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UVSS HEMPOLOGY 101 CLUB LESSON #17 : MEDICAL USES OF CANNABIS - Part 1 |
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The human body has developed endo-cannabinoid systems that help control many functions, including the nervous, immune, gastro-intestinal and muscular systems. Approximately 70 cannabinoids are available in cannabis, though each plant only contains 6 to 15 different cannabinoids that physically mimic endo-cannabinoids so perfectly that they use the same neo-transmitters throughout the body with similar results. These medical benefits occur whether cannabis is smoked, eaten or applied on the skin, though the method of delivery does determine where and how long the cannabinoids stay in the body. Smoking causes the chemicals to be absorbed quickly, which creates a fast delivery system but breaks downs the cannabinoids enough that they start to disappear after 20 minutes. Eating cannabis does not break down the cannabinoids as quickly, leaving them in your body for 8 to 14 hours. The most active cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinoil, or THC. Though all of the cannabinoids are not yet studied, there has been some research to understand which chemicals cause which reaction. Studies show that THC has mild anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-septic, anti-fungal, and anti-oxidant, euphoric, stimulant, muscle-relaxing, anti-epileptic, anti-emetic, appetite stimulating, bronchiodilating, anti-depressant, hypotensive and analgesic effects. Cannabidiol (CBD) has sedative, muscle-relaxing and analgesic effects. Cannabichromene (CBC) promotes the analgesic effects of THC and is sedative. Cannabigerol (CBG) is sedative and has anti-microbial properties, as well as lowering intra-ocular pressure, something critical to glaucoma patients. Cannabinol (CBN) is mildly psychoactive, lowers intra-ocular pressure and is anti-epileptic. The relief of pain, relaxing of the stomach muscles and stimulation of appetite are very important benefits for people suffering from cancer, AIDS, Hep C, or from side-effects from prescription drugs. Cannabis also help those suffering from arthritis, spinal cord injuries, head injuries, migraines, chronic pain in joints or from serious injuries, fibromyalgia, insomnia, ulcers, diabetes, Crohne’s disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) a.k.a Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and drug/alcohol addiction. Women have historically used cannabis for the treatment of menstrual irregularity, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, threatened abortion, Hyperemesis gravidarum, childbirth, postpartum hemorrhage, toxemic, seizures, dysuria, urinary frequency, urinary retention, gonorrhea, menopausal symptoms, decreased libido and possible abortifacients.
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Many rare medical problems have symptoms that can
sometimes be helped with cannabis. As with any plant or drug,
everyone has a different reaction to each variety of cannabis depending
upon a person’s weight, diet, metabolism, drug tolerance, mental state and
other environmental factors. When directly applied to an open cut,
cannabis stops the bleeding. When infused into a vegetable oil or
salve, cannabis helps the skin with 2nd degree burns, rashes, bug bites,
and skin infections of various types. When applied to the skin,
cannabis is an anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxing, pain killer that
flushes the body of toxins. Drugs made with one or two cannabinoids
do not contain the full spectrum of chemicals available in the cannabis
plant and therefore have different and limited benefits, often with
side-effects not known to regular cannabis consumers.
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| International Hempology 101
Society www.hempology.ca |
Cannabis Buyers' Clubs of Canada www.cbc-canada.ca |
