Most Popular Uses for Medical Marijuana

Instead of using prescription drugs, many people have turned to more natural approaches to dealing with certain medical conditions. From Alzheimer’s to Ulcerative Colitis, using marijuana medicinally helps people cope with both physical and mental issues that arise from their specific health needs. In fact, the Medical Board of Ohio has approved the use of medical marijuana for nearly 30 unique medical conditions.

In 2017, the National Institute of Health conducted a study to better understand the reasons that people were using marijuana medicinally. Respondents reported that the most common  reasons for using medical marijuana were to relieve anxiety (49%), to help with insomnia (47%), to deal with chronic pain (42%), and to combat depression (39%).

Anxiety & Depression

According to Mental Health America, anxiety disorders are the highest reported mental health issue in the United States. 42.5% of American adults have claimed to suffer from anxiety. It’s no surprise then to see that more and more people are turning to marijuana to help manage disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, and panic attacks.

In addition to anxiety, nearly 10% of Americans have reported feeling depressed, according to US News. This number is particularly staggering when looked at by age groups. “From 2015 to 2020, depression rose fastest among teens and young adults ages 12 and older…” a study conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports.

Both THC and CBD, the two main compounds found in marijuana, have been linked with therapeutic effects for anxiety disorders due to the positive impact on dopamine production and increased levels of anandamide. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid found in the brain. It’s associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. Due to this, many researchers and doctors believe that medical marijuana can have a positive impact on those coping with anxiety and/or depression.

Insomnia

Getting enough sleep is important to both your mental and physical health. Sleep disorders, like insomnia, can be linked to more serious health problems, like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, when one doesn’t get enough sleep, they may feel sluggish and moody during the day, which can impact their work and relationships. Not getting enough sleep has even been linked to car accidents.

Most over-the-counter sleep medications simply cause sedation so that you can fall asleep, but they do not help keep you asleep, whereas medical marijuana works with your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to provide better rest. THC acts on the CB1 receptor within your ECS. At lower doses, this has been shown to improve falling asleep, as well as increasing the amount of time you stay asleep. Check out a few of The Best Cannabis Strains for Sleep.

Pain Management

Experiencing chronic pain can have a wider impact on your overall health. Not only does it affect the ability to exercise and move, but it can also have a negative effect on how well you sleep, as well as your mood. It’s no surprise then, that people who suffer from chronic pain have turned to medical marijuana to find some relief.

Studies and anecdotal evidence have suggested that medical marijuana can ease types of chronic pain, including pain caused by nerve damage and/or inflammation. When someone ingests or inhales medical marijuana, the Endocannabinoid System’s (ECS) receptors are stimulated, which results in a reduction of pain, while simultaneously producing a euphoric state of mind. Many people are worried about ingesting THC, however, and look to other natural hemp-derived solutions like CBD. CBD does not cause someone to feel high, but it can help relieve pain and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

Using medical marijuana is becoming far more widely accepted than in the past. In fact, if you have your medical marijuana card in the state of Ohio, you can visit reputable dispensaries, like Terrasana. We would love to help you discover the right medical marijuana products to help treat and relieve your physical and medical symptoms. Visit us online or at one of our Ohio locations to get help today. If you need help or are interested in getting your medical marijuana card, learn more here.