Here at DC Dash cannabis delivery service, we believe that researching cannabis is crucial to understanding its effects and benefits. In this blog, we’ll cover some of the most important cannabis studies of the last few years that can help inform the decision-making of cannabis users.
Cannabis: Past & Present
Cannabis is one of the most thoroughly studied plants in history. The first documentation of its medicinal use dates back to 2637 BC in China. Cannabis was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) from the 1850s to 1942 as a medicinal substance.
Over 4,500 years after its original documentation, in the 1990s, scientists discovered the presence of the endocannabinoid system, which catapulted cannabis’s prevalence in research.
In December of 2022, President Biden signed The Cannabis Research Bill, which speeds up the process of cannabis research to treat cannabis like “any other substance or pharmaceutical for which we hope there is potential benefit.”
The Endocannabinoid System
As mentioned, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) was a massive discovery in cannabis research. But what exactly is it? According to NORML:
- The endogenous cannabinoid system, named after the plant that led to its discovery, is perhaps the most important physiologic system involved in establishing and maintaining human health.
- Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body: in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells.
- In each tissue, the cannabinoid system performs different tasks, but the goal is always the same: homeostasis, the maintenance of a stable internal environment despite fluctuations in the external environment.
Endogenous means “within the body”, which means that everyone has cannabinoids in their body whether or not they use cannabis. If you are familiar with the nervous system, you know that neurotransmitters interact with neurons to affect the body.
Similarly, the ECS is a series of receptors and pathways that are located throughout the body. When you consume cannabis, the cannabinoids interact with the cannabinoid receptors. This interaction with what brings users therapeutic effects. By targeting specific receptors, the user is able to target areas that need relief.
Cannabinoids & Terpenes
To date, researchers have found up to 113 different types of cannabinoids in cannabis. The most popular are THC and CBD, but research is currently being done on THCa, CBDa, THCV, CBC, CBN, CBG, and more. In fact, early studies have shown that CBC may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
In addition to the 100+ cannabinoids, cannabis contains over 200 terpenes, all of which contribute to the aroma and flavor profile of the strain as well as the psychoactive and physical effects.
For example, the terpene caryophyllene has the ability to bind to endocannabinoid receptors like a cannabinoid can, giving it anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers are currently working on discovering the specific role terpenes play in the effects of cannabis.
Discovering Cannabis as Symptom Relief
Currently, the FDA does not approve cannabis for use in the treatment of any diseases. However, studies have shown to relieve symptoms of common diseases and ailments. Here are just some of the most recent discoveries in the use of cannabis as symptom relief:
- Alzheimer’s: A 2020 literature review identified that the use of cannabis can reduce the neuroinflammation and oxidative stress associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s. Additionally, several studies have shown that the use of THC can decrease agitation, delusions, and insomnia in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s.
- Cancer: Cannabis is known to be a relief for nausea associated with cancer and chemotherapy. However, early studies using cancer models have shown that cannabis may have the ability to limit tumor growth.
- Epilepsy: The use of CBD in both adults and children has shown to be effective in reducing seizure activity and improving brain function.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Patients with GI-related disorders use cannabis to relieve symptoms such as abdominal pain, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown improvements in overall health and even reduced effects of GI-related diseases.
- Migraines: Several studies have shown that the use of cannabis has reduced the length and frequency of migraines in frequent sufferers.
- Parkinson’s Disease: Research has shown that the use of cannabis in patients with Parkinson’s shows reductions in pain, stiffness, and tremor as well as improvements in mood and sleep quality. In particular, the use of CBD improved Parkinson’s patients’ overall quality of life.
DC Dash Cannabis Delivery — Always Striving to Keep You Educated & Informed
As with anything, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to uncover the truth about cannabis and its benefits. However, the current research demonstrates promise in the use of cannabis to provide natural wellness to the body.
Want to learn more about what’s new in cannabis? Check out our previous blog on the latest in cannabis news and legislature.
*Always consult a physician before making any changes to your health or fitness regimen.
