A bong rip a day keeps the doctor away. For too long, cannabis was considered a brain-rotting drug with no medicinal properties. We know better than that now. Cannabis can help with everything from stress to inflammation to so much more. Let’s dive into the top 10 health benefits of smoking weed.
1. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is at the root of several chronic conditions: arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and other autoimmune disorders. The good news is that THC and CBD cannabinoids contain anti-inflammatory properties. By interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, they’re able to reduce inflammation. For people suffering from swollen joints, menstrual discomfort, or chronic inflammation, cannabis offers a natural solution.
2. KOs Insomnia
One of the best health benefits of smoking weed is improving sleep. Struggling to get good-quality sleep takes a toll on your well-being. Cannabis, especially indica-dominant strains, has a powerful sedative effect. Taking a few hits before bed makes falling and staying asleep much easier. When struggling with insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns, weed is a game-changer.
3. Relieves Pain
Cannabis is a natural pain reliever. The plant’s cannabinoids connect to receptors in the nervous system and brain and reduce pain signals. It provides an effective solution for a wide range of conditions, such as migraines, nerve damage, injuries, and more. Unlike opioids, weed has a much lower risk of side effects and addiction, making it a safe choice for long-term pain relief.
4. Eases Anxiety and Depression
Smoking weed can be great for mental health. As soon as cannabis enters the body, it interacts with mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. CBD is especially effective in providing a calming effect and reducing feelings of worry. So, consider getting a cannabis strain with a balanced THC-to-CBD ratio. This calming effect and mood regulation can also help those struggling with depression. Be careful not to jump into a strain with a high THC percentage, as it can sometimes have the opposite effect.
5. Alternative to Prescription Medications
Cannabis can be a natural alternative to prescription drugs for some people. Several prescription medications for pain, sleep, and anxiety have a high risk of dependency and long-term side effects. Cannabis, on the other hand, can provide similar effects as certain medications with less risk. Anyone considering switching from prescription medication to cannabis should first consult with a doctor. However, for those looking for more holistic remedies without the potential complications of some pharmaceutical drugs, marijuana can be a promising option.
6. Supports Neurological Health
One of the most exciting health benefits of smoking weed is its neuroprotective properties. Evidence suggests that cannabis can be useful to manage certain seizure disorders, reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries, and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This is due to the plant’s cannabinoids reducing oxidative stress and promoting brain cell health.
7. Helps Manage PTSD Symptoms
Millions of people suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – a condition that can be very complex and severe. Scientists are now looking toward alternative methods to relieve PTSD symptoms, such as cannabis and MDMA, and they’re finding promising results. The THC and CBD cannabinoids in cannabis work together to quiet an overactive fear response, allowing people with PTSD to process their trauma through a calm lens. The plant has already become a valuable tool for countless veterans, abuse survivors, and others dealing with trauma.
8. Improves Appetite and Digestion
Arguably, the most famous effect of smoking pot is appetite stimulation–better known as the munchies. Weed makes you hungry. For anyone undergoing chemotherapy or dealing with eating disorders, cannabis can help make food look appealing again. The plant also regulates the digestive system, reducing nausea and vomiting while potentially promoting a healthy gut.
9. Aids in Stress Relief
Don’t worry…about a thing. Stress is all around us. Work, finances, relationships, the list goes on and on. Consuming cannabis can lower cortisol levels (the hormone responsible for stress) and provide both mental and physical relaxation. Whether it’s just a tough day at the office or a life-changing life situation, cannabis can be incredible for managing everyday stress and finding a healthy emotional balance.
10. Enhances Creativity and Focus
When cannabis stimulates certain areas in the brain, it can spark new ideas or solutions to problems that otherwise wouldn’t have been thought of. A fresh perspective on all aspects of life is sometimes just a few puffs away. Don’t be surprised if you find it easier to find your flow state and spend hours on a task or creative outlets. Cannabis is a powerful tool to tap into your creative potential, which can have a significant effect on your well-being.
Final Thoughts: Health Benefits of Smoking Weed
Cannabis is a miracle plant. After years of being deemed an addictive, baleful substance, people are waking up to its medicinal properties. The health benefits of smoking weed, backed by science, range from reducing chronic inflammation to managing PTSD symptoms. Anyone curious about incorporating the plant into their wellness routine should always consult with a professional. Cheers to better health.
