The Savikalpa Journal

Cannabis has emerged as a potential remedy for insomnia. At the heart of this relationship lies the endocannabinoid system (ECS)

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.

Microdosing is the practice of taking a much smaller dose of a medication than is normally used. It’s a practice used with all kinds of compounds, but most often discussed with psychoactive substances such as LSD. Recently, people have started to apply the practice to cannabis and its popular ingredients, THC and CBD.

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.

The endocannabinoid system as a whole is tasked with maintaining homeostasis or balance in the human body, including cognitive function. To do this, it regulates a number of bodily functions such as sleep, hunger, energy, temperature, pain, and immune function.

Learn the key differences between migraine with and without aura, including symptoms, causes, triggers, and natural ways to manage it.

Medical cannabis comes from the plant cannabis sativa and affects the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Cannabinoids and their impact on rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other functions, happen by interacting with the ECS.

Managing rheumatoid arthritis requires different approaches to reduce inflammation and improve the quality of life. While conventional treatments like medications and physical therapy are commonly prescribed, natural remedies can complement these methods effectively. 

Which is better, CBG or CBD? The answer depends on what you’re trying to achieve. CBG binds to various receptors, which can produce a range of effects in the body. For some conditions, like hypertension, CBG shows benefits that CBD doesn’t. In other cases, like controlling seizures, CBD is helpful, while the medical use of CBG isn’t.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is characterised by the haunting grip of vivid flashbacks, intrusive thoughts or images, nightmares, and overwhelming distress caused by reminders of trauma.

Cannabis and antibiotics, including CBD-antibiotic effectiveness when paired together, are currently not considered to be contraindicated. While still ongoing, the current research regarding interactions between cannabis medicine and antibiotics is somewhat limited.

The meaning of full-spectrum cannabis refers to products, like full spectrum CBD oil, manufactured using an extract that contains the entire spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes in cannabis, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals contained in cannabis compounds within the cannabis cultivar(s) used to create extracts.

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.

For the vast majority of people, migraine is not dangerous or life-threatening. It is a chronic neurological condition that can be disabling, but it does not usually cause permanent brain damage, tumours, or death.

Sleep regulates our metabolic functions, playing an important role in appetite control and weight management. Sleep deprivation disrupts this delicate balance, increasing the risk of insulin resistance and subsequent weight gain.

Period cramps happen when the uterus contracts to shed its lining during menstruation. These contractions are triggered by prostaglandins, natural chemicals that help the uterus release blood efficiently. When prostaglandin levels rise, the muscles squeeze harder and blood flow reduces, creating that familiar cramping sensation.

Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as cannabis or marijuana, is a grouping of plant species found to grow naturally in various regions across the globe. Varieties include indica, sativa, and ruderalis; however, most modern cultivars of cannabis are a hybridisation of these varieties with all producing the medicinal properties of cannabis.

While treatment options vary for Insomnia, simple yet consistent lifestyle changes can create a solid foundation for better sleep, going a long way in the treatment of insomnia.

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.

While RA may not yet have a permanent cure, it is no longer defined by inevitable progression. With early diagnosis, immune-focused treatment, and holistic support, living a full, active, and symptom-controlled life with RA is a realistic and achievable outcome.

At its core, migraine happens because the brain has a lower threshold for stress and change. When several triggers occur together, the migraine brain reacts strongly, setting off a chain of nerve signals, chemical releases, and inflammation that leads to pain.

In humans, maintaining homeostasis is the way our natural systems keep conditions in the body optimal for our health and well-being. As conditions shift, either internally or externally, mechanisms kick into action to make sure that our body doesn’t suffer from the change.

THC is the main cannabinoid that is responsible for the psychotropic, euphoric effects of pot, or what people typically refer to as the “high.” People usually think about the benefits of a tolerance break and managing cannabis tolerance regarding THC. It works by activating a receptor in the central nervous system called CB1, part of the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Migraines, often confused with severe headaches, are a complex neurological disorder. A headache is usually just one of the symptoms of a migraine. Other symptoms include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, etc.

