The cannabis cure More about medical marijuana

It’s leafy, it’s potent, it’s blowing the wellness world up in smoke – and it might be legal in SA in the not too distant future. Read on to learn more about medical marijuana.

Cannabis leaves are just like most other leafy greens–chockfull of fibre, vitamin K and antioxidants.

Weed 101

First things first. SA’S law on personal use of marijuana is under review and the ruling is set to be announced early in 2018. Scientific research on the benefits is certainly changing minds – and the way it’s used. Here’s the breakdown.

Marijuana contains more than 100 different cannabinoids, compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (it’s like your body’s natural THC). The two that get the most attention are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). They’re nearly identical but with one key difference.

“THC activates CB1 and CB2 receptors, and is psychoactive ( gets you high); CBD does not and works by increasing levels of your own natural endocannabinoid, anandamide,” explains neuroscientist Dr Michele Ross. That’s not to say CBD can’t make you feel all kinds of good. Anandamide is also known as the bliss molecule as it produces a state of heightened happiness.

While we’re at it: there’s zero difference between hemp and cannabis. Same cannabis sativa plant, different laws. Anything with more than 0.3% THC is considered cannabis, not hemp.

Cannabis to kick up your sex life

Dr Alyssa Dweck, a gynaecologist and coauthor of The Complete A to Z for Your V (Fair Winds Press; R332) believes it’s legit – and safe – to use cannabisinfused lube around your lady parts. “There may be some absorption through the mucus membranes, but when used as intended, the absorption is minimal and it should not get you stoned,” she says.

“A coconut oil base should help with lubrication, and my suspicion is that cannabis lowers inhibitions a bit or lessens anxiety through muscle relaxation.”

Note: Dr Dweck hasn’t experienced cannabisinfused lube directly.

“Most countries are little uptight in regard to recreational marijuana use,” she says, adding that physicians need more controlled, randomised studies to better understand the systemic effects of cannabis.

Cannabis to alleviate PMS

Forget regular painkillers. Evidence suggests that cannabis oil could be the future of pain management for menstrual cramps.

In the US, actress Whoopi Goldberg, who has been outspoken about using medical marijuana for years, partnered with businesswoman Maya Elisabeth to create an entire line of cannabis-powered period-relief products. Whoopi & Maya includes a topical rub and bath soaks designed to help relax contracting muscles.

Another new approach, available in SA, is Foria Relief, a vaginal suppository with THC and CBD that works preventively against pelvic pain. Dr Ross, who uses it to treat endometriosis symptoms, says, “The suppositories are better than a painkiller because they can stop local inflammation and spasms that might cause more cramping.”

Juicing marijuana

Should we get ready for a new type of green juice to start the day: cannabis green? After all, before processing, cannabis leaves are just like most other leafy greens – chock-full of fibre, vitamin K and antioxidants. The added superfood bonus is in the cannabinoids.

“Raw cannabinoids THC acid and CBD acid fine-tune the endocannabinoid system, which regulates all your other neurotransmitters,” says Dr Ross.

When you juice or eat raw cannabis leaves, you can take in potent megadoses of raw, unheated THC acid without any psychoactive effects. Given its reported anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea and anti-cancer qualities, “We may find that THC acid is an even better vitamin than CBD,” Dr Ross says. This generation’s version of ‘wake and bake’?