The Effects of Cannabis

The human body has what’s called an endogenous cannabinoid system (meaning it originates inside the body). This system, also referred to as the endocannabinoid Cannabiz system, is composed of cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids (lipids that engage cannabinoid receptors) and enzymes that are involved in the synthesis and breakdown of the endocannabinoids. Some cannabinoid receptors (CB1 receptors) are abundant in the brain while others (CB2 receptors) are more prevalent in peripheral organs and the gastrointestinal tract.

Most of cannabis’ intoxicating effects (that “high” sensation) come from THC, and the degree to which a cannabis product “will have energizing, intoxicating or relaxing effects is most likely determined by the relative amounts of THC and CBD in the product,” according to researchers from Oregon Health & Science University[2]. By contrast, CBD doesn’t have intoxicating effects.

Potential Positive Effects
Cannabis research is ongoing, but a solid amount of evidence exists regarding its medicinal benefits for certain health conditions. “Cannabis can be helpful across a wide range of problems that don’t seem to be related, including pain management, anxiety and depression, insomnia, cancer, nausea and vomiting [from chemotherapy], and multiple sclerosis [symptoms],” says Dr. Tishler. Here’s a closer look at some of its therapeutic potential.

Helps Relieve Chronic Pain

A 2021 study in the European Journal of Pain found patients with chronic pain who used medical cannabis to treat their pain experienced a 20% reduction in pain intensity and a 42% decrease in their daily dosage of opioids after a year[3]. Other studies suggest cannabis may relieve neuropathic pain in some patients. And a 2020 study in Brain Sciences found the use of medical cannabis led to long-term reduction in migraine frequency, as well as a lower intake of antimigraine medication, in more than 60% of participants with chronic migraines[4].