The Savikalpa Journal

There is increasing interest in cannabis medicine as a treatment for fibromyalgia. This is not just due to its effects on nociplastic pain (analgesic properties) but also due to its potential to help with other associated symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety and depression.

Lower back pain is a complex and widespread condition that can significantly impact one's quality of life. From non-specific to specific causes, understanding the root of lower back pain is crucial for effective management.

Cannabis has gained attention as a potential remedy for lower back pain due to its active compounds. These compounds interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, specifically targeting CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Chronic pain is as real an ailment as any and is characterised by persistence. Defined simply, chronic pain is pain that is ongoing and lasts longer than 12 weeks.

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery. Rehabilitation exercises help restore mobility, rebuild strength, and improve flexibility, all of which are essential in preventing re-injury.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a role in how the body regulates food intake and body weight. Studies have shown that individuals who consume cannabis have lower rates of obesity than those who have never consumed cannabis, as well as lower rates of diabetes.

When it comes to cannabis and insomnia, there is a long history of people utilising cannabis for better sleep. Since ancient times, people have noticed the sedating effects that come with some types of cannabis and have utilised it as a sleep aid.

While many health conditions can be treated with more traditional pharmaceuticals, plant-based products may be a safer and healthier option, or at least a safe health supplement. For instance, when it comes to pain relief, THC and CBD are safer than opioids.

Medical conditions can significantly contribute to insomnia, often creating a cycle of poor sleep and worsened symptoms. Understanding the connection between these conditions and insomnia is crucial for addressing sleep challenges effectively.

Dysmenorrhea impacts nearly half the population of women, and in 10% of cases, symptoms can escalate to the extent of interfering with daily activities. 

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) helps in maintaining equilibrium amongst many of the different functions and systems within the human body. The ECS consists of a network of receptors that are activated by cannabinoids.

Mature cannabis plants contain unique compounds called ‘cannabinoids’ that are utilised for their therapeutic and medicinal value.

What makes the process of cannabinoid receptor signalling unique is that it is presynaptic. This means that, unlike in the case of neurotransmitters that travel from a neuron to a postsynaptic cell, cannabinoids attach to cannabinoid receptors located on the presynaptic neuron and affect ECS (endocannabinoid system) functions.

Diabetes is a condition characterised by high blood sugar or glucose levels in the human body. It can have a profound effect on one’s life and often comes with debilitating side effects.

Today’s cannabis medicine professionals choose instead to highlight ongoing efforts in clinical research on treatment efficacy to support the inclusion of cannabis in everyday modern medicine and explore more effective cannabis treatments. The current body of research regarding the possible treatment applications of cannabis medicine has expanded to include a long list of conditions/symptoms.

Cannabinoid medicines don’t just suppress symptoms. Instead, they help the body return to a state of balance, or homeostasis, by interacting with a wide network in the body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Climbing is a physically demanding sport that builds, as well as requires, strength and balance. While starting off or taking up climbing more regularly, it’s important to listen to your body and take things slow because climbing comes with its fair share of common injuries.

The ECS interacts with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, managing and controlling key reproductive processes like helping eggs mature, pain modulation, the development of the uterus lining, implantation, the development of the embryo during pregnancy and more.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that mistakenly causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy joint tissue. Unlike regular arthritis that results from wear and tear, RA causes inflammation in the lining of your joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and, over time, joint damage. 

Many people with arthritis avoid exercise due to pain or fear of worsening symptoms, but staying active is essential for maintaining joint function, reducing stiffness, and strengthening muscles. The key is to choose the right type and intensity of exercise.

Arthritis, including osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), significantly affects daily life by causing joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. In Ayurveda, arthritis is considered an imbalance of Vata, the dosha responsible for movement in the body.

Exploring cannabis knowledge and cannabis can be an effective treatment for many different types of pain, including neuropathic pain, arthritis, migraines, and fibromyalgia, among others. There is also a growing body of evidence that cannabis can help with inflammation.

Cannabis oil is the resulting product created when cannabis extraction methods of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant (Vijaya, full-spectrum cannabis extract) activate and are then infused with a carrier oil, such as medium-chain triglyceride (MCT).

The quality of our sleep is deeply interconnected with nearly every other aspect of our health, and can be substantially influenced by our sleeping environment. Individuals hoping to treat sleep disorders, including insomnia with cannabis, should begin by identifying any relevant factors and predispositions that may be contributing to a poor night’s sleep.

It’s true that 2-AG itself has anti-inflammatory actions within the brain, especially by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, that isn’t the only role it plays in the inflammatory pathway.

Cannabis medicine has gained increased focus and importance in recent years concerning pain management and treatment. Not only is cannabis commonly sought out as an alternative to traditional pain medications, but also as a treatment option for conditions known to be treatment resistant, and more critically, as a tool to be used in opioid use reduction strategies and in reducing opioid related deaths.

There is scientific evidence suggesting that cannabis can reduce inflammation and may be able to help treat conditions that are either caused by inflammation or have it as a key symptom, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and hepatitis.

While some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or those with a genetic origin cannot be entirely prevented, certain lifestyle measures can help reduce the risk of developing or worsening arthritis.