A variety of elements present in cannabis provide anti-inflammatory effects, including THC. Here’s what you should know.
Cannabis is an anti-inflammatory agent. The plant has long been associated with a variety of benefits related to the area of pain and inflammation, which is one of the first symptoms that cannabis treats. The compound’s effect on inflammation has helped people manage symptoms of chronic pain, injury recovery, and more.
The elements present in cannabis, like THC and CBD, have all been linked with anti-inflammatory properties, making them good options for a variety of illnesses. These findings have appeared in various studies, and have been reported by a significant number of pro athletes.
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Crohn’s disease and chronic pain, both heavily influenced by the patients’ degree of inflammation, are just some of the ailments that report the most benefits when paired with cannabis. A study conducted on patients with Crohn’s indicates that 10 out of 11 patients experienced some form of relief thanks to cannabis, without having to subject themselves to steroids or other types of medications.
When discussing chronic pain or injuries, cannabis provides a path to treat symptoms and pain without relying on opioids and medicines, along with their often dangerous and addictive side effects. While its effects on inflammation may be lesser than the ones provided by opioids or medications, the main perk cannabis offers is that it provides no significant side effects, except for perhaps getting a little bit too high.
“For me, the major benefits of cannabis are as an anti-inflammatory and the relief from pain, headaches, and other concussion symptoms that I still have years after suffering a bunch of them,” football player Eugene Monroe told Playboy. “I went from scheduling X amount of pills throughout each day to eliminating all of them. Now that I use cannabis, the only pills I take are vitamins and minerals. There’s no more pharmaceuticals.”
RELATED: This Is Why Cannabis Is So Effective At Easing Inflammation
Why do these results occur? There are only theories in place, but researchers believe that cannabinoids are able to create pathways in the brain that reduce or shut off the body’s anti-inflammatory response. And while THC and CBD have provided a large percentage of anti-inflammatory results when tested out on their own, cannabis’ entourage effect (the collaboration of all elements within the cannabis plant) might be the recipe that provides the best effect of all.
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Cannabis and its compounds THC and CBD are very promising elements when it comes to treating inflammation. While they likely won’t provide the same amount of relief as prescription medications when treating serious conditions, hopefully in the future we’ll be in a place where there’s more research and cannabis can be considered as another valuable option for people to have.
