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As a conscious cannabis consumer, it’s imperative to have an understanding of the profound therapeutic potential cannabis holds. Recent clinical studies have illuminated the diverse ways in which cannabis can contribute to enhanced wellness, offering relief from stress, effective pain management, and improved sleep.

At Hennep, we pride ourselves in being your one-stop cannabis dispensary in MA with a large assortment of cannabis products to elevate better wellness. From soothing topicals, potent edibles, or everyday microdose tinctures – whatever the physical or physiological effect you’re seeking relief from with cannabis, learn how exactly the plant interacts within your body to induce a vast variety of therapeutic effects.

Not only will understanding how cannabis works with the body make you a smarter consumer, but it will also give you access to promoting holistic health and wellness with cannabis.

Understanding Cannabis & the Endocannabinoid System 

Before examining the potential wellness benefits different cannabis products provide, it’s important to understand the crucial relationship and interaction cannabis plays within our bodies.

Each human and animal has an endocannabinoid system – it’s a system that’s compromised of receptors and cells that send signals and responses throughout the body. These receptors and neurotransmitters engage with other systems in our body (such as the nervous, central, and respiratory systems), to regulate balance and homeostasis.

Imagine your endocannabinoid system (ECS) as a large orchestra of instruments and musicians. The ECS is composed of a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids (the musical instruments), that are spread throughout your body and ensure that everything functions in harmony. This physiological system runs as a harmonious symphony, orchestrating any basic functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, and immune responses.

So, with your ECS running as an orchestrated symphony to regulate homeostasis, the consumption of cannabis can further impact and enhance the harmony that plays within the body!

When you consume cannabis – whether by smoking, vaping, or ingesting – cannabinoids like THC and CBD enter the scene. These cannabinoids consumed sync with the ECS receptors CB1 (found within the brain)  and CB2 (scattered throughout) in the body.

When absorbed and consumed in your body, each cannabinoid will have a specific interaction with these receptors, sending unique signals and effects. These cannabinoids engage with receptors like turning on switches that influence various therapeutic functions.

The Entourage Effect and Influence of Terpenes 

Terpenes, aromatic compounds found in cannabis and all plants, are not just responsible for the distinct smells and flavors of different cannabis strains; they also play a crucial role in the therapeutic effects felt.

Terpenes like myrcene, pinene, and limonene contribute to the overall experience by interacting with the ECS, creating what scientists call the “entourage effect.”

This theorized effect is the process of cannabinoids and terpenes working together to enhance and amplify each other’s therapeutic properties. The therapeutic effects of cannabis come from its intricate interplay with the body, promoting a sense of well-being by restoring balance.

What are the Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabis?

Because of the intricate chemical and physiological interactions that occur with cannabis consumption, many scientific studies and research have concluded the efficacy of cannabis in alleviating a variety of symptoms within the body.

Read on to learn some of the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis and how you can better optimize your wellness through the plant.

Cannabis for Pain Management

One of the most widely recognized and studied medicinal benefits of cannabis is its ability to manage chronic pain and discomfort.

When THC interacts with receptors in our endocannabinoid system, it has the potential to relieve chronic pain conditions. Various scientific studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids can modify pain signals in the nervous system, providing a natural alternative to people who are suffering from conditions such as neuropathic pain, arthritis, and migraines.

• A clinical study in 2018 by the Journal of Pain Research concluded that cannabis-based medicines show promise in the treatment of chronic pain, with minimal adverse effects when compared to traditional pain medications.

• Additionally, the ongoing research on cannabis and its efficacy for alleviating pain has introduced a more holistic approach to pain management and the use of pharmaceutical medications. Cannabis has been linked to be a potential alternative to opioids in pain management.

• At our MA cannabis dispensary, cannabis topicals have become a commonly used method for alleviating aches, pains, and discomfort in the body. Attune’s Muscle Freeze topical uses a formula of menthol, THC, and CBD to give a cool and soothing effect to muscle aches and pains.

Can Cannabis Promote Stress Relief?

Considering the number of external factors that can increase stress levels on a day-to-day basis, stress has become an ever-present companion for many. Especially with the consumption of specific calming cannabinoids, such as CBD, cannabis has emerged as a potential ally in stress management. 

Cannabinoids like CBD consumed in cannabis have been noted to interact with the brain’s receptors that signal mood and stress responses. Due to the little to no psychoactivity in CBD, this cannabinoid has been studied to alleviate stress in any cannabis dosage amount.

In terms of THC, this potent cannabinoid has psychoactive effects. Smaller doses can help alleviate heightened stress levels, whereas larger doses can increase the risk of anxiety or paranoia.

• Scientific research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology (published in 2020) indicates that CBD may have anxiolytic properties – meaning the cannabinoid has the potential to reduce anxiety levels in individuals with various anxiety disorders.

• Today, many users will visit our Cape Cod dispensary for a solution to stress relief, choosing tinctures, flower, edibles, or other cannabis products with lower THC levels or microdosed ratios.

• Treeworks of Massachusetts’ Daily Drops in Sunrise Punch flavor is made with a blended ratio of both THC and CBD for full-spectrum effects. Easy to administer and dose, this cannabis tincture is a healthy and delicious solution to managing stress or elevated moods on an everyday basis.

Improving Sleep with Cannabis

A restful night of sleep is crucial for our overall well-being, but millions suffer from sleep disorders that affect their daily lives.

Luckily, cannabis has shown great potential in addressing many sleep-related issues, due to the way cannabinoids influence sleep patterns through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system.

• The National Library of Medicine’s 2018 study suggests that certain cannabinoids may enhance the duration and quality of sleep. CBD, in particular, has been investigated for its potential to alleviate insomnia and improve sleep architecture without the side effects associated with conventional sleep aids.

• Additionally, a scientific study from BMJ Open examined the efficacy of the cannabinoid CBN, cannabinol, and its next-day function on patients with insomnia disorder. The evidence strongly showed that this cannabinoid promoted deep sedation and relaxation in patients who consumed CBN for insomnia.

• At Hennep’s dispensary in Cape Cod, you’ll find various cannabis products, such as cannabis edibles, targeted to promote a better night of sleep. For instance, Betty’s Eddie’s line of gummies for sleep, Bedtime Betty’s, is infused with raspberry creme flavor and THC, CBD, and CBN for a potent and well-rested night of rest.

Find Better Wellness with Cannabis in Cape Cod

As medical research around cannabis increases, we will continue to learn about the full-spectrum therapeutic benefits and efficacies that this plant has to offer.

Today, cannabis is widely recognized for its relief of stress, sleep disorders, and pain management. While these studies and clinical trials continue to examine the long-term effects of therapeutic properties cannabis induces, many consumers are turning to cannabinoid-based products for their improvement of overall wellness.

Thoroughly understanding the potential benefits of cannabis to our endocannabinoid system and general wellness will not only help you to better understand how the plant can influence your body but also help you to become a smarter consumer when choosing the best cannabis product for you.

To get complete access to cannabis wellness, stop by our award-winning cannabis dispensary on Cape Cod or visit our dispensary menu online to browse all of the incredibly potent and high-quality cannabis products we have to offer! Chat with our friendly budtender staff to learn the best products to manage your symptoms or get the effects you’re seeking.

Want to learn more about cannabis education? Visit Hennep’s blog for more!