Menopause officially begins when a woman hasn’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. The average age for this is around 50, but it can vary from 45 to 55. The ovaries stop releasing eggs and estrogen levels stabilise at a lower level. After this point, one is said to be postmenopausal.

Of course, using cannabis to treat gynaecological problems is nothing new in the world of cannabis and women’s health. Cannabis has an ancient tradition of being used as a medicine in obstetrics and gynaecology.. It’s been used historically to treat conditions like dysmenorrhea, dysuria, hyperemesis gravidarum, and menopausal symptoms.

One of the leading causes of arthritis in young adults is previous joint injury. Sports injuries, ligament tears, untreated fractures or repeated impact from activities like running, weight training or climbing can permanently alter joint alignment.

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.

Research shows that nearly 85% of chronic migraine sufferers are women, and women are three times more at risk of experiencing migraines compared to men. 

Once a migraine is fully established, reducing intensity becomes the goal. Gentle, consistent measures work better than aggressive interventions. Slow breathing, maintaining a stable body temperature, and avoiding physical exertion can prevent further escalation of pain.

What is titration? If you or someone you care for has recently been prescribed cannabinoid medicine, you’ve likely been introduced to the concept of titration. This might have been done through a cannabis dosage guide, or by your doctor providing dosage instructions that are perhaps a little more complicated than usual, considering cannabis tolerance is a little more complicated than usual.

The ECS modulates many of the human body’s most crucial functions — like sleep, energy, memory, hunger, inflammation, and mood, to name just a few — and helps keep them in homeostasis or internal balance.

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.

Utilizing cannabis for its medicinal properties is hardly a new concept. Historical evidence shows that for thousands of years, cannabis has been cultivated and utilised worldwide by various cultures for its therapeutic applications.

Abdominal migraine occurs when neurotransmitters and nerve pathways that typically influence headache patterns begin to affect the digestive system instead. The brain and gut communicate constantly, and when this connection becomes hyperactive or dysregulated, the signals trigger episodes of central abdominal pain without any structural issue in the organs.

Before any new medicine can be made available to the public, it must go through a series of steps to validate safety and efficacy – the fundamentals of a clinical trial.

Septic arthritis develops quickly, often within hours. Key symptoms include intense joint pain that worsens with movement, swelling, redness, warmth, and fever. Patients may also experience fatigue and weakness.

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).

Doctors focus on listening to the patient’s experience. They look at how often headaches occur, how long they last, what the pain feels like, and what other symptoms accompany them.

Women’s health issues are widespread and incredibly diverse, affecting women across all ages and regions. Conditions like PCOS, PCOD, endometriosis, anaemia, and irregular periods are among the most common challenges faced by Indian women today.

Much can be said about the potential of cannabis and natural remedies to improve human health, including CBD oil for stress relief and as an alternative medicine for pain management.

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.

As the use of cannabis medicines becomes more and more common in India and around the globe, it is understandable that many patients may still feel hesitant or apprehensive when it comes to discussing these treatment options or the cannabis prescription process in India with their doctor, family members and/or peers.

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. 

A cure means the condition is eliminated and never returns. Migraine doesn’t fit into this category because it’s a neurological disorder with a strong genetic basis. The migraine brain is wired differently and remains sensitive to certain triggers like stress, hormonal changes, sleep disruption, or sensory overload.

Even one episode of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease can increase the risk of infertility. Repeated or severe infections further increase this risk, making early detection extremely important.

Some women may have mild PCOD symptoms, while others with PCOS face more pronounced metabolic and reproductive issues.

Cannabis and CBD for stress relief are already a popular option for patients looking to relax, but how much do we know about how it works? Research tells us that the two most prevalent cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), reduce stress and anxiety through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting quality sleep. The cause of insomnia determines how one treats insomnia.

Ocular migraine is different from traditional migraine as it primarily affects vision rather than causing severe head pain. People experiencing an ocular migraine may often see flashing lights, blind spots, or zigzag lines.

