What Are The Effects of Medical Marijuana on The Brain?

With more states loosening rules for cannabis use, the number of medical users, i.e. patients applying for medical marijuana recommendations Fresno, has increased. As per a new survey published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, one in seven Americans had used the herb in 2017. 

Medical researchers have found that cannabis consumption can help in treating common mental illnesses. These include anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, insomnia, etc.

What are the effects of medical marijuana on the brain? What do the studies say? Read on to learn more.

Medical Marijuana’s Effects on The Brain

As per the Food and Drug Administration, cannabis is a Schedule 1 drug. It’s defined as one of the most dangerous drugs with no accepted use, medically or recreationally.

But, in many US states, its medical use is legal. To access cannabis products, you require medical marijuana recommendations Fresno.

In a cannabis plant, there are over 100 cannabinoids. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive cannabinoid, which provides euphoric high. Also, it resembles anandamide, which is produced in the brain naturally and is responsible for regulating mood, memory, sleep, and appetite.

Additionally, cannabinoids increase the dopamine levels in the brain, thus boosting relaxation and euphoria effects.

The short-term effects of marijuana can be experienced within a few minutes, which usually wear off after 2-3 hours.

What if you use cannabis regularly? Will you experience permanent cognitive or other health changes?

Well, there doesn’t have any rigorous scientific research in this area. A 2012 review published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine reported immediate impairments on memory and concentration.

Marijuana consumption impairs attention and concentration of light users but doesn’t affect heavy users. However, after 3 weeks since last using cannabis, attention and concentration become normal.

Medical researchers have found that cannabis use has no long-term effects on working memory. In  2002, a study was performed on 77 heavy smokers who abstained from smoking cannabis. Researchers found memory impairment in subjects up to a week after consuming marijuana. However, by day 28, their results didn’t differ from control subjects. Thus, memory is affected when you smoke cannabis, and after you stop smoking it, you return to the normal condition.

Not all consumers have an enjoyable and relaxing experience after consuming marijuana. So, before smoking cannabis, analyze how your body responds to cannabinoids and the strains that work for your condition.

Cannabis Helps in Alleviating Anxiety Symptoms

Cannabis consumption provides calming effects by affecting the neurotransmitter GABA. This helps in stopping anxiety. The herb works the same way as prescription anti-anxiety medications—i.e. Targeting GABA levels.

Additionally, when you use marijuana regularly, it helps in lowering cortisol, a stress hormone, a study found.

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which can help in reducing anxiety symptoms without causing high effects. It works by targeting the CB1 receptors present in the brain. A 2011 study found that subjects who received 400 mg of CBD reported reduction in anxiety symptoms than those who were given a placebo.

Here’re some of the best cannabis strains for anxiety patients-

• Harle-Tsu

• CBD Shark

• Harlequin

• ACDC

• Haoma

• Trident

• Cannatonic

• Mango Kush

• Tangerine Power

• Super Silver Haze

• Sour Tangie

Medical Cannabis for PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition, which is associated with a traumatic event, thus interfering with the patient’s cognitive function. Common symptoms include sadness, stress, anxiety and even nightmares about the event. This condition is common among military veterans. 

Cannabinoids present in cannabis (mainly CBD and THC) activate CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system of the body, which modulates the release of neurotransmitters. Additionally, cannabinoid blocks the continuous retrieval of the traumatic event. 

Military veterans use cannabis for relaxation and reducing stress. Besides this, the herb promotes sleep, which is another reason why it’s popular among patients.

According to a review published in 2015, cannabis consumption helps PTSD patients alleviate three major symptoms—re-experiencing and hyperarousal, avoidance & numbing, and sleep.

The majority of the cannabis legalized states have approved PTSD to apply for medical marijuana recommendations Fresno. These are—Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Ohio, Hawaii, Florida, Delaware, Connecticut, Arkansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, and New Jersey.

Here’re some of the best cannabis strains for PTSD patients-

• Blue Dream

• Sour Diesel

• OG Kush

• Grandaddy Purple

• Original Glue

• Jack Herer

• Durban Poison

• GSC

• Pineapple Express

• AK-47

• Bubba Kush

• Northern Lights

• Blue Cheese

To cover it up—marijuana helps in treating various conditions. Researchers have found that it works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system of the body. 

However, cannabis doesn’t provide the same results, i.e. relaxation and calming effects, to everyone. This is because everyone has a different condition. Thus, it’s necessary to analyze how your body responds to the cannabinoids and choose the right cannabis strains for your condition.

See a medical marijuana doctor to apply for your 420 med evaluations today.