Cannabis and CBD for your health: should you try it?
A thoughtful approach to understanding the hype and stigma around medical marijuana and CBD, and making the right choice for you.
Happy Tuesday, health heroes.
You know I love to de-bunk a health myth (or give you the tools to help you do it yourself) and you’re familiar with a few of our prior topics, like the microbiome and Ozempic.
Today we’re taking a hearty stab at a different kind of modern medicine: Cannabis.
Cannabis, with its reputation as a natural remedy, might seem like a go-to option if you’re someone who leans toward natural and less medicinal approaches. But before you jump on the cannabis train, invest time and resources into really considering if it’s right for you.
I must admit that I wasn’t fully aware of much of this information in any detail before setting out. I had some vague understanding of the cannabis and CBD landscape.
Being vaguely enlightened about a health intervention is dangerous because we think we know, but we really don’t.
I’ve compiled this intro guide based on questions and requests from my own clients and questions I receive often. It’s a fairly comprehensive overview, so refer to it like a guidebook and don’t feel like you have to consume it all in one sitting.
(Substack has also warned me it’s too long for email, so open it up in a browser for the best reading experience!)
Before we jump in…
Before putting this article together, I was neutral about cannabis and CBD as a health intervention, but I had a cautiously optimistic stance. Now, after my research, what do I think? I conclude that cannabis and CBD may have a place as a health intervention for a some, but not everyone. You’ll know if you’re one of those people after you get to the bottom of this article.
If you’re already using cannabis or CBD, read this information to see if it still aligns with your overall health philosophy – how you generally want to manage your health.
There’s a lot of information here, but it barely scratches the surface. This article is intended to give you a higher platform to jump off of and continue to do your own homework. If I missed something, fill in the blanks with your own personal research. I’ve interjected thoughtful questions and considerations representing my own curiosity and perceptions as we go.
Cost, Risk, Effort, Effectiveness, Commitment, and Support – I call these factors CREECS — are always important to remember as you think about whether cannabis or CBD is right for you. You can read more about this decision-making method here.
Okay, let’s dive into cannabis and CBD. If you have comments or questions, reach out to me in the comments!
🍃 Cannabis — What’s All the Hype About?
The conversation around cannabis, marijuana, grass, weed, pot, or whatever you want to call it has evolved dramatically in recent years, from debates about legalization to its potential medicinal benefits.
My own experience with cannabis is limited to remembering my classmates in high school who smoked weed in the bathroom. They were considered “druggies” at the time. Would they be considered druggies today? No — cannabis just isn’t viewed the same way anymore. Maybe that’s because it’s found not just in joints but in gummies, vaping devices, and foods, too. I can’t help but wonder how my druggie high school classmates are doing. Research shows that cannabis use by teens has another level of negative repercussions on teens’ growing brains, but that’s an article for another day.
Cannabis products come in various forms to suit different preferences and needs. These include flowers (dried cannabis buds) for smoking or vaporizing, edibles like gummies, chocolates, and baked goods that provide a longer-lasting effect, and tinctures and oils that can be taken sublingually for precise dosing.
Topicals, such as creams and balms, are used for localized relief of pain or inflammation, while capsules offer a convenient and discreet way to ingest cannabis.
Additionally, vape cartridges provide a smokeless option for inhalation, and concentrates, like wax and shatter, deliver high-potency doses for experienced users.
In recent years, it has gone from a counterculture natural hippie cure to a modern medicine with more research than ever. You’ve probably heard a lot about its purported benefits, but what exactly are we talking about here? I’ll cover that in a little bit. First, not all cannabis is created equal, so let’s start there.
🥬 Hemp vs. Cannabis
Let’s distinguish the difference between hemp and cannabis so we are clear about which one we’re tempted to try. Hemp and marijuana are the same species of plant in the Cannabaceae family. The primary difference between hemp Cannabis and marijuana Cannabis is that they were cultivated for different things: one for industrial and consumable purposes and the other for drug purposes. As such, they each have different phytochemical compositions and uses. For purposes of this article, I’ll refer to the two main types as hemp (CBD) and cannabis (marijuana). Let’s get a little technical.
