Getting Disorders in Order Using Cannabis

As someone who has struggled with weight issues for years, I was surprised to discover that cannabis might be more than just for recreational use. I thought people used cannabis as a way to relax or unwind, that’s what media taught me anyway. With more research, I found it helps with pain and inflammation management and so, like many other people, I initially turned to it for pain relief. Then, I soon learned about the potential effects of cannabis on appetite and metabolism if taken in regulated amounts and moderation.

Many people use cannabis to manage pain, relieve stress, ease anxiety, and improve mood. It's interesting to see the many ways cannabis can affect your body, some of which might take you by surprise. The effects can vary from person to person depending on your age, genetics and tolerance.

As I initially suspected, cannabinoids can be a relaxing way to end the day, a social activity with friends, or a fun enhancer for movies, music, and TV shows. But the more I read, the more I learnt that it can also induce the opposite effects - often referred to as “biphasic” in nature. With hundreds of active compounds, cannabis can have numerous effects on the body. It's important to understand both the benefits and potential side effects. So, let’s delve into the article to examine it closer.

The effects of cannabis are largely due to its interaction with something called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a system responsible for regulating various physiological functions like sleep, pain, mood and appetite. The ECS is stimulated by cannabinoids found in cannabis, like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which produce various effects on the body. Our bodies naturally produce endocannabinoids, but those from cannabis can also activate the ECS, leading to different effects.

Contrary to the stereotype of the "stoner" glued to the couch and munching on snacks, research shows that cannabis users often have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) and lower obesity rates compared to non-users. According to a study in 2018, it was found that cannabis users had significantly lower BMIs, suggesting that cannabis might help reduce energy storage and increase metabolic rates. Some studies done on animals suggest that a cannabinoid called THCV can suppress food consumption and body weight. Also, the stress-relieving effects of cannabis might help people avoid stress-related overeating.

Cannabis is well-known for stimulating appetite, often referred to as "the munchies." This effect can be beneficial for people struggling with appetite loss due to medical conditions or treatments. It would not just make the food taste better but can also help encourage regular eating habits and maintain a healthy weight.

The medicinal aspects of cannabis are recognised as a treatment for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) in many states. It helps reduce symptoms and improve sleep quality. One interesting aspect of cannabis is how it interacts with the CB1 receptors to, in laymen’s terms, help overwrite old memories, including traumatic ones. This process, called extinction learning, could potentially alleviate PTSD symptoms by allowing new, non-traumatic memories to replace the old, traumatic ones.

Cannabis can also suppress REM sleep, the stage of sleep where vivid dreams or nightmares usually tend to occur. Stopping cannabis use suddenly might worsen your dreams or make them a lot more vivid, however, this effect can be beneficial for individuals with PTSD, helping reduce nightmares and improve overall sleep quality. Cannabis is an effective sleep aid, helping those with insomnia and nightmares get the rest they need.

From boosting appetite to potentially aiding in weight loss, cannabis has a much wider range of effects on the body than people realise. Cannabinoid medications can help promote good health and can also be effective if you are going through weight and appetite issues. As research continues, we'll gain a better understanding of how to use cannabis for various health benefits while minimising potential side effects.