Although this site is mostly about CBD, we would be remiss if we didn’t talk about THC, the other famous and much talked about cannabinoid.
Cannabis, better known as marijuana among other names, comes from the Cannabis plant and is used for medical or recreational purposes.
Cannabis contains many cannabinoids (chemicals) and the name given to the main psychoactive chemical is called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as and referred to often as THC which is responsible for the ‘high’ or euphoric state. It comes from the dried flowering tops, leaves, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa (hemp) plant.
Medical cannabis is cannabis that is recommended by a doctor for a medical condition and can be administered in various ways including: capsules, lozenges, tinctures, oral sprays, edibles, vaping or smoking dried buds.
A survey carried out by the Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs (CTADS) indicated that 3.6 million Canadians used cannabis in 2015 and 24% of those used cannabis for medical issues.
EXPERT OPINION
Sanjay Gupta is an American neurosurgeon and medical reporter. He serves as associate chief of the neurosurgery service at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, and as an assistant professor of neurosurgery at the Emory University School of Medicine. Here he explains his views on Cannabis and how he feels it is more effective than pharmaceutical drugs.
WHAT IS THC USED FOR
Other than recreational, medical cannabis is also used to improve the quality of life for those suffering with nausea, appetite issues, chronic pain, and depression.
In addition to these, other common conditions include:
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea associated with chemotherapy
- Improving appetite in HIV/AIDS patients
- Improving Sleep
- Controlling tics in Tourette syndrome
- Eating conditions such as Anorexia
- Pain associated with Arthritis
- Migraines
- Glaucoma
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
RISKS
As with any drug, there are some risks and side-effects associated with long term use. They can include:
- Thinking, reasoning or memory problems
- Impairment
- Hallucinations
- Mental health problems
- Dependency
- Breathing or lung problems (if smoked)
- Cancer risks if smoking
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Vomiting
- Schizophrenia
*Not recommended during or after pregnancy
The Government of Canada provides a very comprehensive document on the short term and long term health effects of cannabis. It is definitely worthwhile reading.
FDA Disclosure: Any claims or statements made about the possible health benefits conferred by any CBD or marijuana products has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.