Chemical Composition:
Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that contains very low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), typically less than 0.3%. THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects (the “high”) associated with cannabis.
Hemp is primarily grown for its fiber, seeds, and CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive compound with various therapeutic uses.
Cannabis refers to strains of the Cannabis plant that have higher levels of THC, usually above 0.3%. These strains are cultivated for their psychoactive properties and used recreationally and medicinally.
Legal Status:
Hemp is legally classified differently from marijuana in many countries, including the U.S., due to its low THC content. The 2018 Farm Bill in the U.S. legalized the cultivation of hemp and the production of hemp-derived products, including CBD, as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC.
Cannabis, because of its higher THC content, is subject to stricter regulations and remains illegal at the federal level in the U.S. However, many states have legalized it for medical and recreational use. Federal versus state position on cannabis is an indicator of the conflicting nature of cannabis in general in U.S. culture.
🧪 Delta-9-THC verses Delta-8-THC
Delta-8 and delta-9 are cannabinoids and are similar in both their names and their chemical structures. THC is the part of the marijuana plant that produces the "high" associated with marijuana; the scientific name for THC is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-9 THC, or just delta-9. Delta-8 is short for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-8 THC. Delta-8 causes effects for users similar to regular delta-9. It is essential to be aware of the difference between delta-9 and delta-8-THC products because you might find yourself leaning toward purchasing a Delta-8-THC product. After all, it seems like a healthier choice. If you don’t know much about these variations, read on. Neither did I.
Delta-8-THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid that has gained popularity for its psychoactive effects, which are like those of delta-9-THC (the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana) but generally considered to be milder. Delta-8-THC products, such as gummies and vape cartridges, often resemble traditional marijuana products in appearance and usage. These products can produce mood-altering effects like euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception, making them appealing to some users as a legal alternative to marijuana.
Unlike delta-9-THC, which is typically derived from marijuana, delta-8-THC is often manufactured from CBD (cannabidiol) extracted from hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives, provided they contain less than 0.3% delta-9-THC. As a result, delta-8-THC exists in a legal gray area in many states, leading to its widespread availability. Importantly, there is no federal minimum age requirement to purchase delta-8-THC products, which raises concerns, particularly about access among minors.
There is a growing concern around delta-8-THC that stems from several factors. First, the production of delta-8-THC often involves chemical processes to convert CBD from hemp into delta-8-THC, which can result in impurities or residual solvents if not adequately regulated.
Second, the psychoactive effects of delta-8-THC, while milder, can still impair cognitive and motor functions, leading to safety concerns, particularly when driving or operating machinery. Additionally, because delta-8-THC products are often unregulated, their potency and purity can vary widely, increasing the risk of unintended side effects or negative experiences. Consumers beware of delta-8-THC.
Now let’s look at what THC is reported to do for our health.
🥦 Conditions Commonly Treated with Cannabis:
Cannabis can cover a wide variety of ailments, including the following. This isn’t comprehensive, however.
Chronic Pain: Many patients use cannabis to manage pain from conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy.
Anxiety and PTSD: CBD-dominant strains or products can help with anxiety, while balanced THC/CBD strains may be beneficial for PTSD.
Cancer-related Symptoms: Cannabis is often used to manage pain, nausea, and appetite loss in cancer patients.
Multiple Sclerosis and Spasticity: Cannabis, primarily THC, has been shown to reduce muscle spasms and pain associated with multiple sclerosis.
Epilepsy: High-CBD products, such as Epidiolex, are approved for managing certain types of epilepsy.
Medicinal cannabis appears to be a valuable tool in managing various health conditions, but it requires both consideration and guidance.
Let’s keep going.
CBD vs Cannabis
When should you try one over the other, and what’s the difference?
💫 Psychoactive Effects:
The most significant difference between CBD and THC is that THC produces psychoactive effects, commonly known as the “high.”
CBD, on the other hand, does not cause any intoxicating effects and is often favored by those who want therapeutic benefits without the mind-altering experience.
🪷 Therapeutic Effects:
Both CBD and THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system but in different ways.
