Over the years, Cannabis has acquired quite the reputation. It’s understandable that some people may feel curious or confused about its growing popularity in the medical world today.
At Pure Life Wellness, we want you to feel comfortable and informed about our high quality, naturally grown products that are legally available, so that together we can get you feeling better sooner.
This post is meant to demystify Cannabis by providing some basic information about the plant and a description of its uses and effects, ways it may be consumed, and a breakdown of the different strains.
Medical Cannabis
This ancient medicine has been used to alleviate pain and other symptoms of illness for thousands of years.
In fact, prior to the mid-twentieth century, it was heavily utilized in the United States as a patent medicine. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the federal government made stricter laws to control the use and distribution of marijuana.
But, beliefs about the value of Cannabis are changing. Today, it is legal in 33 states, including Maryland.
Why? Because its natural healing properties and miraculous ability to ease discomfort are indisputable. It has even been granted the title “wonder drug” by some researchers due to the tremendously powerful and diverse medical uses.
Uses and Effects of Cannabis
The therapeutic effects of medical Cannabis are remarkably wide-ranging.
It’s a natural, non-addictive, and extremely effective way to alleviate pain and other symptoms of illness that otherwise may have been managed with expensive and/or addictive prescriptions, like opioid medications, that can have major side effects.
Cannabis is known to provide relief for a variety of conditions like:
- Pain
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Loss of Appetite
- Sleep problems
- Migraines & headaches
- Muscle spasms
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Mental health conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and schizophrenia
- Epilepsy
- Eating disorders, like anorexia
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cancer (& relief from chemotherapy side effects)
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Opioid detoxification and weaning
- And more
The specific effects that medical Cannabis may have will vary depending on the method of consumption, strain, and individual. That’s why we make it a consultative process at Pure Life Wellness, not just a purchase.
Ways of Consuming Cannabis
There are a few different ways to consume Cannabis based on preference.
Methods include:
- Inhalation
- Edible consumption
- Topical use
Patients may choose to smoke the flower or extracts of the cannabis plant in a pipe, bong, joint, or otherwise. This may not be the best option for those with lung problems, compromised immune systems, or who have worries about the smell or convenience of use.
Vaporization is a cleaner, more discreet inhalation method. With this, the oil of the Cannabis plant is heated in a vape pen to produce a smokeless vapor with minimal odor.
Consuming edible products like THC & CBD tinctures, mints, drinks, chewable tablets, lozenges, capsules, coconut oil, desserts and other Cannabis-infused food is another great way to discreetly use Cannabis. The effects are usually more delayed than the inhalation method, but can have longer-lasting and more potent effects.
Topical Cannabis products are ideal for localized pain and inflammation, like arthritis, skin conditions and migraines. THC & CBD salves, transdermal patches, balms, lotions, and oils absorb the cannabinoids into the skin for more focused therapeutic effects.
We carry a diverse array of products at Pure Life Wellness so that you can find the method that best suits your lifestyle.
Strains of Cannabis: Indica, Sativa, & Hybrid
There are 3 main categories of strains that offer different effects on the body for different health needs.
Indica strains tend to have more physical effects felt in the body. They are commonly used to treat pain, muscle tension, and sleeping problems. These strains are known to cause relaxation and drowsiness, so nighttime use is usually recommended.
Sativa strains tend to produce more cerebral effects that impact mood and emotion. These strains may increase energy levels, improve focus, and stimulate appetite. Since they can provide symptom relief without interfering with daily activities, they are often recommended for daytime use.
Hybrid strains contain similar levels of both indica and sativa, offering a balance between the benefits of both types.
These categories offer a general reference point for patients, but there isn’t a hard-and-fast rule when it comes to strains and their effects.
In other words, not all sativas will energize you and not all indicas will make you sleepy, because each strain’s unique harmony of effects also depends on which cannabinoids and terpenes are present in it.
Terpenes and Cannabinoids
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds produced by the plant. They play an important role in the energizing or sedating effects of Cannabis strains.
Cannabinoids are the main drivers of the therapeutic and recreational effects. There are over 100 types of cannabinoids in Cannabis, but the main two are THC & CBD.
THC is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that is responsible for the “high” people feel.
CBD is another compound in Cannabis that is not psychoactive, but is thought to be responsible for the majority of medical benefits like pain relief, reduced anxiety, and anti-inflammation. Products containing only CBD are available for those who want the health benefits without the high.
Nowadays, there are countless different strains available that offer various and distinct effects, so it might take some patience and experimentation before you find the perfect strain for you.
Pure Life Wellness is here to help guide you through that process until you’re completely satisfied and able to enjoy your life to the fullest!
Medical Cannabis is a wonderful, natural alternative medicine that has a variety of options for every individual’s needs.
Its effects may depend on a number of factors, including the specific plant’s chemical profile, the patient’s unique biology, the dosage, and the method of consumption.
At Pure Life Wellness, we take pride in providing you with a comfortable and enjoyable experience every time you visit. Our knowledgeable team will listen and assist you in the proper selection of our quality Cannabis products so you can find your preferred treatment as soon as possible.
Ready to feel pain-free and/or symptom-free in a natural, safe, and reliable way? Call us at 443-708-5683 or email us at info@purelifebaltimore.com. You can also visit our store at 35 E Cross Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 in Federal Hill.