Cannabis has many medicinal benefits. However, medical cannabis (MC) remains a complicated topic due to a lack of data, drug interaction concerns, and barriers to access. Despite challenges, Illinois’ new cannabis industry is booming. More companies want to hire workers who understand the plant – and colleges are starting certificate programs in the field.
Enhances Mental Health
The responsible and regulated use of cannabis has shown potential in enhancing mental health by alleviating symptoms associated with certain conditions, promoting relaxation, and contributing to a sense of well-being in some individuals. Purchasing cannabis products from a state-regulated dispensary ensures you know exactly what you’re getting. By contrast, buying products from food stores or online gives you a different assurance about composition and quality.
Moreover, state-regulated dispensaries adhere to strict quality control measures, giving consumers transparency regarding the sourcing, cultivation, and processing of cannabis products. This ensures that products meet regulatory standards, reducing the risk of contaminants and ensuring a safer consumption experience. Choosing the best dispensaries in Chicago offers peace of mind regarding product quality and supports the responsible and legal use of cannabis within the framework of local regulations.
Boosts Cognitive Function
Cognitive function is the mental ability to process information and make decisions. Research shows that regular cannabis use can improve performance on several cognitive measures, such as prose recall, psychomotor speed, and category fluency. This may be due to the lower exposure to THC or a general improvement in well-being induced by cannabis treatment. In addition to consuming cannabis, regular engagement in social activities and community programs can also boost cognitive functions. Researchers believe such activities can help establish “cognitive reserve,” a set of mental skills that can compensate for age-related brain changes and specific health conditions that impact cognition.
Read also A Step-By-Step Guide to Securing a Medical Marijuana Card
Reduces Stress
Cannabis is often used to reduce stress, and it’s a great way to relieve anxiety. Studies have shown that low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component in marijuana, do reduce stress. One study found that using cannabis to treat nervousness reduced symptoms better than morphine or laudanum. Dispensaries are required to have in-store signage warning customers of the possible mental health risks of cannabis use, including psychosis and depression. This is similar to warnings on products containing alcohol or tobacco. Many dispensaries offer senior discounts, and some even provide pre-rolled joints and half-joints with lower THC levels for older adults. They are also beginning to create cannabis experiences built around consumption.
Reduces Pain
As an opioid replacement, cannabis can help patients wean off the dangerous and addictive pain medications their physicians may prescribe them. These include opiates like codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone; benzodiazepines such as Valium, Lorazepam, Vistaril, and Ativan; and anti-anxiety medications like Xanax and Klonopin. Medical marijuana is available in Chicago for people who have a state-approved debilitating medical condition. Patients can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis from dispensaries every 14 days.
Enhances Sleep
A good night’s sleep is essential for overall well-being, but if you have insomnia or a sleep disorder, it can be challenging to get a restful night. Cannabis can enhance your sleep, and it may be a more effective treatment option than some prescription medications. In a study published, researchers found that people with pain who used whole-plant cannabis had better sleep patterns than those who didn’t use it. They also had fewer middle-of-the-night awakenings. High-THC strains, however, can increase anxiety and paranoia in some patients, so experiment with a variety of themes to find the right one for you.