CBD is often used for its potential anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure properties. It has been shown to help with conditions like epilepsy (e.g., Dravet syndrome), anxiety disorders, and chronic pain, particularly where inflammation is involved.
THC, on the other hand, is more effective for managing pain, stimulating appetite, reducing nausea (especially in chemotherapy patients), and helping with muscle spasticity (such as in multiple sclerosis).
👩🏽⚕️ Health Perception:
Many people view CBD as the ‘safer’ option because it does not produce a high and is less likely to lead to dependency. It’s often marketed as a natural remedy for a wide range of ailments, and its legal status is more favorable in many places compared to THC. If being culturally appropriate is vital to you, then CBD might be a better choice.
Are the positive effects equal?
While both CBD and THC offer therapeutic benefits, they are not always equal in their effectiveness for specific conditions:
Pain Relief: THC tends to be more effective for certain types of pain, especially neuropathic pain. CBD may help with inflammatory pain but may not be as effective as THC for severe pain conditions.
Anxiety: CBD is widely used for anxiety and is often preferred because it does not produce the anxiety or paranoia that can sometimes be a side effect of THC. In contrast, THC, particularly in high doses, can exacerbate anxiety in some users.
Seizure Control: CBD is well-established for its anti-seizure properties, particularly in pediatric epilepsy syndromes. THC does not have the same level of evidence for seizure control and may not be suitable for those with seizure disorders.
🏥 Medical Guidelines for Cannabis and CBD
What is the medical guidance for the use of cannabis and CBD? It’s a good question, and I had difficulty finding the answer. Maybe it’s because it doesn’t exist or I’m not a licensed medical professional.
What I did find is that cannabis is authorized or recommended for use rather than prescribed, and patients are issued a card or designation that permits them to buy, use, possess, and, in some states, grow cannabis for personal medical use. A medical doctor provides this permit.
I found some therapeutic levels for different ailments and listed them below. Still, I would not rely on this information to titrate your medical use, so please – see a doctor who prescribes medical marijuana if you want to use it medicinally or if you want to start using CBD therapeutically. In other words, if you’re going to use cannabis as a treatment, get serious and talk to a qualified professional about using it as an ongoing intervention.
Who is this, exactly? I would lean on a physician or nurse practitioner with additional training or affiliation to an association in this area.
General THC Recommendations:
(For general understanding only, do not use it in place of a professional for guidance!)
I hesitate to put recommendations here because dosing can get complicated, and you must do your own research.
But will you? Considering that most people generally act first and research later, I put some very general cannabis dosing based on high-level research.
I compiled this section to give you a starting point only. Even the medical community has varying recommendations, and it can be challenging to achieve consensus on dosing recommendations. However, I found this article helpful in understanding how the medical community might do so.
Also, if you’re dosing yourself, please see this patient’s guide to understanding the labels and interpreting product certificates of analysis.
You can also use this guide to help you purchase your cannabis or CBD.
THC Oral:
Low Dose (Beginners or Low Tolerance):
THC content: 2.5 to 5 mg per dose.
Usage: This dose is for mild pain, nausea, or anxiety, and recommended for new users or those with low tolerance to THC. The goal is to minimize psychoactive effects while gaining therapeutic benefits.
Moderate Dose (Experienced Users or Moderate Tolerance):
THC content: 5 to 10 mg per dose.
Usage: Suitable for managing more severe pain, insomnia, or spasticity in conditions like multiple sclerosis. Patients with moderate tolerance to THC may start at this level.
High Dose (For Severe Symptoms or High Tolerance):
THC content: 10 to 20 mg per dose.
Usage: This is typically reserved for patients with chronic, severe symptoms or those who have built up a tolerance over time. Conditions like cancer-related pain or severe PTSD may warrant higher doses, but this should be done under medical supervision to avoid adverse effects.
THC Topicals:
THC content: Varies widely but often contains 1-3 mg of THC per application.
Usage: Topical products, such as creams or balms, are applied directly to the skin for localized relief. These do not produce psychoactive effects and can be used more liberally.
CBD Oral:
Low Dose (Beginners or Preventative Use):
CBD content: 10 to 20 mg per dose.
Usage: This range is often recommended for mild anxiety, general wellness, or inflammation. It’s a good starting point for those new to CBD or using it for preventive care.
