Suppose you’ve recently turned to medical cannabis (and bearing that marijuana is legal in your local jurisdiction). In that case, it’s natural to start wondering what products to consume for maximum health benefits. 

But as you continue to learn more about the cannabis industry, you’ll soon discover that there’s no shortage of retail outlets to buy cheap hash Canada. And most of these retailers deal in different kinds of medical marijuana goods. 

This post will walk you through the different types of cannabis products you can consume for health benefits. The products fall into two main categories, based on the active cannabinoids and their delivery methods.

Types of Marijuana Compounds to Consume For Health Benefits

Marijuana contains over 130 compounds that give the plant its medicinal properties. These compounds are known as cannabinoids. 

The following are the most popular cannabinoids in cannabis and their respective health benefits.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol is the main ingredient in medical cannabis products. The compound is commonly used to mitigate pain, inflammation, anxiety, and other symptoms associated with chronic illnesses. 

As with other cannabinoids, CBD exerts its therapeutic benefits by impacting the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a complex biological system of receptors and neurotransmitters. The system plays a significant role in transmitting pain signals, controlling our sleep-wake rhythms, maintaining hormonal balance, and boosting immunity. 

Studies have established that CBD interacts with specific endocannabinoid receptors, particularly the vanilloid receptors, in a manner that can offer pain relief. Therefore, the compound may help manage chronic pain conditions like arthritis, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and endometriosis. 

Cannabidiol may also ease inflammation. CBD inhibits the natural inflammatory processes activated by chemokines and cytokines, two of the body’s inflammatory messengers. 

CBD may also improve the symptoms of stress and anxiety. That’s due to its positive interactions with serotonin receptors. 

The following are other conditions that cannabidiol may treat;

• Sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea
• Psychiatric issues like schizophrenia 
• Neurological disorders like epilepsy
• Metabolic diseases like diabetes
• Nausea and appetite loss
• Erectile dysfunction

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Tetrahydrocannabinol is another common cannabinoid in marijuana. THC is nearly as famous as CBD. 

Tetrahydrocannabinol is best known for its psychotropic abilities. It’s the main marijuana chemical that induces a high. 

However, THC offers nearly the same health benefits as CBD. The difference lies in the exact way the compound impacts the body. For instance, while CBD treats pain by affecting the vanilloid receptors, THC delivers the same effects by stimulating specific pathways in the central nervous system (CNS). 

Tetrahydrocannabinol may also help with stress and anxiety. In one study, researchers found that supplementing with THC supplements may improve specific post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, such as restlessness and flashbacks. 

You can also administer THC for various sleep disorders, ranging from insomnia to sleep apnea. According to this study, THC may help calm down breathing difficulties for people with sleep apnea. 

Other common ailments that you can resolve using THC include erectile dysfunction, inflammatory issues, appetite loss, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

Cannabichromene (CBC) 

Cannabichromene is the third-most prominent cannabinoid in marijuana. The compound was discovered in the 1960s. 

Although CBC is still not well-studied, the little research already published suggests that the chemical may offer powerful therapeutic benefits. 

Just like CBD and THC, CBC has demonstrated potential for pain relief. The compound treats pain mainly by desensitizing specific endocannabinoid receptors involved in pain signaling. 

Studies also indicate that cannabichromene may combine with cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol to offer compounded anti-inflammatory benefits through the entourage effect.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

Cannabigerol is another lesser-known cannabinoid in marijuana compared to CBD and THC. But the compound is no less beneficial. A 2013 study on mice specimens revealed that cannabigerol might have potent anti-inflammatory properties. The compound was able to improve the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 

Cannabigerol may also be an effective remedy for combating cancer, at least if this 2014 study is anything to go by. In the experiment, CBG demonstrated potential for reducing the growth and proliferation of cancer cells and other tumors. CBG supplements may further benefit people with appetite loss. A 2016 research found that the compound could activate certain appetite-stimulating chemicals in the body. 

Cannabigerol has also shown an ability to reduce intraocular pressure. Therefore, the compound may improve diminished vision occasioned by eye conditions glaucoma. 

Last but not least, you can administer cannabigerol for bacterial infections. A 2008 study suggests that the compound may have antibacterial properties. CBG demonstrated particular efficacy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), the drug-resistant bacteria associated with staph infections.

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

Types of Medical Marijuana Compounds by Delivery Method

Marijuana products may also fall into specific categories depending on how they’re consumed. 

The following are some of these groupings;

Smokable Blends

Before modern technology, smoking was the most common way marijuana consumers administered the herb. Smoking is still the go-to delivery method for many medical cannabis users. 

Smokable blends are mainly available as pre-rolls and dried cannabis flowers.

Vaping Products

One drawback to smoking cannabis is that the smoke produced could contain toxic compounds. The adverse effects of smoking marijuana and other herbal extracts were the main inspiration behind the popularization of vaping products. 

Today, you’re likely to encounter numerous medical cannabis products formulated for inhaling with vaporizers. Examples include CBD e-juices, THC concentrates, etc.

Tinctures

Cannabis tinctures are products formulated with specific cannabinoids and an alcohol solution. These products are generally consumed by dripping them underneath the tongue. 

Edibles

Cannabis edibles are especially popular for their ease of use. That’s because these products come with predetermined cannabinoid doses. Marijuana edibles also deliver long-lasting benefits. Unlike vaping and smoking, whose effects can wear off in a few hours, you can enjoy the benefits of weed edibles for up to 72 hours after consumption. Standard edible options include gummies, baked goods, chocolates, candies, and beverage drinks.

Topicals

If you’re looking for medical cannabis products for targeted application, you might consider looking in the direction of topicals. Marijuana-infused topicals allow you to benefit from the herb’s therapeutic properties without introducing it fully into your system. 

Cannabis topicals also come in many forms. Examples include balms, creams, ointments, sunscreens, facemasks, bath bombs, shampoos, etc.

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

Summary 

Not only does marijuana pack immense health benefits. But the herb also comes in various products. 

The best practice when consuming cannabis goods is to start with lower servings. Allow your body ample time to acclimatize to the herb before increasing the doses.