Cannabis Extract & their Health Attributes! Are they really helpful in promoting sleep?

Cannabis extract, derived from the plant Cannabis sativa, has gained attention for its potential health benefits, primarily due to its active compounds called cannabinoids. Two of the most studied cannabinoids are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), each with distinct effects and therapeutic properties.

Cannabis extract is prepared from Cannabis plant, which is also utilized for the preparation of various drugs and for various drugs mis use. Hence, this becomes a common point of concern that weather the cannabis extract is medicine or drug? Can it be utilized for drug mis use? There are several questions which left us doubtful!

Lets understand the definition of Medicine and Drug as per the drug and cosmetic act. As per the drug and cosmetic act 1945, any substance which is used for the prevention, treatment or cure or mitigation of any diseased condition, are medicine. Always keep in mind that every thing is drug as per the Drug and cosmetic act 1945, the only difference is that medicine always has a dose dependent action whereas drugs which are utilized for abuse purpose their dose is not decided, actually they are mis used psychologically, socially or mentally.

Hence, cannabis extract prepared by various organizations are medicine not a mis used kind of drug, because it is a standardized medicinal formulation for particular cure.

Here’s a look at some of the potential health benefits of cannabis extracts:

1. Pain Relief

Cannabis extract is commonly used for managing chronic pain, particularly in conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathic pain. Both THC and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain and inflammation. Studies suggest that these cannabinoids can reduce pain perception and improve quality of life for those suffering from chronic pain​.

2. Reducing Inflammation

CBD, in particular, has anti-inflammatory properties, making cannabis extracts useful in treating conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. By modulating immune response, cannabis extracts can help reduce inflammation and promote healing​.

3. Mental Health Support

Cannabis extracts, especially those rich in CBD, are used to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. CBD is thought to work by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, helping to stabilize mood without the psychoactive effects associated with THC. In some cases, cannabis extracts have been used to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)​.

4. Seizure Reduction

CBD has been extensively studied for its ability to reduce seizures in individuals with epilepsy. The FDA-approved drug Epidiolex, a purified CBD extract, is used to treat certain rare forms of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. CBD's anticonvulsant properties have been shown to reduce both the frequency and severity of seizures​.

5. Sleep Improvement

Cannabis extracts, particularly those containing both THC and CBD, are known to help with sleep disorders. THC has sedative properties that can help induce sleep, while CBD can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, leading to better sleep quality. Cannabis extracts are often used by individuals with insomnia or disrupted sleep cycles​.

6. Neuroprotective Properties

Some studies suggest that cannabinoids may have neuroprotective benefits, particularly for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, cannabis extracts could potentially slow the progression of these conditions​.

7. Appetite Stimulation

Cannabis, especially THC-rich extracts, is known to stimulate appetite, making it beneficial for people undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or those with eating disorders. This effect is often used to counteract nausea and vomiting as well, particularly in cancer patients​.

8. Cardiovascular Health

Preliminary research suggests that CBD might offer benefits for cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and improving circulation. It is believed that CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may protect the heart and blood vessels from damage​.

Considerations and Risks

While cannabis extracts offer several potential benefits, there are also risks, particularly with high-THC products. These include:

  • Impaired cognitive function (memory and attention)
  • Dependence with long-term use
  • Psychiatric effects, particularly in individuals prone to mental health conditions like schizophrenia

Furthermore, the legality of cannabis extracts varies widely by region, and they should be used under medical supervision when needed for specific health conditions.

Conclusion

Cannabis extracts, particularly those containing CBD and THC, offer a wide range of potential health benefits, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, seizure reduction, and mood stabilization. However, it's essential to weigh the benefits against potential risks and use these extracts responsibly. Ongoing research continues to explore new therapeutic applications for cannabinoids, broadening the scope of their medical use.

Note/Caution: Information provided here in this post is solely for information / educational purpose. Consult your doctor or ayurvedic medical practitioner for accurate dosage and usage of any product. We are not responsible for any implications or cause due to self-medication.