Therapeutic use of cannabis: what a recent study by the National Academy of Sciences claims
The Romans used to say "Naturalia non sunt turpia", nothing coming from nature can be morally shameful!
This is surely the best incipit for dealing with a topic that touches the matter of using cannabis.
The use of hemp and all the beneficial effects of marijuana takes root in very ancient times. A concrete example can be found in Bologna while taking a walk under the long porch overlooking Piazza Nettuno, where one of the vaults shows an ancient inscription, dating back to 1400: “Canabis Protectio” (cannabis protects)
The opinion on cannabis consumption is actually split by pros and cons, ethics and society but its effective therapeutic use is certainly known.
A recent study carried out by The National Academies of Sciences mainly focuses on the effects caused by the use of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes.
First, however, it is important to highlight some fundamental concepts in order to thoroughlyunderstand the matter.
What is cannabis and how does it work?
Cannabis consists of two cannabinoids: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabinol).
The effects of THC, the main psychoactive compound, depend on its concentration.
THC is responsible for the perceptible euphoria effect and for the great sense of hunger, also called "chemical hunger".
CBD has no psychoactive effects but has instead great relaxing properties, that’s whyit is considered "safe" gaining worldwide approval, day after day.
How to take Cannabis for therapeutic use
Not everyone knows that cannabinoids release their numerous benefits through a process commonly defined as "decarboxylation".
High temperatures are required for the active principle to have its proper effect; here’s why marijuana is usually consumed through smoking, vaporization or even infusion.
The beneficial effects of cannabis on diseases
Research has shown the strong properties of cannabis by encouraging its therapeutic use.
Studies prove that cannabinoids are highly effective in the treatment of social anxiety, depression and schizophrenia and results against other psychotic symptoms are also excellent.
This can happen only through the healing properties of cannabis: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and anticonvulsant are the main curative features.
At the moment, there are no confirmations or denials showing the benefits in consuming cannabinoids in the treatment of diseases such as epilepsy, glaucoma, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome and Parkinson's disease
The use of cannabis in the treatment of insomnia and other diagnostic limits
The consumption of cannabis has excellent analgesic and relaxing effects; however studies do not actually show that, in the medical field, its usage is effective in the treatment of sleep-related disorders.
It has instead been shown how cannabis can help improving appetite and weight loss e.g. where people suffering from HIV and in treating Tourette syndrome.
What is the purpose of this article?
We do not just want to focus on the results of the studies conducted within the past 20 years.
We think that those who can face their lives with enthusiasm need to deeply know what daily characterizes their habits.
A conscious consumption is a suitable and consistent choice!