Marijuana as medicine

1 in 3 marijuana consumers turn to cannabis for stress relief—and that includes parents, full-time working professionals, and adults of all backgrounds. (Everyone gets stressed.) This is one of the most common reasons for using marijuana, or trying marijuana for the first time, because THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in what you ingest, acts on the same pathways in the brain as anandamide, a neurotransmitter known for giving you the feeling of bliss. Recommended strain: Indica

2 in 5 marijuana consumers use certain strains, known to uplift and energize, and reported to help symptoms of depression. Some individuals (about 1 in 3 surveyed) have completely switched from using antidepressants to using marijuana. Users have reported that marijuana helps stabilize mood, stimulate appetite, increase focus and concentration, and combat insomnia. Recommended strain: Sativa

More than 1 in 4 cannabis consumers use marijuana to assist with pain from migraines and headaches. In particular, CBD, the non-psychoactive (no “high” involved) cannabinoid, has been used topically or ingested to ease pain. Some people use CBD to lessen the intensity of migraines; other people use CBD to decrease the frequency of migraines. It has been reported that CBD works to calm down pain signals and re-route the pain receptors in the brain. Recommended strain: CBD

1 in 5 cannabis consumers—including chemotherapy patients—consume marijuana for suppression of nausea and vomiting, which also helps with keeping food down and increasing appetite. While medicine pills can be hard to swallow and keep down for sufferers of nausea, marijuana can be easily vaporized through a variety of methods depending on personal preferences. The results of vaping on the body are almost immediate, making it one of the fastest methods for processing cannabis. Recommended strain: Hybrid

According to Eaze Insights data, more than half of marijuana consumers are using it as an herbal nightcap to alleviate insomnia and fall asleep faster and easier. Data shows that a sedating strain and a calm, soothing bedroom environment can go a long way in fixing long-term habitual sleeplessness, especially for insomniacs who have already tried the other methods without success. Recommended strain: Indica

More than 1 in 10 Eaze customers surveyed alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD with cannabis, especially due to how Sativa reportedly tends to increase focus and concentration, while reducing distractions and stress. Some people report using medical marijuana in place of prescription medicine, or in companionship with these pill-form stimulants. Recommended strain: Sativa

As used by 1 in 3 marijuana consumers, the non-psychoactive (as in, no “high” involved) cannabinoid known as CBD is reported to be a non-addictive alternative to opioids for people suffering from chronic pain. From arthritis to chemotherapy relief, CBD oil, applied topically (though available in ingestible and inhalable varieties) has been shown to reduce pain, inflammation, and overall discomfort without forming addictive habits. Recommended strain: CBD

Almost 1 in 5 people use marijuana to assist with symptoms from muscle spasms, which can interfere with regular motor functions, personal mobility, and emotional stability. It has been reported that THC can lower the frequency and intensity of these involuntary movements, allowing people to return to normal life without spasms out of their control. Marijuana is oftentimes used as a solution when traditional therapy methods are not effective. Recommended strain: Hybrid

Almost 1 in 5 consumers use cannabis for appetite stimulation—aka, the famous “munchies.” But this is more than just an excuse to binge on junk food: Medical marijuana patients report using hybrid strains to curb the symptoms of nausea and fight gastrointestinal inflammation. While a potent Sativa strain can kickstart the appetite with intensity, a Hybrid strain is reportedly best for those seeking a controlled and healthy appetite push. Recommended strain: Hybrid

1 in 10 marijuana consumers use it for arthritis symptoms. CBD oil is reportedly the most common type of product used for relief, as CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that alleviates pain and inflammation in the muscles without getting you “high.” This is reportedly a non-addictive alternative to opioids and can be especially helpful for arthritis patients whose joints could benefit from physical therapy and exercise in accompaniment to CBD application. Recommended strain: CBD

1 in 10 marijuana consumers use it for symptoms of PTSD, because antidepressants and antipsychotics are reported as unsuccessful in treating the severest of symptoms. Certain hybrid strains reportedly alleviate trauma from memories and aid in appetite stimulation, focus, and overall stress relief, while uplifting and stabilizing the mood. Recommended strain: Hybrid