You may have heard a lot about marijuana and cannabidiol, or CBD. While you may have heard many negative things about these drugs, it’s essential to know that many of them come from unfounded stigma and people not knowing what these drugs are.
While it’s fairly common for the uninitiated to lump cannabis in with other recreational drugs, little research shows that CBD and marijuana harm the body, unlike how smoking tobacco leads to lung cancer.
Cannabis comes from the cannabis plant and is considered a psychoactive drug. Below are four research-supported reasons why this substance deserves attention for its potential healthful properties.
They serve as antiemetics
One study discovered that cannabinoids could be used as antinausea medicine, which is excellent for those who get sick often.
The study discovered that cannabinoids have this effect by inhibiting the 5-HT3 receptors in your brain, specifically in your dorsal vagal complex. This area is known to influence the action of vomiting. The molecule in marijuana, THC, and the endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide, have both been shown to inhibit these receptors.
In addition, the CB1 receptors, located in the dorsal vagal complex, can be influenced by these cannabinoids as they work to inhibit the release of serotonin. The emetic response is inhibited by reducing the serotonin in the synapse.
There are multiple ways to use these drugs to test their antiemetic effects: smoking, legal HHC gummies, or CBD oil.
They serve as painkillers
Another reason why cannabinoids are helpful is that they serve as painkillers.
For example, cannabis may help in reducing neuropathic pain. CB1 and CB2 receptors occupy the central nervous system. Studies have discovered that cannabis reduces pain as it serves as a CB2 agonist, which can suppress pain and microglial activation, which is accompanied by pain flares.
As people have been getting into hemp lotions, these situations show that hemp and other cannabinoids are being used as painkillers today, whether through topical means or ingestion.
They can relieve anxiety
As you may have heard, marijuana and CBD have been said to relieve anxiety, which is valuable for those who experience frequent anxiety or panic attacks.
For instance, cannabidiol, or CBD, has been shown to interact with receptors in the nervous systems responsible for the body’s fight-or-flight response. These receptors include CB1, CB2, 5-HT1A receptor, and TRPV1, or transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 receptor.
Low doses of CBD were shown to activate the 5-HT1A receptors, while higher doses affected TRPV1 receptors.
They can improve kidney function
You may not have heard about this, but some studies have shown that cannabis has aided in improving kidney function.
Studies have shown that cannabis helps patients diagnosed with CKD or chronic kidney disease. Doctors are increasingly likely to proscribe cannabis due to its therapeutic role in patients with this disease.
Not surprisingly, CB1 and CB2 receptors are also found in the kidneys.
Researchers have deemed that cannabis might have either beneficial or harmful effects depending on when these receptors are activated.
More research still needs to be done regarding cannabinoids’ effects on the kidneys, as it has not been thoroughly examined in a controlled setting.
Final thoughts
While these studies have shown positive effects on participants and subjects, it is still essential to do your own research as well. Even though many CBD studies have been conducted in recent years, more research needs to be done on the drug to ensure the long-term effects are beneficial as well, or at least not harmful.
CBD has many potential health benefits that deserve recognition and further examination. It should be given careful study rather than being dismissed as a purely recreational drug.
Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
