Learn/Cannabis for Health: Medication or Supplement?
As medical cannabis enters the mainstream and growing numbers of us tune in to its benefits, it raises an interesting question: Should you think of cannabis as a medicine…or as a supplement?
While a growing number of studies suggest that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD help address specific symptoms such as stress and muscle discomfort, many of us are finding that the cannabis plant’s beneficial effects have a global impact on their overall well-being. Given that stress, inflammation, and chronic discomfort are all underlying causes for many conditions and diseases, it shouldn’t come as a great surprise that mindful cannabis use–in conjunction with exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep–may contribute to our wellness.
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That suspicion is largely confirmed by a new study—the largest of its kind thus far—which suggests medical cannabis indeed functions like a supplement, boosting wellness and contributing to our quality of life. In today’s post, we’ll dive into a few of the ways you might use the natural plant medicines CBD and THC supplements to empower your wellness.
Medical Cannabis: Evidence of Global Effects?
The study we referenced above was unique in that it collected information on medical cannabis use from some 3,000 participants—a record. But it underscores data from a growing number of rigorous clinical trials suggesting that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD–the most significant active compounds in the cannabis plant–can exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. Why is this important? Oxidative stress is a phenomenon in which stressors such as a poor diet or exposure to pollutants can affect our ability to detoxify ourselves. Given that it’s implicated in some negative health outcomes, anything we can do to reduce oxidative stress is in our best interests. While cannabis doesn’t “cure” oxidative stress, the finding that it may help reduce it suggests that–again, in conjunction with healthy lifestyle practices–cannabis may help support our overall health.
While many studies focus on the use of a CBD supplement, that’s not to leave THC out of the picture. While CBD may lack THC’s distinctive effects, the two major cannabinoids work in close synergy with one another to help ease symptoms and conditions.
With that in mind, let’s run down a few of the most common complaints that people turn to CBD and THC supplements for, and examine how you might benefit from their use.
THC Supplements for Joint Pain
Managing discomfort is the number one reason people turn to medical cannabis, and at Papa & Barkley, we’re experts in the use of supplements for joint pain. In fact, our story began when our founder Adam Grossman set out to help his father manage his debilitating back pain. As numerous studies attest, both THC and CBD demonstrate the power to help support balance of the body’s inflammatory response and provide relief.
If your symptoms are especially severe—and you are open to the effects of THC—we recommend the full-strength effectiveness of our 1:3 THC Releaf Oil, a pure, effective, and fast-metabolizing tincture for managing your tougher days. If pain and discomfort is impacting your ability to rest, which is a common occurrence for folks managing chronic pain, consider supporting sleep with a trio of cannabinoids that work together to support better slumber. Our CBN Sleep Releaf Gummies contain CBN alongside THC and CBD to offer delicious sleep in one easy bite.
For those concerned about the psychoactivity of THC, we’d recommend a CBD supplement such as Papa & Barkley’s full-spectrum CBD Releaf Oil, a powerful natural hemp option for providing relief and supporting better rest.
CBD Supplement for Stress
Just as cannabinoids can help us manage physical discomfort, so too can they address the symptoms of stress. CBD, for instance, may function much like a stress-relief supplement by reducing levels of the “stress hormone” cortisol. What’s more, moderate doses of CBD have been shown to reduce stress in a test designed to simulate the anxiety induced by public speaking. And a 2014 study suggests that CBD acts to boost mood and support emotional well-being, opening up new lines of inquiry for this unique and fascinating plant medicine.
Does THC have a role to play here? It’s possible, but dosage is important. According to a large-scale study, at high doses THC can produce stressful feelings rather than reducing them. If you’re sensitive to the effects of THC, consider our CBD-dominant 30:1 Releaf Capsules or the gentle effectiveness of our CBD Releaf Softgels—both of which offer precise dosing.
THC Supplements: In Conclusion
We hope today’s post has provided some food for thought regarding these promising naturally-derived compounds. For while the cannabinoids in cannabis and hemp are great at addressing specific symptoms, a growing body of evidence suggests they may well be useful for everyday wellness and contribute to a healthier, happier you.
Are you interested in using THC or CBD tinctures or capsules to support your overall health and wellness? We’d love to tell you more about these full-spectrum products: They’re made from sun-grown cannabis and produced using solventless and chemical-free methods. Don’t hesitate to ask; we’re always here to help!
