Cannabis is quickly becoming one of the most critical medical supplements on the market. While the plant was originally renowned only for its recreational applications, we’re starting to discover that it can remedy a host of health issues, including insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety, and lacking focus.
With the recent prominence of COVID-19, many people are looking for ways to boost immune systems to lessen their risk of becoming seriously ill. Fortunately, there are a few ways in which weed can be of assistance here.
Let’s look at five of the crucial ways cannabis enhances your immune health
Improved Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important considerations when it comes to your overall health. Luckily, cannabis is one of the most effective sleep aids. Just a small amount of cannabis around half an hour before bed can massively increase your chances of nodding off.
The reason for marijuana’s efficacy in promoting sleep is its calming effect on the central nervous system. This is the same reason it has benefits for those with anxiety or neuropathic pain disorders.
Cannabis contains two main compounds; CBD and THC. THC is the substance responsible for the “high” you experience when smoking. CBD is the compound that delivers many health benefits. Taking potent CBD capsules half an hour before bed can help you to effortlessly slip into slumber.
Increased Appetite
This might be the most famous effect of cannabis. The endocannabinoid system is partially responsible for appetite regulation. When you consume THC, this system is activated, triggering hunger also known as munchies.
This can be highly beneficial for your immunity, as your immune system needs food to flourish. It’s especially important that you consume enough macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fats) and sufficient quantities of certain vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C.
While supplementation can help you get enough of these, the best way to do it is by eating plenty of good food. If you struggle with your appetite, cannabis might be the answer.
Reduced Stress & Anxiety
Mental health problems remain hugely problematic in America, along with most other areas of the world. Of these problems, anxiety is statistically the most common.
Stress is also closely associated with anxiety; the more stress you have in your life, the more likely you are to present with a clinical anxiety issue. High levels of stress and anxiety can be very damaging to the immune system. They can also interfere with your sleeping pattern, leading to even greater immunity risks.
Weed is helpful here for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s a natural relaxant; whether you’re smoking, vaping, or taking an edible, cannabis will almost always help you unwind if you’ve had a long day. It’ll help you enjoy your food more, get to sleep more easily, and get more invested in activities that you like.
Cannabis has also been shown to have clinical benefits for those struggling with anxiety. While researchers need to examine this area more closely to unearth the exact mechanism involved, they suspect it may be related to the interaction of cannabinoids with the CB2 receptor.
Both CBD and THC can relieve anxiety and stress. However, if you find that you sometimes experience paranoia when consuming cannabis, it might be a good idea to stick with a CBD-rich strain.
Interestingly, there are even recommended cannabis strains for creativity which can help if you’re feeling anxious and having creative block.
Pain Management
Pain, whether occasional, intermittent, or permanent, can interfere massively with your ability to enjoy life. It will affect your sleep and normal daily activities, resulting in stress responses. As noted above, these responses are not good for your immune system.
Inflammatory (or nociceptive) pain is what you feel in response to physical injuries or conditions that affect specific parts of your body. Arthritis is a common nociceptive pain condition. Cannabis’ interaction with the CB2 receptor in the endocannabinoid system has an anti-inflammatory response, which eases the pain arising from these kinds of issues.
Neuropathic pain is the other main type of pain. This is pain that comes from nerve damage, which means it doesn’t arise in a specific part of the body or in response to a visible physical issue. This is less common than nociceptive pain, but it’s also generally more difficult to treat. Sciatica is one example of a common neuropathic pain issue.
Cannabis can address this kind of pain by soothing the central nervous system. This will be doubly beneficial for you if your difficulties with pain are getting in the way of your sleep, as cannabis will help to keep you from waking up during the night as well.
Both CBD and THC can have benefits for pain. However, a strain with high THC content is often better due to the soothing psychoactive effects it induces.
Anti-Inflammatory Response
As noted above, cannabis’ anti-inflammatory response is useful for dealing with many different pain issues. However, inflammation causes more problems than just bodily pain. Psoriasis, asthma, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer can result from chronic inflammation.
Inflammation is actually caused by our immune system; it’s a reaction to potentially harmful invaders in the body, and often acts in our favor by keeping us safe. However, when this immune response goes too far, the risks to our health can be dire.
This is why cannabis can be so crucial to our wellbeing. Managing harmful immune responses is often vital to maintain good health. As per a study, both THC and CBD can be effective in lowering inflammation.
Using Cannabis to Stay Healthy in 2020
Now that public opinion has shifted on cannabis, we’re free to access all of its many health benefits. At a time when our wellbeing is more at risk than ever before, this is especially useful.
