Top 8 Potential Benefits of THC for Health & Wellness

We want to let you in on a secret – THC is good for much more than just having a good time. In fact, the many benefits of THC make it a standout option for naturally treating many mental and physical health symptoms. 

You may be surprised to learn just how active of a role THC can play in many bodily processes, including some that significantly affect how you feel. Let’s take a deeper dive into the benefits THC has to offer for your mind and body.

Why the Benefits of Weed Exist

We can thank the endocannabinoid system for the many potential health benefits of weed. This diverse network of cellular receptors and the chemical signals that stimulate them plays a key role in many bodily functions. 

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While we may not know it, our bodies all have an endocannabinoid system working hard to keep us healthy. Endocannabinoids, which our bodies naturally produce, bind to specific receptors and prompt certain responses, such as changes in appetite or mood. Since cannabinoids share a similar chemical structure, they can do the same.

What are the benefits of CBD and THC together?

Many cannabis lovers find that adding other cannabinoids, namely CBD (or cannabidiol), to their routine enhances the benefits of THC they experience. This is likely due to the entourage effect, a theory that suggests different parts of the cannabis plants can have synergistic effects (i.e., they work together to enhance each other’s effects). 

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So, a primary benefit of using CBD and THC together is more potent effects. But, on the flip side, using CBD can help you consume smaller doses of THC, which is ideal for avoiding side effects like headaches or paranoia. 

8 Potential Health Benefits of THC

It’s worth noting that more research is needed to support many of the benefits of THC suggested by preliminary studies. These findings are not meant to replace the professional advice of a doctor. However, when used safely, THC may offer benefits like those below.

1. Lowering inflammation

If there’s one thing THC and CBD are known for, it’s battling inflammation. But why? 

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Inflammation is an immune response – when your body detects a threat, it sends hordes of inflammatory cells to the area to trap pathogens and jumpstart healing. The result is often swelling, redness, and tenderness. 

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The endocannabinoid system helps regulate immune system activity and can influence inflammatory responses. Cannabinoids that bind to receptors in this system can therefore inhibit inflammation. In fact, both THC and CBD have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

2. Treating chronic pain

Perhaps because of its ability to lower inflammation levels, THC is a popular option for managing chronic pain. While it may not be ideal for sudden, severe pain – breaking a bone, for example – studies suggest that THC might effectively address long-term symptoms. 

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Research on this topic speaks more to the benefits of THC gummies and edibles than smokeables – one study found that patients treated for chronic pain with oral cannabinoids were more likely than others to report a significant reduction in symptoms. 

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Still, it’s likely safe to say that THC in any form can have pain-relieving effects. 

3. Managing anxiety & stress

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THC is your friend if you want to kick back and relax. Known for its ability to make users sink into their couches or veg out in front of the TV, THC can be a real stress-buster. 

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Some research posits it may effectively treat conditions like depression and anxiety, but more studies are needed before we can compare its efficacy to traditional treatments. For now, we can count on the mounds of anecdotal evidence that point to the same conclusion: THC, especially when combined with CBD, can help you take a step back from anxiety symptoms. 

4. Boosting appetite

THC is an infamous appetite stimulant, so much so that it creates a phenomenon known as “the munchies.” 

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Because of how THC interacts with receptors in the brain, it can essentially trick your body into thinking you’re hungry, even when you normally wouldn’t be. Not only that, but THC can enhance your senses, making yummy foods look especially tantalizing. 

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This is great for enjoying your favorite snacks but also for helping those who may struggle to eat enough – perhaps due to medical conditions or treatments like chemotherapy – feel able to chow down regularly.

5. Promoting better sleep

THC helps many people fall and stay asleep thanks to its sedating effects. Those with sleep disorders like insomnia may be especially likely to experience this benefit. 

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Research on exactly how THC improves sleep is evolving, but experts are more confident about CBD’s impact on how we get our z’s. Combining the two is likely better than relying on THC alone.

6. Reducing nausea

Hand-in-hand with THC’s ability to improve appetite is its power over nausea. THC has antiemetic effects that make upset stomach symptoms fade away. CBD has similar effects, as do many other cannabinoids. 

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Lowering nausea can be enough to improve a person’s appetite, making this arguably one of the most advantageous benefits of THC for medical patients.

7. Treating some medical conditions

There’s a lot of buzz around the potential medical benefits of THC, but only some are supported by solid evidence. This is not to say that THC can’t be a natural medicine for various symptoms, only that it’s best to be cautious when using cannabis to treat medical conditions.

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Currently, we know that THC can have benefits for conditions like:

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• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Multiple sclerosis
• Chronic pain
• Some types of cancer

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Despite this, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not officially approved THC as a treatment for any condition. However, some of its chemical cousins are available as medical treatment options. Epidiolex, a medication formulated with CBD, is a cannabis-based treatment for seizures, and dronabinol (Marinol or Syndros) treats vomiting and nausea caused by cancer treatment.

8. Improving mood and mental health

Euphoria, inspiration, and rejuvenation are just a few of the effects you might experience when using THC. For many people, these boosts in mood can prove to be beneficial for overall mental health. The happier you are, the more likely you may be to feel satisfied with life.

How to Enjoy the Benefits of Weed Safely

While the benefits of THC are plentiful, it’s smart to be safe when using cannabis products. Not everyone uses THC the same way, so it can take some trial and error to discover which options work best for you.

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Following tips like these can help you reap the benefits of smoking weed safely:

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• Check-In With a Doc. It’s always best to talk to your doctor before adding any new cannabis product to your routine. THC can interact with some prescription medications and may exacerbate some health concerns. Your safety should always come first, and there’s no way to fully assess your risk level without some professional insight.

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• Pace Yourself. Start small when dosing your THC, and slowly work your way up to higher doses as necessary. We recommend sticking with a dose that leads to your desired effects and nothing more. The urge to pile on as much THC as possible may be strong, but the more you consume, the more likely you are to experience adverse effects.

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• Note Side Effects. Speaking of adverse effects, it’s a good idea to pay attention to any side effects you notice when using your product of choice. This helps you learn which doses are best for you and allows you to tweak your shopping habits to better fit your needs.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason cannabis is often referred to as “nature’s medicine” – it brings a ton of valuable benefits to the table, and there may be more than we know lurking beneath the surface. 

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You can welcome this powerful plant into your life with products from right here at The Green Dragon CBD. Whether you want THC, CBD, both, or something else entirely, we’ve got the top products you need to get started. 

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Feel free to contact us with questions or for a consultation that will help you find what you’re looking for.

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