Marijuana provides many health benefits, such as anxiety relief, pain management, insomnia, PTSD, ADHD, etc. Science says that cannabis contains more than 100 cannabinoids, which bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, thus boosting mood, memory, and various other functions.
Related- How Does The Endocannabinoid System Work?
What about marijuana for Alzheimer’s disease? Does it help? Why is it important to get a medical marijuana card? Read on to learn more.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder, which is linked to memory loss and confusion. It is one of the major causes of dementia in seniors. It usually accounts for 60-80 percent of dementia cases. Medical experts believe that the condition worsens over time. In later stages, Alzheimer’s patients start facing difficulties in carrying out conversations.
Scientists believe that Alzheimer’s disease affects cell function. Cells store information and also communicate with other each other. As the damage spreads, the cells lose their ability to do their tasks properly.
Marijuana For Alzheimer’s
For reducing the risks of Alzheimer’s disease, physical, mental, and social activities can be helpful. However, medications, such as Donepezil are approved for treating all stages of the disease.
Marijuana is also effective in reducing anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Patients suffering from the disease often experience cognitive and memory impairment.
Related- How Cannabis Works For Fighting Anxiety?
To understand how cannabis works for Alzheimer’s disease, you need to learn about the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It’s a complex cell-signaling system, which contains endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes. The ECS is responsible for controlling several functions, including memory, mood, sleep, etc. When you consume marijuana, its compounds interact with the receptors in the ECS, thus providing positive effects.
For managing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, anti-inflammatory drugs, such as NSAIDs are often prescribed. But, using them regularly can lead to risks such as kidney damage.
On the other hand, marijuana and CBD don’t cause such risks.
Many studies show that THC is effective in slowing down the growth of beta-amyloid, which is responsible for developing plaques in the brain. THC is a major psychoactive compound present in the marijuana plant, and it works by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
Another benefit of using marijuana is that it delivers anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation around the plaque build-up is one of the major causes of Alzheimer’s disease. Cannabinoids in marijuana can help reduce inflammation and cognitive impairment.
According to a study published in Neuroscience in 2016, activation of CB1 receptors reduced inflammation. It was conducted to evaluate the role of the endocannabinoid system in Alzheimer’s disease.
Since marijuana can help Alzheimer’s patients promote wellness, more patients are opting for the herb. In fact, more states are loosening restrictions for medical users. In 2018, Minnesota added Alzheimer’s disease to its list of MMJ qualifying conditions.
Top Marijuana Strains For Alzheimer’s Patients
Choosing the right strain is important when using cannabis for Alzheimer’s disease. Before you visit a local dispensary, make sure you have a medical marijuana card signed by a licensed doctor. Now, with telemedicine, you can apply for MMJ recs online in just 10 minutes. The process is-
- Sign up for an account
- See a doctor online
- Receive MMJ recs in PDF format
Some of the best cannabis strains for fighting Alzheimer’s disease are-
- White Russian
- Green Crack
- Bio Jesus
- Blissed Wizard
- Dutch Dragon
- The Ox
- LSD
We recommend you to try different strains and note down the effects of each one. Moreover, dose marijuana carefully. If you are a beginner, take a low dose and see how it’s working. This way, you can find the optimal dose and strain for your condition.
Conclusion
Marijuana is beneficial in reducing the risks of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies show that it delivers anti-inflammatory effects and reduces anxiety and depression associated with the condition. Therapeutic compounds in the herb can help boost mood and memory by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
You can find a wide range of options in cannabis strains. Check the levels of THC and CBD when buying marijuana products. Additionally, choose the right way to deliver cannabinoids into the body, i.e. consumption method. If you are experiencing lung problems, prefer smokeless methods, such as vaping, edibles, tinctures, etc.
Apply for a medical marijuana recommendation online to access cannabis products legally.