Cannabis has been used for centuries to aid relaxation and relieve stress. In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis, including its ability to help people manage stress and anxiety. As more and more states legalize cannabis for medical and/or recreational use, it’s important to understand the science behind cannabis and how it can be used to achieve a relaxed and radiant look and feeling.
Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system
One of the primary ways that cannabis can promote relaxation is by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids that help regulate a wide range of bodily functions, including mood, sleep, appetite, and pain sensation.
This system exists in your body whether or not you use cannabis. It was discovered by scientists while exploring the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabinoids on the body. They found that when cannabis is consumed, its active compounds, including THC and cannabidiol (CBD), interact with the endocannabinoid system, which can help to restore balance and promote a sense of calm. The similarities between the way that cannabinoids and endocannabinoids look and act make it easy for the human brain to recognize them and let them influence our mood and behavior.
THC promotes a sense of calm
THC is one of over a hundred psychoactive compounds in cannabis, and it is known for its ability to produce a euphoric high. THC can be beneficial for people who are looking to relax and unwind after a long day at work or who are dealing with symptoms of anxiety or depression. THC works by binding to the CB1 receptors in the brain, which can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of calm. It can also help to increase dopamine levels, which can improve mood and reduce stress.
CBD has anti-anxiety properties
On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive and has been shown to have anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties. CBD works by interacting with certain receptors in the body which have not all been identified by researchers. Some of them are a serotonin receptor called 5-HT1A and TRPV1, a receptor that influences the perception of pain. Thus, CBD helps regulate the levels of other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and GABA, which can have a positive impact on mood and stress levels. In summary, CBD works differently than THC, and it mostly relieves pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
Low-dose THC brings down stress levels
Cannabis can work wonders for relaxation and stress relief due to its impact on the body’s stress response system. When we experience stress, the body releases a hormone called cortisol, which can have a wide range of negative effects on the body and mind if levels remain elevated over time. Research has shown that cannabis can help to reduce cortisol levels and promote a more balanced stress response, which can lead to improved mood and greater feelings of relaxation. However, it is important to note that while low-dose THC relieves stress, higher doses can elevate anxiety and produce a negative mood.
CBD relieves chronic pain
Cannabis has been celebrated as one of the most effective natural ways to address chronic pain. It has been proven effective in relieving pain caused by a variety of conditions, including arthritis, neuropathy, and multiple sclerosis. The active compounds in cannabis, such as THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation and block pain signals. This can lead to significant reductions in pain levels, as well as improvements in sleep and mood. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of cannabis use for pain relief, many people have reported significant benefits from using cannabis as a complementary therapy for chronic pain management.
Cannabis reduces inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis make it helpful for a range of conditions that involve inflammation, such as arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. The compounds in cannabis reduce inflammation by blocking certain pro-inflammatory cytokines. This can lead to significant reductions in inflammation and associated symptoms, such as pain and swelling. Another way that cannabis helps with inflammation is by targeting the free radicals that cause inflammation. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis also make it an ideal skincare ingredient. Beyond that, cannabis can support your workout by reducing the soreness that comes from an intense routine.
Cannabis can improve sleep
Cannabis has been found to improve sleep quality rather indirectly by reducing symptoms of anxiety and pain, two common factors that can interfere with sleep. Sleepiness is a known side effect of CBD intake, but higher doses of CBD, in particular, have been found to have a sedating effect. Overall, CBD can improve sleep by making it easier for users to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Cannabis increases your appetite
Besides sleepiness, hunger is one of the most popular side effects of cannabis. Cannabis affects your appetite in two ways. First, it makes food taste better, which makes you more likely to eat more of it. Second, cannabis, specifically THC, tricks your brain into thinking that you are hungry even if you’ve already eaten. Scientists are currently looking into the cannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG) for stimulating appetite without producing the high associated with THC.
Cannabis soothes nausea
For millennia, cannabis has been used to treat nausea. Recently, people have found success in using cannabis for soothing chemotherapy-related nausea. Though research on this medical application of cannabis is limited, it has been shown that smoking cannabis and consuming concentrates provide faster and greater relief from nausea.
Cannabis can be used for meditation
Meditation requires clarity and a broad yet focused perspective on life and living. The link between meditation and cannabis has been made in religions that rely heavily on meditation, such as Hinduism and Taoism. Anecdotal evidence also reveals that the calming effects and pain relief that come with cannabis help with achieving the focus and calm necessary for effective meditating.
Improve Your Life With Cannabis
The multiple benefits of cannabis contribute to promoting a better quality of life for thousands of people. Achieving a relaxed and radiant state with cannabis is possible through addressing symptoms of anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, lack of appetite, nausea, and sleeplessness.
Read more about how to improve your help and lifestyle on Inspire Trends.