Marijuana and Your Brain

     Portland, Oregon -- With the growing legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in the United States, we've been hearing a lot more about the benefits of cannabis lately -- and it may have you scratching your head... wondering... how could one plant help so many different conditions?  It feels almost too miraculous!  ...and even science is starting to realize, it may be too good not to be true!
     The human brain is made up of receptors, that tell the brain things like if you're hungry, what mood you're in, if you're in pain, as well as linking thoughts, memories, and awareness.  They are, essentially, what link your brain to your body.  These receptors interact with primarily three things - ligands (protiens), endocannabinoids (produced by the brain from things like memories), and plant cannabinoids.  While trace cannabinoids have been discovered in many plants, the cannabis plant alone contains over 85 different isolated cannabinoids -- each exhibiting different effects.  Most people only hear about THC, or Tetrahydrocannabidoil.  THC is the primary psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, generally it's what gets people "high."  But CBD, or cannabidiol, is also abundant in cannabis -- and can actually lessen the psychoactive effects of THC.
     There are well over 700 different strains of the marijuana plant, and each one contains different amounts of the many cannabinoids.  Some strains, such as harlequin tsunami (one of many strains grown at Wee Farms), have very little THC and higher levels of CBD -- which means it won't get you as "high" but it contains many health benefits.  THC does also have health benefits, but works differently than CBD.  People that might benefit from higher THC, rather than CBD, might include those that need help going to sleep, those seeking severe pain relief, people suffering from PTSD (since it helps block memories), glaucoma patients, and those experiencing nausea and lack of appetite.
     Typically, everyday people seeking general health benefits from cannabis, would more likely gain from the CBD side of things... and many people don't realize that it's possible to get these general health benefits without the psychoactive effect of THC.  CLICK HERE to learn about Wee Farm's CBD 420+ oil.  CBD can also help with nausea and pain, but because it works against the psychoactive effects of THC, it can actually help reduce anxiety and create more awareness.  People that feel like they get "paranoid" when they "smoke weed" may simply have a negative response to THC, and CBD on the flip side could be extremely beneficial.  It's currently being used to treat many psychological disorders such as ADD & ADHD, depression, mood disorders, and even alzheimer's disease.  CBD is also the main anti-inflammatory in cannabis helping a wide range of diseases, like Parkinson's, IBS, colitis and Crohn's, MS, and arthritis.  Another well-known use is for epilepsy patients - CBD works with the brain to help many connections, reducing and even preventing seizure activity.  Cannabidiol is now even being give to children as a safer alternative to current prescription drugs for epilepsy.  CBD can also combat tumors and cancers.  Many cancer patients take a combination of CBD and THC to help with both nausea and pain, as well as reduce cancerous cell growth.
     With such little side effects compared to traditional medicine in the United States, many people are now turning to cannabis for a wide range of health benefits.  Studies are still working hard to solidify all of the evidence so it can be accepted by the mainstream, but the truth and results are undeniable.  Miraculous?  Absolutely!