Hey there, dispenseroO.cc readers! Did you know that cannabis is actually a plant? Quite fascinating, right? Many people enjoy using the dried leaves, seed oil, and other parts of the cannabis plant for both recreational and medicinal purposes.

Weed has a soothing effect and can help relieve symptoms of various conditions, such as chronic pain.

Here are some ways you can use it:

You have many options for enjoying cannabis, such as:

• Smoking or vaping
• Brewing it as a tea
• Consuming it in edibles like brownies or candies
• Enjoying it in its natural state
• Applying it as a topical treatment
• Incorporating it into your daily routine through capsules or supplements

Some components of cannabis can alter the mind, while others do not. The effectiveness and balance of the ingredients can vary depending on the cultivation and processing methods used by the grower.

Table of Contents:

• CBD and THC
• Legal status of CBD in the UK
• Medicinal uses of cannabis in the UK
• Impact of Cannabis
• Function of Cannabis
• Emotions People Experience
• Risks of cannabis use
  • Immune Response
  • Oral Health
  • Memory Loss
  • Cancer Risk
  • Enhanced Potency
  • Unregulated Cannabis
• Cannabis Addiction
• Cannabis Withdrawal 
• Ongoing Research
• In Summary

Let us explain what CBD and THC are

Cannabis contains over 120 active ingredients, known as cannabinoids. Two of the most well-known ones are cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Certain cannabinoids can induce feelings of euphoria or alter one’s mental state, with THC being responsible for both effects.

CBD is available in various forms, such as:

• Oils that can be applied to the skin
• Capsules that can be taken as supplements
• Gummy candies

Researchers have mainly focused on CBD and THC, but they are also investigating the potential effects of other cannabinoids.

Want to know how long does a cannabis withdrawal last?

Is CBD legal?

In the UK, CBD products containing less than 1mg of THC are completely legal. However, it’s important to note that non-prescription CBD products have not been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and some products may have inaccurate labels.

Medicinal uses of Cannabis

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have provided conclusive evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids can be beneficial in managing:

• Chronic pain in adults
• Nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy treatment
• Certain symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

There is some evidence to suggest that it may also be beneficial for sleep issues related to sleep apnoea, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and MS.

Other conditions that might benefit from cannabis include:

• Decreased appetite
• Tourette’s syndrome
• Anxiety, in certain individuals

In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, a cannabis-derived medication, to treat two rare and severe forms of epilepsy that do not respond well to other treatments. Epidiolex is a pure form of CBD, completely free of THC.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved three drugs containing synthetic substances that closely resemble THC in structure. Marinol, Syndros, and Cesamet are effective treatment options for certain types of anorexia.

Impact of Cannabis

There are various ways to utilise cannabis, and the chosen method can influence its effects.

A sense of elation can begin shortly after smoking or inhaling and reach its peak within 10-30 minutes, typically fading after about 2 hours.

When consuming cannabis orally, the effects usually start within an hour and peak after 2.5-3.5 hours. According to a study, the type of edible can affect how quickly you feel its effects, with hard candies kicking in faster.

Transdermal patches are designed to gradually release their ingredients into the body, providing long-lasting effects. This continuous infusion can be particularly helpful for individuals using cannabis to manage pain and reduce inflammation.

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How do cannabinoids function?

The human body has its own endocannabinoid system, which naturally produces cannabinoids. These function similarly to neurotransmitters, transmitting messages across the nervous system.

These neurotransmitters affect various brain areas involved in memory, thinking, concentration, movement, coordination, sensory perception, time perception, and pleasure.

The receptors that respond to these cannabinoids also react to THC and other cannabinoids, creating a harmonious interaction. Through external sources, cannabinoids can alter and disturb the regular functioning of the brain.

THC seems to impact the brain regions responsible for controlling:

• Memory and focus
• Balance, posture, and coordination
• Reflexes and reaction time

It is important to exercise caution after using cannabis and avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in risky physical activities.

THC activates certain cannabinoid receptors, leading to an increase in dopamine release. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure.

THC can also affect sensory perception, making colours appear brighter, music feel more vivid, and emotions seem more profound.

What emotions do people experience?

When individuals use cannabis, they might experience the following effects:

• A sense of joy or happiness, often referred to as a state of bliss
• A state of relaxation
• Shifts in perception, such as changes in colour, time, and space
• An increase in appetite
• A greater inclination to engage in conversation

Find out more on cannabis legalisation in the UK 2024 and what to expect

Potential Risk Factors of Cannabis Use

It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with using cannabis. Here are some notable examples:

A study conducted in 2012 found that there is a higher likelihood of being involved in a road traffic accident if someone drives within 3 hours of smoking cannabis. This highlights the importance of being cautious and responsible when it comes to driving after consuming cannabis.

Immune Response

A study conducted in 2019 suggested that regular cannabis use might impact the immune system. However, further research is needed to validate these findings.

Oral Health

The American Dental Association has found a potential connection between cannabis use and gum disease. This is something to consider for maintaining good oral health.

Memory Loss

Research indicates that individuals who smoke potent cannabis strains, such as skunk, may be at a higher risk of experiencing acute memory loss.

Cancer Risk

According to a review conducted in 2018, individuals who have used cannabis more than 50 times in their lifetime may have an increased risk of developing testicular cancer.

Enhanced Potency

Some varieties of cannabis, like skunk, have been modified to enhance the potency of specific components. Over the years, there has been a significant increase in the THC content found in confiscated cannabis within the UK, reaching over 35% in 2018.

Unregulated Cannabis

One issue with using unregulated or recreational drugs is the uncertainty surrounding their contents and the potential strength of their effects. There is a risk of contaminants being present in such products.

Would you like to know the impact of cannabis on your heart’s health?

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.