Medicinal Cannabis - Does It Really Work?
Let's take a look at the benefits of medicinal cannabis.
In the past few years, we’ve seen a massive surge in the popularity of medicinal cannabis in different forms for healing various ailments; from stress and depression, to joint pain and more serious physical concerns as well.
Cannabis has been used as a medicinal plant and sacrament for thousands of years in ancient cultures across the world, yet the knowledge of this plant medicine was suppressed and forgotten.
In Ayurveda, cannabis is referred to as ‘Vijaya’ which means ‘victory’ in Sanskrit.
The Charak Samhita notes various uses of Vijaya for curing physical and mental ailments. Bhang, a psychoactive entheogenic drink made from the cannabis plant is also offered to Bhagwan Shiva in ritual and consumed as a prasadi during certain festivals. The cannabis plant itself is indigenous to the Indic civilisation - and when treated in a respectful way with the indigenous and spiritual understanding of the plant spirit as a medicine, there is a lot that it has to offer us.
Western science too has found incredible support for the medicinal properties of the cannabis plant. This molecules in this plant interact directly with the endocannabinoid system in our human biology. This regulates many of our key bodily functions. Essentially, we produce our own cannabis-like molecules in our brain. Medicinal cannabis has been found to have beneficial healing effects for chronic physical pain, stress, PTSD, Parkinson’s disease and various ailments.
What is medicinal cannabis, CBD and full-spectrum extract?
What you might know as medicinal cannabis is most commonly just CBD. This is the molecule in the cannabis plant responsible for relaxation, pain relief and other healing properties. It is does not create any psychoactive effects.
But the problem with CBD is that it is NOT THE FULL PLANT EXTRACT. The plant did not intend to be ripped apart in a lab and this affects the medicinal potency of the plant. Having said that, CBD can be and is incredibly therapeutic especially for those that want to avoid the psychoactive molecule THC. But it is still an incomplete medicine and is more of a modern invention.
Full-spectrum extract is different to CBD because there is no modification of the plant whatsoever - it is exactly how the plant is found in nature. The complete plant intelligence is extracted and this has potent curative properties. Both THC and CBD are present in the full spectrum extract. However, the amount of THC is not going to be excessively high if you have a natural and organic source where the plant hasn’t been genetically modified or grown in artificial conditions.
Full-spectrum extract is suitable for most people, though it’s not recommended for children. CBD can be beneficial for certain medical conditions in that case, so always check with a trained Ayurvedic consultant who has proper knowledge of Vijaya as a medicine if you are in doubt.
Why should you only opt for organic and non-GMO extract?
The second main point to note about medicinal cannabis is that it’s really important to choose an organic and natural source that hasn’t undergone any genetic modification. The intelligence of any organism is in its DNA. When you modify the DNA, you essentially destroy the organic spiritual intelligence of the plant which is what makes it such a magical healer.
Farming with chemical methods also leads to distorted medicinal properties, as does growing the plants in artificial conditions. In this modern day, we’re seeing a massive surge in hybrid strains, hydroponics and so forth in America as medicinal cannabis is freely and widely available.
However, there is ALWAYS going to be a different between a plant that has been grown in artificial conditions and is not an indigenous strain - to a plant that has been grown in natural conditions, with the indigenous seeds! In a natural way.
If you want to read further on how to work with plants in a spiritual manner, please check my very first article by clicking here! This will further delve into the importance of having an organic and natural source of any plant as much as possible for it to have maximum benefits.
Where do I get certified medicinal cannabis in India?
My favourite company for all things hemp is India Hemp Organics. They are a super ethical, organic independent company and are AYUSH board certified (Ayurvedic medicine certified). They also have Ayurvedic consultants who will speak to you about how medicinal cannabis can help you with your particular issues.
They have a number of products with full-spectrum hemp extracts crafted for different needs, like stress relief and pain relief.
To find out more about them, head to their website and book in a consultation with one of their Ayurvedic consultants which is a very quick and short process. After this you can get your extract! Don’t forget to use my discount code ‘kamya10’ for 10% off.
They also have excellent hemp protein powder and oil too. You can also message them on Instagram if you have any questions on @indiahemporganics.
Click here to see their website. - my code is ‘kamya10'.’
What can medicinal cannabis help me with?
Vijaya, in Sanskrit, means victory. Vijaya was hailed as one of the most powerful healers in ancient times. Whether its psychological issues like depression, anxiety and stress. Or its acute physical pain, or even more serious conditions - Vijaya has an answer. Western science is also looking into the benefits of medicinal cannabis for cancer patients and the demand for this has skyrocketed in the last couple of years. Medicinal cannabis has also been looked at for alleviating conditions of autism and cognitive difficulties like lack of concentration and attention span.
In addition to this, medicinal cannabis is a great healer for those with busy lives who don’t give their body enough time to regenerate and take rest. It heals from the inside, on a body mind and spirit level. It is great for those with insomnia and sleep difficulties too. Applying cannabis oil on the skin is also one way to combat skin issues and restore skin health.
With medicinal cannabis in the recommended dose, you won’t be getting any psychoactive effects. But medicinal cannabis can assist you on a spiritual level. You can make a prayer of gratitude to the plant spirit or the deity of Plant Medicine called Dhanvantari (avatar of Vishnu) and simply affirm your intentions for what you want to heal! This will give you a more focused healing outcome.
You can also combine this extract with different breathing practices and even before or after your yoga practice to assist with soreness, tiredness, and even to make the effects of those practices more enhanced. Of course, it’s not recommended to need to consume any plant before a spiritual practice but it’s also excellent to combine the two on occasion if you feel called to expand your experience.
For me personally, this extract has really helped me with my sleep. I’m a real over thinker and it’s helped me to slow down and be more accepting of myself and the present. It’s widened my perspective and been a great ally for overcoming physical pain + recovery after viral infection.
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Stay well, stay happy, stay blessed!
Disclaimer: this is not medical advice. Please always consult a professional if you have serious issues as mentioned, including the qualified Ayurvedic consultants within India Hemp Organics.