THE HEMPIRE COLLECTIVE
Cannabis Health Benefits
Please use recreational cannabis responsibly.
Both should be used in accordance with all state and local laws.
The Science
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a compound derived from the hemp plant. Once CBD is extracted from the plant, it is diluted with a carrier oil. CBD comes in a variety of forms and can be used for various medical purposes depending on the CBD concentration.
CBD works in the same way the human body’s natural endocannabinoids do, by attaching to CB1 receptors in the brain. CB1 receptors involve pain, sleep, movement and appetite, as well as mood, emotions and cognition.
Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the other main component in marijuana, CBD is not psychoactive. CBD does not produce the feeling of being high the way that THC does.
The Benefits
When it comes to CBD health benefits, research has shown that because cannabinoids reduce inflammation, they help alleviate chronic pain. When over-the-counter pain relievers either don’t work effectively or raise concerns over side effects, cannabis use could be a helpful alternative.
In particular, CBD along with THC effectively relieves the chronic pain associated with arthritis and multiple sclerosis. In addition, cannabis reduces the nausea, vomiting and pain related to cancer treatment.
The Food and Drug Administration has also approved the use of one CBD product, Epidiolex, for treating certain epileptic seizures.
The Risks
As with any drug, the use of cannabis may produce unwanted side effects, which are dose dependent and will vary from person to person. Some of the most common being tiredness or fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, paranoia and increased heart rate.
If side effects persist over several days, you should contact your physician immediately. Any cannabis-based therapy should begin with low doses, slowly increasing dosage if necessary, to determine an effective dose and mitigate any unwanted side effects.
