THC Has More Benefits Than Just Getting You High

People love THC for the fun – but if you look past it, there are other benefits

Marijuana is becoming increasing popular and over 85% believe it should be legal in some form.  Unlike alcohol, cannabis has proven medical benefits. Mentally, people recognize it as a help with PTSD, pain, chemotherapy, and more, but generally people see it as a way to chill and have fun. And it is becoming an equal opportunity with women almost consuming as much as men.  Still, stereotypes and entertainment continue to promote it as treat for a lazy stoner. But THC has more benefits than just getting you high…and it is important more research is done to help millions.

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Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a terpenoid found in cannabis. It is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis and one of at least 113 total cannabinoids identified on the plant. THC generally refers to the delta-9-THC and is one to get you high.  Many people fear using it for a benefit, thinking they will get stoned and it won’t help. Science says otherwise.

Cannabinoids, including THC, are the active chemicals in medical marijuana, are similar to chemicals the body makes that are involved in appetite, memory, movement, and pain. While research is continuing slowly, patients are being helped on a daily basis.

Studies have shown cannabis is associated with a reduction in overall PTSD symptoms. In most studies, cannabis was well tolerated, but small proportions of patients experienced a worsening of PTSD symptoms. This can be attributed to both dosage issues and interactions with medications.

Another key issues which affects millions is a pain reliever, especially chronic pain. More than half of survey respondents reported their medical cannabis use led to a decrease in prescription opioid use, prescription non-opioid use and use of over-the-counter medications.  This is a short and long term benefits as it prevents opioid addiction.

In addition, medicines containing cannabinoids are helpful in treating certain rare forms of epilepsy, nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, and loss of appetite and weight loss associated with HIV/AIDS. Even the traditional American Medical Association acknowledged the benefits of cannabis.

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Some current challenges are it is not insurance reimbursable, managing dosing is not as reliable as traditional medicine, and some physicians will not prescribe until it is either rescheduled or federally legalized.