Study shows THC is even more important than we originally thought

As far back as marijuana use goes, humans have recognized the potential medical benefits of the cannabinoid THC that is produced by the plant. Though for years we didn’t know that it was THC which was responsible for the effects, only that the plant and making things from it in a certain way provided therapeutic effects. Throughout history, cannabis has been used for spiritual, medical, recreational, and cultural reasons as a sedative. Some steeped the plant materials to create teas, while others smoked the entire marijuana plant stem and all. The results are generally an uplifting feeling that can soothe and relax. With the introduction of new technology further cannabis research has shown plenty of documented evidence showing the benefits of marijuana. These days it seems like cannabis can do almost everything, so is it possible that we missed even more incredible benefits that we didn't even notice?

The study

Up until now, cannabis researchers were only able to note the possible effects of consuming cannabinoids. They were unable to precisely gauge the felt sensation and could only make a close prediction on what consumers could and or should expect from a particular marijuana strain. THC was thought to be only beneficial for its psychoactive properties, but many scientists had entirely dismissed the possibility of THC holding much medicinal value. The goal of the study that was conducted by cannabis researchers at the University of New Mexico was to measure real time effects after consumption of thousands of marijuana products that people are already using every single day. These findings are in association with RedleafApp which is the only 100% free medical advice app on the market today.

The results

Cannabis researchers found that both cannabinoids including THC and CBD were equally influential on the medical impact of patients. All of those questioned were asked to rate the effectiveness of their marijuana product on a scale from 1-10. They would initially be asked to rate the difficulty of their symptoms before treatment. In participants who reported only CBD product use an average of 1-point reduction was achieved meaning a small, but measurable impact on the severity of the consumer’s symptoms. Those who ingested a pure THC product noted an average 2-point decrease in the severity of their symptoms while medicating. That is a significant finding on par with the typical results from similar studies done on Advil pain relief products. However, when scientists gave doses of both cannabinoids, the average person reported a reduction in symptoms was 3.5 points, which is more in line with the results expected from an opioid prescription. They also found that regular marijuana flower appeared to be the most effective way to administer the cannabinoids with an average one 1.5 points difference between a dry herb and other cannabis products like edibles or concentrates.

In conclusion

Though more cannabis research is needed to establish a long-term base of information to go from, the study allowed scientists and researchers to delve a little deeper into the world of cannabinoid use among regular everyday people who for the most part are self-medicating rather successfully. It is essential that we understand the relevance of each element within cannabis including how they might benefit individuals, as well as learning any possible adverse effects, to figure out how to administer medication to sufferers of various in the most useful way for their specific condition. With this new information, doctors would suddenly have a guide to go from in prescribing cannabinoids for medical use, which in turn is expected to increase the likelihood of prescriptions being offered. As of now, the number one reason doctors don’t currently recommend marijuana or any other cannabinoid products is a complete lack of understanding which hinders their ability to confidently treat patients. In a few more years, the medical marijuana industry is expected to take leaps and bounds slowly replacing many of the traditional and often toxic medications that so many of us use to manage uncomfortable symptoms today.