Is marijuana the right choice for you?
We all know that many people swear by marijuana use, while others demonize it and only have bad things to say about it.
So why not take an objective look at its benefits and risks in order to decide if it’s worth it
or not?
CBD vs. THC
The cannabis plant produces a family of chemicals called cannabinoids. You must know this because there are subtle differences between each of them and therefore, they affect us in different ways.
The two cannabinoids we will be addressing are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Cannabis plants that produce the “high” that most people talk about have high levels of THC, while plants with high CBD are called hemp.
So now that we have defined both THC and CBD let’s jump to their benefits and assess
their risks.
1. Medical benefits
When you think of CBD (cannabidiol) you probably think of its medicinal properties,
and you’re right!
CBD is mostly used for joint pain, seizures, inflammation, and many more afflictions.
But did you know about THC’s medical benefits?
THC is often used for increasing appetite and decreasing chronic pain thanks to its pain-relieving effects.
Another thing that you must know is that many of the benefits of medical cannabis are still under research.
Doctors usually prescribe cannabis ONLY for chemotherapy side effects and patients with seizures.
But many afflictions come up again and again in studies, and many people attest that cannabis has helped them through them.
Some of them are:
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Endometriosis
Migraine
Due to its anti-inflammatory traits, many people use cannabis for:
Crohn's disease
IBS
Rheumatoid arthritis
Now here comes a usual catch that some people encounter when it’s
too late.
Even though a lot of people claim that marijuana is good for reducing anxiety and stress, as well as helping with other mental illnesses. This might not be the right choice for everyone.
Different people have different tolerance to THC, which means that if you have low tolerance, your anxiety and mental state can get even worse under the effect of marijuana.
This study on Drug and Alcohol Dependence made in 2017, found that low doses of THC can ease anxiety, while higher doses worsen it and have negative effects on the overall mood of a person.
On the other hand, CBD can reduce anxiety and paranoia. Even though it is not scientifically proven, you will find that people use CBD and swear by it when it comes to mental health.
Risks:
The higher the dose of THC, the more unwanted side effects.
It can worsen anxiety in some people.
It may not work for your specific affliction.
Nausea.
Confusion.
Paranoia.
2. Less addictive
Many studies such as this one concluded that marijuana is not as addictive as many think.
approximately 3 in 10 people who use marijuana have marijuana use disorder, and while some people could become dependent, they might not become addicted.
Which makes it a much better option than synthetic opioids when treating chronic pain.
The journal Health Affairs found in a study made in 2016 that there were fewer doses of painkillers prescribed per year in states where medical marijuana was legal. This might lead to the conclusion that people are using cannabis instead of opioids for pain relief.
Some researchers are even looking to use cannabinoids to treat opioid abuse, but trials are limited because of marijuana’s classification as a Schedule 1 drug.
There is large evidence that most people who have smoked marijuana do not become heavy users.
Risks:
There are heavy users of marijuana. If you feel like you are craving it or that you need it to function, you are probably suffering from addiction and should take a step back.
Marijuana, like any drug, could be a gateway to other drugs. It depends on the person and what they want out of the drug.
3. You get to choose your dosage
If you go to a cannabis dispensary you will notice that products are sold in doses.
If you are just starting on your marijuana journey, this is perfect because you get to introduce yourself with the right amount for your needs.
You might want to start with small doses and see how you feel. Then work your way up until you find the perfect amount for your body.
Always take note of how much you took for reference in the future.
Risks:
Different products have different potencies. So make sure you know how the product you are ingesting works.
Edibles do not hit the same way as smoking. So do not take more than you can handle.
Some edibles take a longer time to hit you, give it time and you will feel it. If you take more than you should you will be in for a not-so-fun time.
4. Cannabis benefits in daily life
Many people claim that smoking weed helps them throughout their daily life and experiences.
Some people even use cannabis for exercising, claiming that it enhances the enjoyment and helps them recover from workouts. Some even say that cannabis boosts their motivation to exercise.
Research has shown that cannabis can be used as an aphrodisiac. People swear by it when it comes to sexual desire and satisfaction.
It is also used by artists when it comes to creativity and stimulation.
Even eating can become a wonderful experience because your senses are heightened and you might be able to enjoy everything in a more "colorful" way.
Risks:
Impairs body coordination
Impairs decision making
Memory loss
Attention problems
Reduced body temperature
Faster heart rate
If you are looking for Oakland dispensaries to start your cannabis journey or to explore your options, take a look at our locations right here.
Remember that quality comes first when purchasing cannabis, it will save you undesired side effects and will ensure a better experience.