Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has gained quite a reputation in health care these days. Long ago, it was used as an alternative medicine, and now, it’s seen as a treatment for serious diseases like cancer and PTSD. As researchers discover more about this plant, we’re finding out fascinating things about its potential benefits, like its ability to fight inflammation.
Medical marijuana helps fight inflammation, a widespread medical issue, thanks to its cannabinoids. Today, let’s dig a bit deeper into one of these, called tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short, and understand its role against inflammation.
What exactly is inflammation, you ask? It’s essentially your immune system’s defense mechanism against harmful stuff such as bacteria, toxins, or injuries. Your body sends substances and white blood cells to fight off these intruders and prevent them from spreading. This response causes inflammation. When under control, it’s not a big deal, but when your immune system isn’t functioning properly, causing too much or too little inflammation, it can lead to long-term diseases, including arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and even cancer. These conditions usually involve pain, which can affect sleep and day-to-day functioning.
These inflammatory diseases usually require anti-inflammatory meds and lifestyle changes. Apart from these traditional interventions, scientific research continues to explore the effectiveness of medical cannabis in fighting inflammation.
Cannabis is composed of over 400 different chemicals, each having various effects on the body, including anti-inflammatory benefits. The stars of the cannabis chemical show, cannabinoids – specifically THC and CBD – are processed by our bodies to reduce inflammation.
But how does our body deal with THC? Here’s the thing: your body needs a balance, or homeostasis, to function correctly, and the endocannabinoid system is tasked with maintaining this balance. The endocannabinoid system manages this process using components called CB receptors, which are present everywhere in the body and get activated by cannabinoids like THC.
Knowing this, let’s look deeply into how THC acts as an anti-inflammatory. Your endocannabinoid system plays a role in moderating your immune system to control inflammation. Particularly, the CB2 receptors residing on immune cells can regulate inflammation when activated – and THC can do just this job! Studies have shown that THC can manipulate the immune responses, lowering inflammation, and even reduce the production and release of proinflammatory substances.
In essence, THC could potentially be a powerful tool against inflammation, but it’s not freely available yet. For now, you need a doctor’s consultation for a medical marijuana card to legally use THC as a medicine.
Let’s now talk about some of the best cannabis strains out there for inflammation:
1. ACDC: This is a sativa-dominant strain great for those using marijuana for health purposes. It has high CBD and low THC content, allowing you to enjoy all the medical benefits without feeling too high.
2. Cannatonic: This is a great daytime strain that won’t leave you feeling sleepy or high. It has low THC and high CBD content, making it very effective for reducing inflammation and pain.
3. Harlequin: This is another sativa-dominant strain great for daytime use. High in CBD content, it helps with relaxation and inflammation reduction. Plus, its low THC level can uplift your mood and energy levels.
4. Blueberry Kush: If inflammation is making sleep difficult for you, this could be the strain to opt for. This is an indica-dominant strain known for its ability to soothe inflammation and promote good rest.
Once you understand THC’s role in fighting inflammation, you might want to consider trying medical marijuana to improve your health and lifestyle. It’s always crucial, however, to consult with a medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen.
