There are certain words and places that evoke a completely different image in one's mind. One such word is Cannabis. The word itself is a subject of intense debate globally. However, with the passage of time and awareness of its medical benefits owing to extensive research done on this, it is finding acceptance in the medical community. One may be astonished to know that the use of cannabis for medical purposes is deeply embedded in the Indian Ayurvedic and Atharvavedic systems. It is also mentioned in the Vedas as one of the five sacred plants. It has had a negative reputation as an intoxicant throughout the years, and the emphasis on its medical benefits has waned in the process.

If one walks a mile from the controversy and debate this word has gotten over the years, one will understand medical cannabis has several benefits when used for therapeutic purposes and under the supervision of an Ayurvedic practitioner. Here we will discuss the history of medical cannabis and the medical benefits one can experience with this

Let's go into the Past to Understand the Present Scenario of Medical Cannabis

According to literary records and archaeological finds, the cannabis plant has been used in India since the beginning of time. The plant was once used not only for medicinal purposes, but also for cultural, religious, and spiritual reasons. In short, cannabis served diverse functions for many groups of individuals. Only in the twentieth century, not only in India but globally, did medical use become more frowned upon. There are many reasons behind this. The rationale for this was that cannabis has both therapeutic and narcotic properties. When cannabis plants became more potent through breeding and selection, and medical use became outdated due to the availability of opiates and other contemporary medications, there was no longer a practical need for cannabis. Cannabis has been illegal in every country since 1961, including India. In recent years, it is seen that opiates may be more harmful than initially believed and whereas cannabis may be more medicinally effective than previously thought. As other countries embrace the medicinal usage of cannabis, India cannot afford to fall behind in reclaiming one of its most authentic medicinal plants.

Benefits One Can See With the Help of Medical Cannabis

From treating digestive issues to headaches to reducing anxiety, medical cannabis is believed to bring relief to a range of health issues.

  • It improves bowel absorption capacity. It is often used in Ayurveda for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), diarrhea, and dysentery. Its 'grahi' function aids in the prevention of excessive stools being passed from the body, as well as the resulting weakness.
  • It is an excellent pain reliever for the nerves. This can help people who suffer from splitting headaches, migraines, and sciatic discomfort. There are numerous more overlooked advantages of medicinal cannabis for autoimmune disorders such as arthritis, aches, seasonal infections, and even sleeplessness.
  • It is considered to be an excellent treatment for insomnia and was often used to induce sleep, particularly for an individual who was exhausted and needed to sleep soundly.
  • It is particularly helpful in Piles and can be used both externally and internally for relief. In Ayurveda, piles are a very complicated problem as they say Sama Pitta increases, which is related to your gut function. People with severe piles benefit from the usage of medical cannabis.

How to Choose Quality Medical Cannabis Products in India?

The medical cannabis industry in India is very much fresh and due to this, one requires an expert intervention when selecting the products. The AYUSH ministry in India permits the sale of medical cannabis including CBD and THC provided the manufacturer has the requisite license from the said government. Ideally, the company you should select to purchase your medical cannabis products must have excellent customer care service, a panel of certified cannabis clinicians and a proper license in place as well should be there.

Also Read - From Obsolescence to Opportunity: Adapting to the ChatGPT Era.

Conclusion

Considering how this herb has a mention in our Ayurveda for its medical benefits, it is high time there is a consensus about its huge medicinal potential. There is still a section of people that equates cannabis with drug misuse. In 2019, the expert panel of AYUSH pitched for the legalization of the medicinal use of cannabis and in the same year, for the first time ever, the centre has allowed research on cannabis for medicinal purposes. As one can see, the government is doing its own thing to legalize and normalize the sale and consumption of medical cannabis. As a consumer, one is required to compare the company with parameters like AYUSH certification, excellent customer service, transparency, etc. With the right amount of awareness and consultation with certified cannabis clinicians, one will be able to figure out the dosage they should be taking and see the expected results from this herb.

About Author

Deepika Sharma, co-founder of Hempstrol-one of the premier hemp-based companies in India. As an entrepreneur, she keeps a keen eye on where medical cannabis is going In India. It was her belief in the benefits of medical cannabis and THC and CBD that made the government of Rajasthan take notice of her and award her for “Inspiring Women of Rajasthan”.

You cannot copy content of this page

Verified by MonsterInsights