implicated in more than 500,000 deaths in the U.S. over the past 15 years. Medical marijuana could help those struggling with opioid addiction as an effective replacement for their medical condition.

Overuse of prescription opioids has decreased in those states that have adopted medical marijuana laws and/or legalized cannabis for recreational purposes. Studies have indicated that medical marijuana could treat opioid addition and fight the nation’s dependence on opiates.

Looking for retail marijuana close to me?

If you are looking for retail marijuana close to me, look no further than People’s OC. As the biggest dispensary of its kind in California, we are your one-stop shop in Orange County that will provide you with the industry’s finest marijuana products and gear. Come by our store and let our friendly and knowledgeable personnel help you find the optimal solution for your needs!