You’ve probably seen hemp flowers for sale on your search for CBD products.
But what exactly is CBD flower – and how can you use it for therapeutic benefit?
Can Cannabis Treat Cancer?
Although early human studies show that cannabis is effective against nausea caused by chemotherapy, there is some uncertainty about whether it can control cancer. Some studies have found that smoked cannabis can help patients cope with nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, while others suggest that cannabinoids slow the growth of cancer cells. Other studies have shown that smoked cannabis can improve spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis. The positive effects of cannabis are modest. Regardless of whether the drug works or not, it may be worth looking into its safety.
The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine reviewed more than 10,000 studies on cannabis to evaluate the medical benefits and risks associated with the drug. One study showed that cannabis was effective in treating chronic pain, a condition affecting more than 25 million adults in the U.S., and that a number of cannabis-based products relieved pain, even in individuals with multiple sclerosis. However, other studies have failed to show any significant reduction in pain.
There are many forms of cannabis, including the flower. Many plant extract formulations exist, from edibles to oils and tinctures. Two synthetic cannabinoids, known as CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol, are now approved by the FDA for the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Epidiolex is the first medically-approved cannabis product. CBD is the most common component found in CBD-based products.
Another study examined cannabis users’ cognitive performance. It followed patients for up to two years to determine whether cannabis use reduced the severity of clinical symptoms. Patients who used cannabis regularly decreased their reliance on conventional medications. In addition, they reported improved performance and decreased clinical symptoms. These findings indicate that cannabis may be beneficial for a variety of medical conditions. However, more research is needed to understand the risks and benefits of this herb for use. CBD oil is a widely used treatment for anxiety and depression.
Smoking cannabis is not recommended for people with underlying lung conditions. Some cancer patients may have to avoid cannabis due to its ability to interfere with their chemotherapy. While CBD-based products don’t cause a high, they can still interact with chemotherapy treatments. Hence, it’s important to find a medical marijuana physician who is qualified to prescribe cannabis. In addition to doctors, many states have certified nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, and pharmacists as qualified to prescribe medical cannabis.
In the United States, the criminalization of cannabis has had substantial social and public health implications. From 2001 to 2010, 8.2 million cannabis-related arrests were reported. The rate of arrests for cannabis was four times higher for African Americans compared to whites. Moreover, a criminal record restricts people’s access to public services and employment. Legalization may help to alleviate these structural inequities, but it must be accompanied by an aggressive public health campaign to combat the harms of cannabis use.
Bonn-Miller’s second project is exploring the role of cannabis in PTSD. In this research, 150 people will be divided into groups: half of them will use cannabis purchased at a dispensary in Denver, and half will be non-users. Researchers will monitor the changes in their PTSD symptoms every three months for a year. It will be the first large-scale study examining the effect of cannabinoids on the brain.
