Below is a brief summary of the most common physiological effects of cannabis on each of our body systems.
Nervous system
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Cannabinoids have been shown to reduce pain intensity, including inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, and tumor pain. Cannabinoids reduce the spasticity and pain associated with muscle spasm. In addition to reducing the intensity of pain, many patients report that cannabis changes the nature of the pain, making it more bearable and less pronounced. In some situations, cannabinoids can increase the intensity of acute pain. Cannabinoids have neuroprotective effects, protecting nerves from acute injuries such as head trauma and stroke and from conditions that cause chronic injuries, such as Alzheimer's disease. They have anticonvulsant effects and, in some circumstances, antipsychotic effects.
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Cannabinoids also affect our consciousness via the nervous system. Depending on the strain or preparation, cannabinoids can wake up or calm down. Cannabinoids can slow reaction times and cause other changes in sensory perception. Many patients report positive mood, relaxation, laughter, social comfort, time distortion, and intensification of ordinary experiences (e.g. eating, sex, listening to music) after using cannabis. Cannabis can cause both a dissociative effect (awareness that detaches itself from the physical body and its environment) and, conversely, an integrative effect (greater awareness of oneself and the environment).
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Digestive system
Cannabis has broad effects in the digestive system, including increased appetite, reduced nausea and vomiting, inhibition of acid secretion, smooth muscle relaxation, pain reduction, inflammation reduction and reduced motility, thereby relieving cramps and diarrhea. Cannabinoids are active in the liver and can modulate inflammation and scarring. Cannabis reduces saliva production, resulting in dry mouth and improves flavor perception.
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Metabolism
Cannabinoids affect the hormones that control appetite and fat metabolism. Despite the increased appetite, several studies have now shown that cannabis users are less likely to be obese and diabetic than their non-cannabis using counterparts. Underweight patients with chronic diseases have also used cannabis to gain weight - as in other body systems, cannabinoids have the potential to bi-directionally restore balance, potentially helping both overweight and underweight individuals.
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Cardiovascular system
Cannabis exerts bi-directional effects on the cardiovascular system: it can increase or decrease heart rate and blood pressure. Typical doses of cannabis slightly reduce blood pressure and increase heart rate. Cannabinoids can dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow, and animal studies suggest that some cannabinoids may prevent or reduce atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Ultra-low doses of THC have been shown to limit heart attack damage by preserving heart function and promoting faster healing. In general, therapeutic doses of cannabis have a cardioprotective effect, while very high doses of cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids could be dangerous to the heart, especially in patients with pre-existing heart conditions.
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Eyes and ears
Cannabis can lower pressure in the eyes and an important benefit for those with glaucoma and the cause of the "red eye" side effect. Cannabinoids can protect the optic nerve in glaucoma and other eye diseases. Cannabis has also been shown to significantly improve night vision. While there are reports of cannabis relieving tinnitus (ringing in the ears) , there is also some evidence in rats that cannabinoids can promote the development of tinnitus, especially when there is pre-existing hearing damage. Cannabinoids may also play a role in the development and treatment of inner ear disorders that cause dizziness and vertigo.
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Cannabis can affect sexual function, often helping to relieve stress, improve erections and increase the enjoyment of sexual activity. From a practical point of view, cannabis can improve one's sex life when used correctly. Dosage is important: a small dose can be stimulating, while high doses can be too sedative or intoxicating to promote good sex. Animal and human studies also indicate differences between the sexes, with females more consistently stimulated by cannabinoids and males sometimes stimulated and sometimes inhibited.
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Soft tissue and joints
Cannabinoids can modulate bone remodeling, often by promoting bone growth and inhibiting bone resorption, and some are currently being studied for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Our bodies increase the number of cannabinoid receptors present in injured or inflamed tissues, indicating a role for cannabinoids in healing. Numerous cannabinoids, in fact, have been shown to prevent the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, to protect the connective tissue from injury due to lack of oxygen and to accelerate the repair process of damaged skeletal muscle. Extensive research has shown that cannabinoids are excellent for reducing muscle spasm and associated symptoms, even in refractory cases of multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. Patients often report greater flexibility and greater recovery after exercise when using cannabis.
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Immune system
The immune system is partially controlled by our body's cannabinoids, and cannabis use can certainly affect immune function in complex ways, often by suppressing some aspects of the immune system while stimulating others. Most importantly, cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory properties and have shown benefits in inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis. The cannabinoids, terpenes, and other substances in the plant also have antibacterial properties, including potent activity against antibiotic-resistant infections such as MRSA.
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Cannabis and Menopause
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, offers a possible alternative to classic drugs. During menopause the endocannabinoid system plays an important role, it is responsible for appetite, pain, mood, reproductive organs and much more. All of these areas are affected by hormonal changes, as menopause disrupts the human endocannabinoid system and associated estrogen levels.
Cannabis, for example, taken as CBD oil can relieve menopausal symptoms by connecting to cannabinoid receptors in the female reproductive system. Common symptoms of menopause, such as pain, depression, and anxiety, are also relieved by taking CBD.
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The active ingredient cannabidiol is one of the many cannabinoids extracted from the hemp or cannabis plant. CBD is very similar to the psychoactive substance THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in its chemical structure, but it does not have an intoxicating effect and is therefore legally available in Austria. The consumption of THC, however, leads to a temporary intoxicating state of consciousness and is therefore prohibited.
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CBD relieves mood swings
Mood swings are among the most common symptoms of menopause. Due to the mood lifting and antidepressant effect of CBD the villain the mood can be thwarted. A 2010 study on mice showed that the active ingredient in cannabis has similar effects on the human brain like antidepressants and reduced symptoms of depression. This because that increased serotonin is released from CBD. The "happiness hormone" improves general well-being, provides inner balance, good mood and Increased entrepreneurial spirit. In recent years, the antidepressant effect of CBD in depression has also been numerous alt
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CBD reduces sleep disturbances
During menopause, sleep disturbances can occur more frequently and have a negative effect on Welfare. Regular sleep problems can subsequently lead to many major ones Inhibiting the body's ability to function and triggering further disease patterns. People with sleep disorders are often limited in their daily life they suffer from difficulty concentrating, mood swings, or even headaches Hallucinations.
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In addition to the psychological consequences, sleep disturbances can also affect the function of the body and muscle tensions, changes in blood pressure and the effects of cause gastrointestinal disturbances.
With the intake of CBD, which affects the central nervous system, the immune system and acts on the receptors of the intestine, the body can relax and become depressed Moods or fears are relieved. CBD therefore not only treats the causes but also the symptoms of Insomnia.
