It’s no secret that COVID-19 has had a profound impact on our way of life. With healthcare systems facing widespread disruption and lockdown measures hindering access to conventional medication, people are increasingly using medical cannabis to treat a variety of ailments. Research published in the Elsevier Public Health journal showed that more than 1 in 3 medical cannabis users have increased their cannabis consumption because of the pandemic.
What’s driving this trend? To answer this question and help you make a more informed decision about your cannabis use, we’re going to discuss what are the pros and cons of cannabis during COVID-19.
Pro cannabis facts
Research shows that medical cannabis can be an effective form of treatment for a wide range of health conditions. Thanks to the therapeutic properties of CBD and THC, medical cannabis can be used to prevent muscle spasms, alleviate chronic pain, reduce nausea from chemotherapy and stimulate appetite.
Throughout 2020, many people have used medical cannabis to alleviate chronic pain and reduce mental health symptoms that may have been exacerbated by social distancing measures. Below are some of the most common uses of medical cannabis during COVID-19.
- Alleviate chronic pain: A growing body of research shows that medical cannabis can be an effective form of treatment for alleviating chronic pain. It is believed that THC changes the way pain is perceived, while CBD interacts with pain receptors to produce pain-relieving effects. Importantly, medical cannabis is substantially safer than other types of opioid-based medication.
- Reduce inflammation: Research indicates that CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, offers potent anti-inflammatory properties. CBD can be smoked, vaporized, applied topically or consumed orally via CBD gummies.
- Reduce addiction: There are a number of studies that suggest cannabis can help people fight alcoholism and drug addiction, which have been prevalent health concerns during the pandemic.
- Treat anxiety: Social distancing measures have amplified anxiety mental illness symptoms for millions of people across the United States. Medical cannabis, particularly CBD-dominant strains with low levels of THC, can be useful for temporarily reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to remember that medical cannabis does not address the underlying causes of mental health problems and should not be viewed as a long-term solution.
What are the cons of medical cannabis?
When used as prescribed, medical cannabis is generally considered to be a safe and effective form of treatment. However, as with any type of medication, there are some potential side effects to be aware of, including:
- Short-term memory impairment.
- Reduced coordination.
- Possible lung damage from smoke inhalation.
Cannabis and COVID-19 research
There is some interesting research exploring the use of cannabis in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
For example, some researchers are looking at ways to incorporate CBD into mouthwashes, which could help modulate ACE2 (a protein that serves as an entry point for the virus) and therefore reduce the risk of infection.
Meanwhile, other studies are investigating whether THC and/or CBD could help reduce the inflammation associated with COVID-19. More research is needed to understand the role medical cannabis could play in combating COVID-19.
Premium medical cannabis
If you’re in the market for premium medical cannabis, you’ve come to the right place. Established in 2014, Shango has grown to become a leader in the cannabis industry and our products can be found in retail stores across the country.
With a strong emphasis on quality and excellent customer service, we’re proud to offer a wide range of leading cannabis products to meet your needs. Shop online or visit your local customer service team at a Shango near you to discuss your options today.