Moderate Dose (Therapeutic Use):
CBD content: 20 to 40 mg per dose.
Usage: For conditions like chronic pain, moderate anxiety, or epilepsy, this dosage range can offer more pronounced effects. It’s also a typical range for daily use in managing ongoing symptoms.
High Dose (Severe Conditions):
CBD content: 40 to 100 mg per dose or more.
Usage: Higher doses are typically reserved for severe conditions like intractable epilepsy or significant inflammatory diseases. Patients may require these doses to achieve symptom relief, but high-dose CBD should be used under medical guidance to monitor for potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
😮💨 CBD Topical and Inhalation:
For topical CBD (e.g., creams, balms, or lotions), the dosing is generally less standardized and depends on the concentration of CBD in the product and the area of application. Unlike oral CBD, topical applications do not typically require specific milligram dosages since the effects are localized and do not enter the bloodstream significantly. However, depending on the product's potency, most topical products will indicate the total CBD content per container, ranging from 100 mg to 1000 mg or more. Users generally apply a sufficient amount (And how accurate is this? Not very!) to cover the affected area and adjust based on experience with symptom relief.
Inhalation vs. Oral vs. Topical: Dosing can vary depending on the method of administration. Inhalation (smoking or vaping) provides quicker relief but requires smaller doses compared to oral consumption (edibles or tinctures), where effects last longer. Topicals are typically used more liberally as they don’t have systemic effects.
Special Considerations:
THC/CBD Ratios: Some patients may benefit from balanced ratios of THC and CBD. For example, a 1:1 ratio (equal parts THC and CBD) is often recommended for conditions like chronic pain, as it can provide therapeutic effects with fewer psychoactive side effects.
Inhalation vs. Oral vs. Topical: Dosing can vary depending on the method or administration. Inhalation (smoking or vaping) provides quicker relief but requires smaller doses compared to oral consumption (edibles or tinctures), where effects last longer. Topicals are typically used more liberally as they don’t have systemic effects.
⚖️ Legal Limits in Colorado (find legal limits in your state):
I live next to Colorado, where cannabis is legal, so I decided to see what’s happening to my cannabis-legal neighboring state. The point of adding this section is that you will be aware of legal limits within your state.
Recreational Use: Colorado allows the purchase of up to 1 ounce of marijuana (approximately 28 grams) for recreational use, but edibles are often limited to 10 mg of THC per serving and 100 mg per package.
Medical Use: Medical marijuana patients in Colorado may be allowed to purchase more than the recreational limit, depending on their medical needs and the recommendation of their healthcare provider.
A roadmap to using cannabis as treatment.
So, if you’re considering cannabis for medicinal purposes, it’s essential to approach it thoughtfully and with a clear understanding of your health goals. Here’s a general recommendation for how to use cannabis medicinally, along with some key considerations.
1. Consult with a Healthcare Professional:
Medical Advice: Before starting cannabis, consult with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about medical cannabis. They can help determine if cannabis is appropriate for your condition, suggest the correct dosage, and monitor any potential interactions with other medications you’re taking. Seriously – have someone monitor your medical cannabis so that you can give cannabis the best chance to work.
Medical Cannabis Card: In many regions, a medical cannabis card is required to access medical cannabis products. Your healthcare provider can guide you through this process if applicable.
2. Identify the Right Product:
THC vs. CBD: Depending on your condition, you may benefit more from THC, CBD, or a combination of both. For instance, CBD may be more effective for anxiety and inflammation, while THC might be better for pain relief, appetite stimulation, and muscle spasticity.
Strains: Choose a strain that matches your needs. For example, Indica strains are often recommended for relaxation and pain relief, while Sativa strains might be better for daytime use and focus. Hybrid strains can offer a balance of effects.
3. Start Low and Go Slow:
Dosage: Start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to cannabis. For THC, this might mean starting with 2.5 to 5 mg per dose. Gradually increase the dose until you find the minimum adequate amount that provides relief without unwanted side effects.
Frequency: Begin with once-a-day use, and if needed, increase frequency based on your healthcare provider’s recommendation and your response.
