Cannabis research studies — though some arguments suggest they’re limited — are still able to beg the question, “what can’t cannabis do?” From anxiety and chronic pain relief to antiemetic capabilities, seizure reduction, and even weight management, the list of the evidence-backed capabilities of cannabis is growing. We’ll explore a few prominent studies in this post.
However, to answer the prior question of what cannabis can’t do? Well, cannabis still fails to garner enough support for unquestioned legality and the eradication of stigma. But, the tide is certainly beginning to turn in its favor, especially with the success of CBD and delta 8. So, let’s discuss some studies.
Cannabis research studies for anxiety
If any benefits of cannabis are anecdotal, this occurs often with cannabis for anxiety. This is, in part, because of the psychoactive properties of cannabis strains high in THC. The effects of cannabis on any given user can vary. This can be due to the person’s biology and other diagnoses, known or unknown. It also comes down to the strain of cannabis used. This means Sativa, Indica, or a Hybrid. In addition, the amount of cannabis used matters, too.
According to a predominant study involving several anxiety disorders, “the ability of cannabinoids to modulate emotional responses is extremely attractive for the development of novel anxiolytic agents.” However, this study also emphasized that “further advances in this area may be essential to allow a personalized approach for the employment of cannabinoid-based therapies in anxiety and mood disorders.”
So, breaking that down a bit further, cannabis has already proven itself both in the scientific community and in consumer circles. It can handle anxiety and even combat-related PTSD. But, it is not a cure-all, and it may not prove entirely beneficial in every case. You can read more of Direct THC’s examination of cannabis and anxiety here.
A note about strains and other cannabinoids
Notoriously, Sativas are known to be more energizing and thus more likely to cause anxiety or paranoia in some users. On the other hand, Indica-heavy strains are more often associated with being largely sedating. What’s interesting, too, however, is the rise of delta 8 THC, another cannabinoid. For this one, there’s a lack of paranoia associated with its use. As a cannabinoid, however, it still offers the benefits mentioned prior (relieving anxiety, pain, nausea, etc).
Studies on pain
Rivaling, (if not overshadowing) cannabis’s ability to help anxiety includes its effects on pain. Worth noting, however, cannabis is largely understood to be more effective at managing chronic pain rather than acute instances. This includes pain associated with aging as well as conditions such as multiple sclerosis, endometriosis, Parkinson’s disease, and others.
Cannabis is particularly beneficial in cases of chronic pain, too. This is because it is far milder than opiates in terms of associated risk as well as offering no chance of overdose. However, according to this review, “as more patients turn to cannabis for pain relief, there is a need for additional scientific evidence to evaluate this increase.” In other words, not all researchers are so quick to corroborate cannabis on their own accord.
Furthermore, however, cannabis is also studied in cases of difficult to treat pain, in which “numerous randomized clinical trials have demonstrated safety and efficacy for Sativex [a cannabis drug] in central and peripheral neuropathic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer pain.”
Additional studies
Additionally (because we couldn’t be quite done yet), cannabis is also beneficial for chemotherapy-related nausea according to studies. But did you know that it is also being used to address things like blood sugar control?
This idea is not entirely new. In fact, previous studies examine lower rates of obesity and diabetes in marijuana users. Sure, there’s that idea that marijuana induces “munchies.” However, this notion is largely beneficial (and regulatory) for those who struggle with maintaining a proper weight or appetite.
Wrapping up
If this rambling shows anything, it’s that the collection of cannabis research is extensive. Of course, some will agree to disagree. Studies exist to show cannabis and related cannabinoids help:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Pain
- Sleep issues
- Seizures
- Symptoms of Crohn’s disease
- Much more
However, stigma and legal issues still exist. Therefore, it may not be a bad idea for scientists and consumers alike to try out a multitude of cannabis offerings. This includes CBD and delta 8 THC. Like THC, they come from the same plant, but they’re federally legal (effectively removing some stigma). Plus, CBD is not psychoactive and delta 8 THC is arguably milder.
All in all, we’re not cannabis experts. However, we do know quite a bit. Plus, we’re optimistic to learn more as studies develop. Check out the rest of the Direct THC blog for more research. Read up on delta 8 THC, too, on dd8shop.com.