Cannabinoids, a cannabis compound classification category, are compounds naturally found in the cannabis plant, most abundant in the plant’s flower buds and are responsible for a lot of the entourage effects of cannabis compounds. Due to their plant origin, the cannabinoids in cannabis are also known as phytocannabinoids.

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

Most often, drugs operate on one or two molecular targets in our bodies, creating a specific effect. A multi-target effect means plant compounds can operate on many targets. In cannabis, a popular example would be the interaction of THC with CB1, CB2, GPR18, GPR55, TRPV2, TRPV3, and many other receptors.

Cannabis is a popular alternative to standard medication, especially for chronic conditions resistant to standard treatment. One such condition is psoriasis, an inflammatory autoimmune disorder affecting the skin, for which one might get psoriasis relief with CBD oil or other cannabis products. 

The researchers also found that cannabis flower “is an effective and fast acting antidepressant medication,” and that the THC levels “are the strongest independent predictors of symptoms relief among the product characteristics that are generally available to the public.”

Migraines are deeply personal, with their impact varying significantly from one individual to another. Fortunately, there's no need to rely on guesswork to assess their severity. Tools such as MIDAS (Migraine Disability Assessment) and MSQ (Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire) offer a structured and reliable way to understand and manage migraine patterns more effectively.

Sleep is one of the most crucial pillars of good health, yet many struggle to get enough. There are various reasons you might stay awake through the night, from an endless loop of thoughts to physical discomfort. A natural and widely used practice called acupressure could help. 

Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurological disorder that impacts a person's motor function significantly. It is characterised by a range of symptoms that include unintended or uncontrollable movements, shaking, stiffness, and difficulties with balance and coordination.

The endocannabinoid system is an important biological system involved in maintaining homeostasis — a healthy state of balance in the body. The system consists of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and the enzymes that synthesise and break down endocannabinoids.

Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine that primarily affects the vestibular system, which is the network in the inner ear and brain responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

Better gut health is now understood to be a key determinant in disease prevention, not dissimilar to Ayurveda, which exhorts the primacy of the gut microbiome in maintaining health.

In Egypt, medical cannabis use goes back millennia. And while many different early cultures cultivated cannabis, the ancient Egyptians exemplified a truly holistic use of the plant. It’s even possible that cannabis — Egyptian hieroglyphs called it shemshemet — became popular before the Great Pyramids were built.

Using cannabis for several months is associated with a significant reduction in blood pressure among older adults with hypertension, correlating cannabinoids and blood pressure regulation, according to a prospective study published last week.

The uterus contracts throughout menstruation to shed its lining. These contractions are controlled by prostaglandins - the chemicals that rise just before the period begins. Higher prostaglandin levels lead to stronger, sharper contractions and temporarily reduced blood flow to the uterus, causing pain.

With hundreds of active compounds in cannabis, cannabis has a multiplicity of effects on the human body, including some that are less known and fascinating, such as THC's impact on the body.

Modern pharmaceuticals, based on rigorous, peer-reviewed research and state-of-the-art development methods, make up the vast majority of the medicine used today. However, they have not managed to eliminate the time-tested plant-based healing and alternative natural remedies that have been trusted worldwide for centuries.

Cannabis works primarily by modulating a system in the human body known as the endocannabinoid system. This system includes chemicals naturally produced by the human body called endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, which are activated by endocannabinoids, and enzymes which clear the endocannabinoids from the body.

Cannabis interacts directly with a system in our body, called the endocannabinoid system, that helps regulate our immune responses and we know that it can help treat autoimmune diseases.

Research on cannabis-based treatments for diabetes and the endocannabinoid system and diabetes shows a strong connection between an overactive endocannabinoid system and the incidence of diabetes and obesity, and using cannabinoids tends to stimulate this system.

THC is known for providing the controversial, mind-altering, recreational high. However, it is replete with medicinal benefits as well. For example, THC treats pain, soothes nausea, reduces inflammation, and can improve metabolism.

