Contributor: Mark Bishop
Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals found in the cannabis plant. These chemicals can have various effects on the human body, and some of them have been shown to be beneficial for health.
There are two main types of cannabinoids: THC and CBD. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that makes people feel “high”. CBD is not psychoactive and has been shown to have numerous health benefits.
Some of the potential health benefits of cannabinoids include:
- Pain relief
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved appetite
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved sleep quality
Pain Relief
One of the most well-known effects of cannabinoids is their ability to relieve pain. Cannabis has been used for pain relief for centuries, and modern science is beginning to confirm its efficacy.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD was effective in reducing chronic inflammation and pain in rats. The study’s authors concluded that “CBD represents a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of chronic pain”.
Another study published in The Pharmacological Journal showed that THC was effective in reducing pain in rats. The study’s authors concluded that “THC could be considered as a potential new therapeutic agent for the treatment of pain”.
Reduced Inflammation
Cannabinoids have also been shown to reduce inflammation. A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that CBD was effective in reducing inflammation in mice. The study’s authors concluded that “CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases”.
Improved Appetite
Cannabinoids can also improve appetite. A study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that THC increased food intake in rats. The study’s authors concluded that “THC increases food intake by acting on cannabinoid receptors in the brain”.
Reduced Anxiety
Cannabinoids can also reduce anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that CBD was effective in reducing anxiety in humans. The study’s authors concluded that “CBD is a potent anxiolytic drug with a good safety profile”.
Improved Sleep Quality
Cannabinoids can also improve sleep quality. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that CBD was effective in improving sleep quality in humans. The study’s authors concluded that “CBD is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of insomnia”.
How To Take Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids can be taken in various forms, including:
- Smoking cannabis
- Vaporizing cannabis
- Eating cannabis (edibles)
- Taking cannabis oil
- Applying cannabis topical cream
It is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking cannabinoids, as they can interact with other medications.
Smoking Cannabis
Smoking cannabis is the most common way to take cannabinoids. Cannabis can be smoked using a pipe, bong, joint, or vaporizer. It is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed.
Vaporizing Cannabis
Vaporizing cannabis is another popular way to take cannabinoids. Cannabis can be vaporized using a vape pen or vaporizer. It is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed.
Eating Cannabis (Edibles)
Eating cannabis is another popular way to take cannabinoids. Cannabis can be added to food, taken as a pill, or consumed as gummies. It is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed.
Taking Cannabis Oil
Taking cannabis oil is another popular way to take cannabinoids. Cannabis oil can be taken orally or applied topically. It is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed.
Applying Cannabis Topical Cream
Applying cannabis topical cream is another popular way to take cannabinoids. Cannabis topical cream can be applied to the skin. It is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed.
Cannabinoids are a promising new area of medicine with a wide range of potential health benefits. It is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking cannabinoids, as they can interact with other medications.
