Benefits

Recreational Users

Reported benefits

Relaxation and euphoria: Cannabis can induce feelings of joy and relaxation, along with a sense of well-being.
Stress and anxiety relief: Some users find that cannabis helps to reduce stress and anxiety, particularly at lower doses according to a UIC Today study.
Heightened sensory perception: Users may experience an enhanced sense of sight, hearing, and taste.
Increased appetite: Cannabis is known to stimulate appetite.
Social lubrication: Some individuals report that cannabis helps them to communicate more openly and socialize more easily.
Creativity: Some users find that cannabis enhances their creativity and artistic endeavors.
Pain relief (limited evidence for recreational use): While research suggests potential benefits for chronic pain management in a medical context, evidence for its effectiveness for recreational pain relief is weaker.

Occasional Users

Potential benefits of occasional cannabis use.

Pain relief: Cannabis, particularly high-CBD strains, may help alleviate chronic pain and muscle stiffness associated with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Reduced anxiety and stress: Users often report feeling more relaxed and less irritable with cannabis use, according to the Post Bulletin. Some studies even indicate that very low doses of THC can reduce anxiety before public speaking tasks.
Improved sleep: Cannabis may improve the quality and duration of sleep, particularly for individuals experiencing insomnia or sleep disturbances due to chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or MS, according to WebMD.
Increased appetite and reduced nausea: Cannabis can help stimulate appetite and reduce nausea, particularly for individuals undergoing chemotherapy or experiencing weight loss due to HIV, says GoodRx.
Social benefits: Some users find that cannabis helps them be more calm, less irritable, and more engaged with friends and family.

Health-conscious Consumers

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is associated with a range of potential health benefits, particularly in managing chronic pain, reducing nausea, and alleviating symptoms of certain neurological conditions. However, research is ongoing, and some benefits are more established than others. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using cannabis for any health condition.

Potential Benefits:

Nausea and Vomiting:

Cannabis is known to reduce nausea and vomiting, especially in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Epilepsy:

Some evidence suggests that cannabis can help reduce seizures in certain forms of epilepsy, such as Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes.

Anxiety and PTSD:

Cannabis, especially CBD, may help reduce anxiety symptoms, including those associated with social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Other Potential Benefits:

Research is also exploring potential benefits for conditions like multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Tourette syndrome.

Pain Management:

Cannabis, particularly strains high in CBD, may help manage chronic pain, including pain associated with multiple sclerosis and neuropathic pain.