Beyond The “High”, Cannabis Could Provide Health Benefits
Certainly, everyone knows what marijuana is associated with: a psychoactive high much like alcohol inebriation that gives individuals the munchies, and the giggles. And while, certainly, those stereotypes are not without strong factual foundations, it also develops clear health benefits associated with this compound.
Whether taken recreationally or medically, there can be solid health benefits from cannabis, and that extends to elderly individuals as well. Granted, it is possible to ingest anything beyond the bounds of moderation. While lethal dosages require more cannabis than most people can ingest, there is such a thing as taking a good thing too far.
However, in proper quantities, especially for those dealing with weight, sleep, pain, or cancer issues, there is a strong argument to be made for the health benefits of cannabis. Following we’ll explore seven of these benefits to help give you an idea of the possibilities.
Contents
- 1 1. Mental Health Stabilization Through Depression Reduction
- 2 2. Properties Associated With Counteracting Cancer
- 3 3. Cannabis Need Not Be Psychoactive: Pain Relief Via CBD
- 4 4. Appetite Stimulation
- 5 5. Age Extension: Stress, Telomerase, And Cannabis
- 6 6. Weight Control – Cannabis Can Maintain Weight
- 7 7. Insomnia, Glaucoma, And Dementia Therapy
- 8 Cannabis: It’s Got A Surprising Variety Of Angles
1. Mental Health Stabilization Through Depression Reduction
Depression requires rumination. Cannabis does affect short-term memory in a certain sense, preventing rumination through a sort of deficit of attention. Strangely, though, it simultaneously allows for mental fixation THC vape pens. So those suffering from ADD find benefit from cannabis, while those who fight negative fixation also benefit.
Cannabis has a strange dichotomous reality in the sense that it helps and hinders the same problem—we’ll see that in more detail as we briefly explore associated weight loss, and the munchies; another dichotomy.
Essentially, though, with cannabis there are giddy feelings and a general warm mental “fuzz” that helps the mind and body feel better. While continuous use may not necessarily be the best way to go, sporadic use of cannabis can do much to alleviate depression. This is especially true for more mature adults who don’t regularly use the compound.
Anything that is used regularly results in some level of tolerance. The more cannabis is used, and the more strong the strains used, the greater an individual’s tolerance. So for maximum effect in terms of anti-depressant qualities, cannabis use should be relegated to several times a week, rather than continuously throughout the day. This will maximize positive benefits.
2. Properties Associated With Counteracting Cancer
While there is some controversy, there is an increasing body of evidence that cannabis has an effect—a good effect—on those fighting cancer. Here’s an article about that to get you started. Essentially, it’s found that cancer cells are either forced into a sort of “treading water” stage where they no longer compound on one another.
Some studies even indicate cancer cells go through reduction owing to cannabis. There’s much controversy here, but there’s also a lot to recommend this sort of treatment. Ultimately it will be up to individuals contending with cancer to decide.
3. Cannabis Need Not Be Psychoactive: Pain Relief Via CBD
Cannabidiol is not psychoactive, it is found in hemp, and it’s known to relieve pain when taken orally or applied topically. For those who wish to maintain a clear head, and simultaneously experience pain alleviation, this could be the perfect solution. Elderly people taking CBD have regained their ability to move freely, perform exercises, and complete their daily tasks without pain holding them back.
4. Appetite Stimulation
It turns out cannabis stimulates the appetite. For those undergoing chemotherapy, or dealing with HIV/AIDS, this can be a lifesaver. The thing is, there are certain methods of ingestion which may be more or less appropriate. For American-owned pipes, papers, and other smoking implements, check out Atomic Blaze.
Beyond traditional ingestion methods, you might do a search engine query to explore what sort of recipes are out there for edible administration.
5. Age Extension: Stress, Telomerase, And Cannabis
Telomeres act like the tape at the end of shoestring does, but for your DNA. Essentially, they keep your DNA from unraveling in a process we call “aging”. As we age, telomerase levels are reduced. Something that reduces them that has nothing to do with time is stress. The more stressed you are, the more your telomeres are reduced.
Accordingly, cannabis is an excellent supplementary choice. Because it alleviates stress, it can result in a slower loss of telomerase, thereby extending youth and perhaps even life expectancy as a result. They say you’re only as young as you feel.
There’s also something known as the “will to live”, which affects hospital outcomes. Cannabis makes you feel young, and helps individuals enjoy life.
6. Weight Control – Cannabis Can Maintain Weight
Despite the munchies, cannabis can actually help you lose weight. Dichotomously, as referenced earlier, though cannabis gives users the munchies, it also helps them lose weight. The precise mechanism behind this isn’t fully understood, but it may have to do with an increase in physical activity that sometimes comes from certain strains. Talk about a win-win!
7. Insomnia, Glaucoma, And Dementia Therapy
Beyond excessive activity, cannabis also tends to put a lot of people to sleep. It has been known for decades that it helps treat glaucoma, and it has just been discovered that dementia patients experience positive results from cannabis use.
Cannabis: It’s Got A Surprising Variety Of Angles
Insomnia, glaucoma, dementia, and cancer are a few known conditions cannabis may help with. It can also assist in weight control, extending life expectancy, stimulating the appetite, relieving pain, and stabilizing mental health. All in all, for elderly individuals, there are quite a few health benefits to recommend cannabis.