4. Choose the Right Delivery Method:
Inhalation (Smoking or Vaping): Provides fast relief, typically within minutes, but effects last for a shorter duration (1-4 hours). It is ideal for acute symptoms like sudden pain or anxiety.
Edibles: Take longer to kick in (30 minutes to 2 hours), but effects last longer (4-8 hours). It is suitable for sustained symptom relief but requires careful dosing to avoid overconsumption.
Tinctures and Oils: Can be taken sublingually for relatively quick absorption (15-45 minutes) with effects lasting 4-6 hours. Allows for precise dosing.
Topicals: Useful for localized relief of pain or inflammation without systemic effects. Apply directly to the affected area; relief typically occurs within 15-45 minutes.
5. Monitor Effects and Adjust:
Track Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of your cannabis use, including the dosage, strain, delivery method, and how you feel before and after. Tracking will help you and your healthcare provider adjust your treatment plan.
Watch for Side Effects: Common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, increased appetite, and drowsiness. If you experience more severe effects, such as paranoia or extreme lethargy, reduce your dosage or discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.
😕 So, Should I Try CBD or Cannabis?
Even though CBD is often seen as a healthier alternative to THC-containing cannabis, mainly because it shows promise for some therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects, the effectiveness of CBD versus THC can vary depending on the condition being treated and individual response.
I have tried a few CBD products, such as gummies and creams, for my aching knees and have not experienced a significant positive impact – even when the concentration was high. I found the menthol within the CBD creams to offer the most relief for my pain. I didn’t give it an entire course of treatment, however, because I was not following any protocol. We all do this at times, but the lessons learned are invaluable. I found CBD ineffective, but was my pain too high to overcome with CBD? Was my CBD strong enough, or did it have the amounts it claimed to have? Did I neglect to take it for long enough to show positive results? One thing’s for sure, I did not do a deep dive like what I’m doing here. Had I done that, my approach would have been different.
A Little More Context
Let’s look at the general overview of cannabis to give you context. Having historical context is important because we assume that cannabis is a recently found intervention, but it’s been around for centuries. Cannabis has a complex reputation that can easily lead to misconceptions if historical and present contexts are not considered.
For centuries, cannabis has been used in various cultures for medicinal and spiritual purposes, often seen as a beneficial plant with healing properties. But we’ve modified it from what it was. This plant has quite a history, and the use of the plant, whether cannabis or hemp, is still changing even today.
Without this context, some may view cannabis solely through the lens of modern stigma, seeing it as harmful or dangerous. On the other hand, with the plant’s evolution, today’s cannabis is far more potent than it was in its natural form, with significantly higher levels of THC that can lead to more substantial psychoactive effects. This fact can be overlooked by those who see cannabis as a harmless substance. Understanding the long history of its benefits and the reality of its modern potency is essential for making an informed decision about its use.
A Quick History
Ancient Uses: Cannabis has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations. The earliest recorded use of cannabis comes from China around 2700 BCE, where it was used medicinally for ailments like pain and digestive disorders. Ancient Egyptians also used cannabis for medical purposes, and in India, it was integrated into spiritual rituals as well as a treatment for various conditions.
Cannabis in the West: Cannabis was introduced to Western medicine in the 19th century. In the U.S., it was commonly prescribed for a range of medical issues, including labor pains, nausea, and rheumatism.
However, as its use became more widespread, concerns over its psychoactive effects and association with minority groups led to increasing regulation. The Internal Cannabis Policy Study took a look at why people were using cannabis medicinally in the U.S. and Canada. Researchers found that 27% of users were taking cannabis for medicinal purposes, and of those, managing pain, sleep, headaches, and anxiety were some of the most common reasons.
Forbes surveyed to see who and how people are using cannabis today, which I think you’ll find interesting: most cannabis use is found in young adults. Are young adults facing pain now more than in years past? Or are they using cannabis as a hybrid recreational pain management vehicle?
The War on Drugs: By the early 20th century, cannabis was criminalized in many countries, including the U.S. The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 effectively banned its use, and the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified cannabis as a Schedule I drug, labeling it as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Immediately, cannabis began to get the stink-eye because of this.
