Cannabis is gaining popularity as an alternative form of medicine, with many people turning to it for relief from a variety of ailments. But should you use cannabis while you’re sick? It’s important to understand the potential risks and benefits of using cannabis while ill.
Cannabis can provide relief from many symptoms, including pain, nausea, and inflammation, and it can even boost the immune system and help the body fight off infection.
However, there are also potential risks with using cannabis. Such as the risk of addiction, impaired cognitive function, and other negative side effects. Knowing the pros and cons of using cannabis while you’re sick is essential in deciding if it’s the right choice for you.
What is Cannabis and how can you use it Medicinally?
Cannabis, also called marijuana, is derived from the plant Cannabis sativa. There are many different types of cannabis. Common types of cannabis include sativa, indica, and hybrid strains.
Cannabis has a variety of uses, including smoking, vaporizing, and ingesting. Some cannabis products, like edibles, are for oral consumption, while other products are for topical application. When people use cannabis for medical purposes, it is in a specific dose, to treat a particular condition.
When used appropriately, cannabis can be an effective form of treatment for a variety of illnesses and symptoms. Cannabis can manage symptoms and treat many different health conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and nausea. It can treat symptoms from common illnesses, including cold and flu, allergies, and inflammation, and can eveno boost the immune system and fight off infections.
Potential Benefits of Using Cannabis While Sick
- Boosts the Immune System: Cannabinoids, compounds found in cannabis, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation related to conditions, such as cold and flu, allergies, and other infections.
- Promotes Relaxation: Cannabis has been shown to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and relieve stress, which can be beneficial for those dealing with chronic pain or other symptoms.
- Provides Pain Relief: Cannabis can be used to treat both acute and chronic pain. It may be particularly effective and helpful for patients who have pain that is difficult to manage, such as those who have severe or chronic pain conditions.
- Supports Nausea: Cannabis can be used to treat nausea and vomiting related to a variety of conditions, including migraine headaches, hyperemesis gravidarum, cancer treatment (chemotherapy), and intestinal infections.
- Boosts Appetite: Cannabis can be used to increase appetite, particularly for those who are dealing with wasting and weight loss, due to certain illnesses, like cancer.
Potential Risks of Using Cannabis While Sick
- Risk of Addiction: Cannabis can cause physical dependence and addiction, and you should be careful about using it when you’re ill. If you’re using cannabis regularly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it, including mood swings, cravings, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
- Impairment of Cognitive Function: One of the potential risks of using cannabis while you’re sick is that it can negatively impact cognitive function, including memory, decision-making skills, and attention span.
- Increased Risk of Respiratory Conditions: Some studies show that smoking cannabis can increase the risk of respiratory conditions, such as COPD, chronic bronchitis, and asthma.
- Negative Effects on Pregnancy: Cannabis use during pregnancy can have negative effects on both the mother and unborn baby, including low birth weight, sleep and behavioural disorders, and hyperactivity.
- Interference with Cancer Treatment: While cannabis can be used to treat nausea and vomiting related to some cancer treatment regimens, it can also interfere with the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments, including chemotherapy.
- Interference with Medications: Some medications, including antibiotics, anticoagulants, and blood pressure medications, can interact negatively with cannabis.
Effects of Cannabis on the Immune System
Cannabis can have potentially negative effects on the immune system. Studies have shown that cannabis can reduce the production of white blood cells. They help fight off infection, and can also reduce the number of T-cells in the body.
Cannabis can also cause a person to become more susceptible to infection. This is due to the reduction in white blood cells and T-cells.
Therefore, you must avoid using cannabis when you’re sick, as it can make you more susceptible to infections, such as colds, coughs, and the flu.
Cannabis as an Anti-Inflammatory
Cannabis is one of the few natural sources of cannabinoids, which are effective in treating inflammation. Some research suggests that cannabis can be effective in treating conditions related to chronic inflammation, such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Cannabis can be used topically to reduce inflammation. You can also ingest it to reduce inflammation in the gut and other areas of the body. However, it is important to note that cannabis may not be as effective as other types of anti-inflammatory medications.
Cannabis and its Effects on Pain Relief
Cannabis is effective in treating chronic pain, such as pain associated with cancer, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis. However, there is little evidence that cannabis can provide relief from acute pain.
It is important to note that cannabis can have a variety of negative side effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. This can make certain tasks, like driving and work, dangerous. Additionally, cannabis can be addictive, so it is important to be careful and avoid using it for long periods.
Cannabis and its Effects on Mental Health
Cannabis can help improve the mood and mental health of people with mood disorders. Such as anxiety and depression, and has also shown promise in treating schizophrenia.
However, there is also evidence that shows that frequent cannabis use can hurt mental health. Including increasing the risk of developing depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Additionally, there is little evidence that cannabis can help treat mental health disorders.
Alternatives to Cannabis for Managing Sick Symptoms
There are many different alternatives available for managing symptoms, including non-psychoactive medications, over-the-counter remedies, and herbal supplements.
For example, there are many different non-psychoactive medications available for managing pain, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticonvulsants, and opioids.
There are also a variety of herbal supplements that can be effective in managing certain symptoms. Including peppermint oil for migraine headaches and feverfew for migraine headaches.
Conclusion
When it comes to cannabis, the general rule is: “Nothing in moderation.” Although cannabis has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal plant. It is important to remember that it is still a drug.
Too much of it can cause significant side effects and even result in serious psychological and physical dependency. Which can be difficult to break. Before using cannabis while sick, it’s important to assess your situation and consider both the potential benefits and risks.