Benefits of Low THC Cannabis and Medical Marijuana

Reduces/Relieves chronic pain from debilitating diseases

Relieves chronic seizures for those suffering with epilepsy

Eases nausea and reduces vomiting for patients undergoing chemotherapy

Increases appetite for patients undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from eating disorders related to malnourishment

Cannabis has been used as a medicine for over three thousand years.  A Cannabis plant includes more than 400 different chemicals, of which about 70 are cannabinoids.(1) While these cannabinoids do present medical benefits on their own, they seem to work together to promote even greater health. The most well-known cannabinoid found in marijuana is THC. This psychoactive cannabinoid is responsible for producing the sense of euphoria associated with cannabis use.

Located within our bodies are cannabinoid receptors known as CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain. These receptors specifically cluster in the basal ganglia and in the limbic system, which includes the hippocampus. In addition, you can locate these receptors in the cerebellum and in both male and female reproductive systems.  The CB2 receptors are primarily found within the immune system and are found with higher frequency in the spleen. These receptors are linked to being responsible for anti-inflammatory actions and potentially a wide array of therapeutic effects. The endocannabinoid system is neuromodulatory lipids. The receptors of these lipids are located in the brain and have an impact on several physiological processes including appetite, mood, memory and pain.(1)(2)

The cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant are almost identical to the endocannabinoids produced in the body except for slight structural differences so your body has a predisposition to interact with cannabinoids found in cannabis.  The endocannabinoid system is also responsible for regulating our immune system and in many cases endocannabinoid deficiency could be the root cause of several conditions and diseases. In the case of endocannabinoid deficiency, people can increase the production of endocannabinoids by ingesting cannabis.(1)(2)

Reference from:

1. Medical Cannabis, November 2017, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis

2. National Institute on Drug Abuse, Marijuana as Medicine, April 2017 https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana-medicine

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