Counterculture and Medical Marijuana: During the 1960s and 1970s, cannabis became a symbol of counterculture movements, and its recreational use surged. In the 1990s, interest in cannabis as a medicinal treatment re-emerged, leading to the legalization of medical marijuana in California in 1996.
Other states soon followed, recognizing cannabis’ potential benefits for conditions like chronic pain, glaucoma, and epilepsy.
So now, what is happening with our cultural perception of cannabis?
Modern Legalization and Use: In the 21st century, the legalization movement gained momentum, driven by medical research and public demand. As of today, many U.S. states and countries have legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational use. This shift has changed public perceptions, with more people viewing cannabis as a legitimate treatment option rather than just a recreational drug.
Legalization and Changing Perceptions
As more states and countries legalize cannabis, public perception is shifting from viewing cannabis as a dangerous drug to recognizing it as a potential therapeutic option.
Legalization has also led to more research, allowing for a better understanding of both the benefits and risks associated with cannabis use.
The stigma surrounding cannabis is decreasing, mainly as more people use it for legitimate medical purposes. However, the rise of recreational use has also raised concerns about overuse and the commercialization of cannabis, which can sometimes overshadow its medical applications.
🪴 Past vs. Present: Changes in Cannabis Plants
Traditional Cannabis: Historically, cannabis plants were primarily grown for their medicinal and industrial uses (e.g., hemp). The levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component, were generally lower, and the plant was often used in whole or as extracts without much emphasis on maximizing its potency.
Modern Cannabis Strains: Today, cannabis has been selectively bred to produce higher levels of THC, which can range from 15% to 30% or more in some strains. Selective breeding has made modern cannabis much more potent compared to historical varieties. Additionally, CBD (cannabidiol) strains have been developed, which offer therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. These specialized strains cater to different user needs, whether for relaxation, pain relief, or other health issues.
Cannabis Addiction – Is This Really a Concern?
Switching gears, how does this relate to cannabis addiction? Could increased potency lead to a great chance of addiction?
Cannabis addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder, is less likely to occur with a single use but becomes more of a risk with regular and prolonged use. Here’s a breakdown of the likelihood and factors involved:
Addiction Risk from Single Use? Low likelihood. The risk of becoming addicted after using cannabis once is generally low. Most people who try cannabis do not develop an addiction from occasional or infrequent use.
Addiction Risk with Regular Use? Moderate to high likelihood. The risk of addiction increases with regular and prolonged use. According to research, about 9% of people who use cannabis overall develop a cannabis use disorder. This number rises to about 17% among those who begin using cannabis in adolescence and to 25-50% among daily users.
How Often Would Someone Have to Use It to Get Addicted?
Frequent Use: Developing a dependency on cannabis typically requires regular use over time. Using cannabis several times a week, especially daily, significantly increases the risk of developing a cannabis use disorder.
Chronic Use: People who use cannabis daily or multiple times per day are at the highest risk of addiction. Regular use over months or years can lead to tolerance (needing more to achieve the same effect), dependence (experiencing withdrawal symptoms without it), and ultimately addiction.
Other Factors Influencing Addiction:
Age of First Use: Starting cannabis use at a younger age increases the likelihood of developing addiction due to the brain still being in a critical stage of development.
Genetics and Environment: Individuals with a family history of substance use disorders or who are in environments where cannabis use is prevalent may be at higher risk.
Mental Health: People with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression may use cannabis as a form of self-medication, which can increase the likelihood of developing a dependency.
Obviously, there are benefits to cannabis and CBD, as proven historically and currently. There are also downsides, so let’s look at both the good and the bad next.
🌱 Positive Impacts and Side Effects of Cannabis Use
Pain Relief: Cannabis is commonly used for pain management, particularly for chronic conditions like arthritis and neuropathic pain.
Anxiety Reduction: Certain strains of cannabis, mainly those high in CBD, are used to reduce anxiety and stress.
Sleep Aid: Cannabis can help with insomnia by promoting relaxation and deeper sleep.
Anti-Inflammatory: Cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for conditions like Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
These articles examine the effectiveness of cannabinoids in treating various conditions, including chronic pain, spasticity due to multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting:
Cannabinoids for Medical Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Medical cannabis and mental health: A guided systematic review.
