A New Era of Medicine

THC has been increasingly used within the medical realm to aid with symptoms that some diseases and health conditions cause. Scientific studies of chemicals in the cannabis plant has led to two FDA approved medications that contain cannabinoid chemicals in pill form. But why hasn’t the FDA approved the marijuana plant as medicine? Well, the FDA requires carefully and closely studied clinic trials in the hundred of thousands to determine exact benefits and risks when converted into a possible medication. Although smaller scale trials have been done, more and larger scale studies still need to be done for this to happen. With research that has been conducted thus far, data lets us know that THC can significantly help those experiencing things like nausea or vomiting, a common side effect of chemo treatment for cancer patients. Along with these benefits it can increase appetite, decrease pain, and aid muscle control problems. THC is also very commonly used recreationally to assist those with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or stress. Recent tests done with animals have also shown that marijuana extracts may help kill certain cancer cells and reduce the size of others.

With CBD being a property that doesn’t make you ‘high’, it’s typically sought after by consumers who are looking for relief. Researchers believe that CBD can change the way that your brain responds to serotonin, a chemical associated with mental health conditions. One study found that 600mg dose of CBD helped individuals with social anxiety give a speech by reducing stress and decreasing the psychological effects of anxiety like increased heart rate. These studies have also deemed CBD to aid those and improve symptoms of PTSD and those with insomnia. With there being one FDA-approved CBD drug on the market for epilepsy, it’s clear that CBD has healing properties for those with seizures which is applicable to epileptic dogs. The effects of CBD on brain receptors is also said to interact with pain, providing relief from things like arthritis, chronic pain, MS pain, muscle pain or spasms. The effects of CBD on receptors in the immune system can also help reduce overall inflammation all over the body - including acne related inflammation. A human study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that it can control oil production in the sebaceous glands, where too much oil production can lead to acne. From a topical standpoint, CBD infused in moisturizers and serums can offer significant hydrating properties for those suffering from dry skin. 

It’s no secret that CBD and THC can both offer incredible benefits from a medical and recreational perspective. The future is bright when it comes to the possibilities that cannabis can offer with continued scientific research.