Earlier this year, marijuana became legalized after a legislature bill got approved in the Illinois state. It was Governor JB Pritzker, who signed the law-bill, and it didn’t take many lapses while eleven others including the Washington, District of Columbia have also legalized marijuana for recreational use for adults over 21. And 33 states have legalized medical marijuana.
It always had remained a subject of controversy among its recreational use and medical usages of it. History has it- many notable people have consumed it for hundreds of years.
This article will be busting some myths and exploring the seven things you need to know about cannabis and mental health.
Marijuana for asthma
Amendments in the laws and the increased usage of medicinal cannabis and have led to questions about what conditions can it treat. The question people ponder whether marijuana can affect or treat asthma.
Studies suggest that the etiology of conditions such as asthma are mere psychological rather than physiological. Often the symptoms are triggered by psychosomatic factors and lower quality of life. Moreover, active smoking, inactivity, and obesity all contribute to the risk.
There are some theories that the anti-inflammatory properties found in cannabis could help ease the inflammation of asthma. However, it is to avoid if you suffer from a lung infection as it may further cause risks. Also, you should never try to self-medicate your asthma with marijuana and instead should follow a treatment plan prescribed by your doctor to avoid any unnecessary complications.
Cannabis for Eating Disorders
The chapter on Eating Disorders in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) includes Anorexia Nervosa. The diagnosis primarily affects young girls and women, to have a distorted body with a pathological fear of becoming fat, which leads them towards excessive dieting and suffers severe weight loss.
A handful of studies are available to support the positive correlation between cannabis improving eating disorders. The cannabis contains over half a dozen types of cannabinoids and mainly are already known for their medicinal value. Research suggests that cannabis as an anorexia treatment is highly plausible since our bodies exert such a firm cannabinoid release, and influences hunger. To support this argument, a study in Belgium already took place earlier in 2011.
Medical Marijuana and Epilepsy
Cannabidiol can help control seizures. It is evident from reports, clinical studies conducted over the years, suggesting in its favor. However, there are some financial and time constraints and limited access due to Federal regulations.
There is evidence from reports and small clinical studies conducted over several years, suggesting that cannabidiol potentially may help epileptic-seizures.
Another study supported that the addition of Cannabidiol to a traditional seizure medication decreased the frequency of drop seizures significantly in children and adults with LGS.
Cannabidiol for PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric illness in which a person has been wide-open to a traumatic event in the past, or the event is presently occurring. This disorder affects approximately 10% of people at some point in life.
At a therapeutic intervention, cannabinoids are assisting PTSD.
The neurological response is an essential factor in the body’s reaction to stress and handling emotional memories. It also helps to reduce the fear response, which comes from the part of the brain called the amygdala.
Cannabinoids Research to Treat MS
Multiple sclerosis a long-lasting autoimmune disease, which damages the brain and body’s immune system. A significant amount of evidence suggests that Cannabis helps MS is managing the following symptoms:
- Pain and sleep disturbances
- Inflammatory-related issues
- Muscle spasms
- Abdominal complaints
- Mood issues
Marijuana and Muscle Spasticity / Muscle Spasm
Millions of people around the world suffer medical symptoms causing such pain, which restricts their physical movements. Such spasms are offered medications and exercises to provide relief. However, such conventional treatments cause drowsiness and other side effects.
Studies suggest that Cannabis seems to ease the painful muscle stiffness as depending on how long as the high lasts the same way it offers for Multiple sclerosis.
Can Glaucoma be treated with Cannabis?
Glaucoma is a severe condition of the eye, which can lead to blindness if not treated beforehand. It damages the optic nerve, which gradually deteriorates the vision. Since cannabis became legitimate for medical usage in some states of the US and Canada, it is in discussions worldwide.
So far, the only way to treat the eye conditions is privileged to an ophthalmologist with prescription of medications, eye drops, or surgery depending on the severity of the situation. But scientific studies are undergoing lab-controlled interventions with ingredients of marijuana to offer a treatment yet.