A naturalistic examination on the perceived effects of cannabis on negative effect.
💨 Negative Side Effects:
Cognitive Impairment: High doses of THC can impair memory, attention, and decision-making. These effects are more pronounced in younger users and can persist even after the immediate effects wear off.
Dependency: Although cannabis is less addictive than substances like alcohol or opioids, long-term use can lead to psychological dependency.
Mental Health Risks: For some individuals, particularly those with a predisposition to mental health issues, cannabis use can increase the risk of anxiety, paranoia, or even trigger psychosis.
Physical Side Effects: These can include dry mouth, dizziness, increased heart rate, and, in some cases, respiratory issues if smoked.
These articles review potential health risks associated with cannabis use, including cognitive impairment, risk of addiction, and the potential for mental health disorders.
📗 Yes or No?
Finally, it’s time to decide and put it into action. Whether seeking answers about whether to try cannabis or CBD, asking these questions will lead you to the answer you seek. Subjectively evaluate the decision by answering these questions:
Consider the information you’ve read and gathered so far. Are you missing any information? If not, take time to get all your questions answered by doing some research.
Have you taken enough time to consider the potential benefits and risks of using cannabis? Take a week before deciding what to do.
Are the risks of a long-term decrease in mental function worth the reduction in physical or psychological pain?
What are your other options besides cannabis, and are they worth trying first?
Are you willing to find a cannabis supplier that offers third-party testing for quality and quantity assurance?
Do you have a family history of drug addiction, and if so, are you taking your increased chance of addiction into account?
Are you tempted to use cannabis as both a recreational and medicinal drug? If so, is this meeting your overall and future health goals? How does it align with your values and goals?
Are you comfortable with the trade-offs of using cannabis, such as potential addiction and increase in tolerance, requiring to increase dosages periodically?
Do you have any other medical conditions, or taking any other medications? If so, talk to your doctor first before trying cannabis.
If your decision is yes.
If you decide to try cannabis or CBD, please consider talking to a professional who understands the details of both to get another perspective and be another recommendation source. Be cautious, start with a low dose, and monitor your body’s response.
Using either cannabis or CBD is taking modern medicine. The plants used are stronger than ever, so be aware. Keep track of any changes in your symptoms and adjust your approach as needed. If you find that cannabis isn’t working for you or is causing unwanted side effects, don’t hesitate to reevaluate your decision and consider other options.
Think about tapering down if you’ve been taking regular higher dosages to ease your body back into the prior, more natural state.
🍀 TL;DR
Again, there’s a lot of information here, and I’ve barely scratched the surface. If you use cannabis or CBD, have you thought through this before jumping on the cannabis train? Does any of this surprise you or make you rethink your usage?
Deciding whether to try cannabis is a personal and complex decision. I didn’t tie this into your culture, values, and what you believe. Only you can do this, so take a minute to be fully introspective. By taking the time to introspect, navigate cultural influences, align with your values, and thoroughly research your options, you can make a more informed and confident choice.
Also, remember to apply CREECS and how taking cannabis or CBD fits into your tolerance levels for Cost, Risk, Effectiveness, Effort, Commitment, and Support. How much will you pay, low, medium, or high dollars? How effective are you expecting this intervention to be, low, medium, or high, and will it meet your expectations? How much effort are you willing to put into this intervention? How much are you willing to commit to it, not just money or time, but are you willing to stick it out for an extended time to see if it works? Do you need support to do this intervention? If so, do you have it? For example, do you have a medical practitioner in your state who could help you with cannabis recommendations?
That’s a wrap. Apply this thoughtful process that we applied above to approach any health decision with clarity and confidence, not just regarding cannabis and CBD.
If you do, you can be confident that you’ve considered most aspects of the decision, from your biases to the hard facts, so that you can move forward with a plan that aligns with your health goals.
What about you? Do you currently use cannabis for your health issues? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Until next time,
Dr. Alice
A little more about Dr. Alice Burron and The Health Navigator Group:
You can find more about The Health Navigator Group at our website: www.thehealthnavigator.org
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