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 cannabis experience is significantly influenced by mindset (intention/expectation) and setting (environments of consumption and post-drug onset). One’s male or female biological sex can also affect the mind and body reaction to cannabis' effects, alongside and in concert with several other factors

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.

The symptoms and intensity of migraines can differ from one person to the other. The key to managing migraines is to identify and understand the triggers. 

RLS is influenced by various factors. Chronic ailments such as iron deficiency, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, Diabetes, and Peripheral Neuropathy often coincide with RLS symptoms.

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.

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.

Insomnia isn't just about tossing and turning the whole night and being unable to sleep. It manifests through several key symptoms that disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle of your body.

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.

Endometriosis can quietly reshape everyday life in ways many women don’t notice at first. Over time, women may find themselves planning their days around pain or unpredictable flare-ups, often struggling with reduced productivity during certain phases of their cycle.

Imagine waking up one day to an unusual stiffness in your fingers, something you’ve never noticed before. You brush it off, thinking it’s due to endless scrolling on your mobile phone or an awkward sleeping position. But as days go by, the stiffness lingers, your joints feel tender, and even simple tasks like opening a jar become difficult. This could be an early sign of arthritis and, if ignored, might turn into persistent, debilitating pain.

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.

Parts of the cannabis plant are used to create medicines (CBD oil), hemp-based cloth, and to treat a range of disorders. In India, recreational use of cannabis is strictly prohibited under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

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.

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.

While pregnancy insomnia is common, it doesn’t have to dominate your nights. By addressing these causes with simple solutions, you can create a more restful sleep environment. If the problem persists or becomes overwhelming, consult your healthcare provider for tailored advice.

Understanding what insomnia is, ways for symptom relief from insomnia, the treatment options for insomnia and more.

For a migraine to be classified as a hemiplegic migraine, it should resemble a migraine with aura and have fully reversible motor weakness as well as fully reversible visual, sensory or speech/language symptoms.

Migraines are a neurological disorder that comes with a range of symptoms and triggers that can leave you feeling exhausted and debilitated. Let's understand the symptoms and causes of a migraine to manage and prevent it, giving you a chance to reclaim your peace of mind. 

In the case of cannabis medicine, tolerance is most commonly associated with patients who are consuming doses with a high potency of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) over an extended time. THC tolerance can also be affected by one’s gender, DNA, previous use history, and drug delivery method.

Migraines are intense headaches that can vary in symptoms, from visual disturbances to weakness or abdominal pain. Learn the common types of migraines without aura, migraines with aura, retinal migraines, and rare forms like hemiplegic or basilar migraines.

There’s no cure for migraines, but various treatments can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of attacks. These include home remedies like consistent sleep, hydration, and managing environmental factors, as well as medications such as pain relievers, triptans, and alternative therapies. Lifestyle changes and consulting a physician are recommended when choosing a treatment plan.

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.

What is Migraine? It is a neurological disorder causing intense, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. Learn the difference between migraines and headaches, explore symptoms like nausea and light sensitivity, and discover effective treatments and triggers for managing migraines.

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.

Whether you're grappling with primary or secondary restless legs syndrome (RLS), understanding the various management strategies available is essential for effectively addressing this condition.

In this brief explainer blog, we break down what the current laws governing cannabis are, and their likely evolution in the years to come.

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 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.

How serious is endometriosis? Common symptoms include pelvic pain and fatigue, with many women reporting a significant negative impact on their life, including on education, work, friendships, and sexual relationships. Learn how cannabis is helping manage symptoms of this often undiagnosed condition that affects millions worldwide.

The effects of cannabis have a lot to do with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which exists in all vertebrates and which plays a key role in regulating all types of crucial functions such as sleep, pain, and appetite.

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.

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.

The major active chemicals in cannabis — cannabinoids — are able to trigger receptors that control the endocannabinoid system, modifying the function of those receptors and the connected systems, including the cardiovascular system (rapid heartbeat from cannabis use).