In the America of today, we’re blessed to have many options when it comes to taking care of our health. We go to the gym to build our fitness, meditate to reduce our stress, and eat superfoods to enhance our body’s functioning. Now that cannabis is legal in over half the states in the US – some as a medicinal product only accessible to those with a patient card, and in other states to all adults. No matter how your state views the consumption of cannabis, it is possible to incorporate cannabis into your health regimen to improve your overall wellbeing and quality of life.

1. CBD Every Day

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound of cannabis that is growing in fame alongside its sister, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), particularly due to its status as “highless marijuana”. (Tikun Olam in Israel were the first in the world to develop a high-CBD strain with no psychoactive effects, known as Avidekel). Studies in Israel have shown CBD in general – and Avidekel in particular – to be extremely effective at eliminating inflammation in auto-immune diseases such as Crohn’s. By reducing inflammation in the body, CBD can be effective not only for severe disease, but in enhancing wellbeing across the board, reducing minor aches and pains, and easing anxiety. CBD may improve immune function and can be taken daily as a supplement, such as with Avidekel tincture, helping the body to relax, rest and feel an overall boost in health and wellness.

2. Keep THC Handy in the Cabinet

While CBD has received most accolades recently for its medicinal benefits without the side effects of THC, it is still important to understand the benefits of THC as an immediate pain reliever, since it interacts with CB1 receptors, primarily found in the brain. High-THC indica strains such as Erez and Or are recommended in Israel for patients with sleeping disorders, nausea, and nerve pain; while Alaska, as sativa, has been shown to help with gastrointestinal issues during the day. A milder THC & CBD combo, Midnight may be a good option for daytime use and its dual-edged sword is optimal for menstrual cramps. Keep THC on hand as your go-to emergency painkiller, from headaches to back pain, and receive the other myriad benefits cannabis can have on the body simultaneously.

3. Consider Titrating Other Medications

Open your medicine cabinet and see what’s inside. Chances are, as modern-day Americans, we utilize a lot of medications, remedies and over-the-counter solutions to existing problems that can often be mitigated with cannabis. Consider your use of other medicines: what else are you taking, and what for? Do you suffer from nausea or heartburn and pop antacids regularly? Do you self-medicate for anxiety with alcohol or other pills? What types of painkillers are you taking, and can a cannabis topical or tincture help? How can cannabis help with those symptoms?

4. Explore the Magic of Topicals

Scientific advances in the production of cannabis products has extended to the medicated topicals and cosmetics, and is a simple way to enter into cannabis use for those uncomfortable with the possible side effects or unable to consume due to workplace restrictions. Topicals are non-psychoactive and have been shown to assist in both topical skin disorders (such as psoriasis) and injuries (such as cuts and sores); as well as internal muscle and inflammatory pain such as bruises, back pain, arthritis, and mobility issues. Cannabis topicals can be used on sore feet or shoulders after a long day as a massage cream, or applied to arthritic or injured joints regularly to ease the inflammation. THC-heavy topicals such as Alaska can be helpful for relieving immediate pain, while CBD-high Avidekel cream has been shown to help arthritic patients find new quality of life in the long run.

5. Reduce Stress

Stress and anxiety are primary issues in modern-day American life. Cannabinoids have been shown to help not only by changing the body’s response to stress and anxiety, but encouraging behaviors that can help manage these concerns, such as meditation and yoga. Cannabis typically enables users to be in the present moment, experiencing elation, relaxation, serenity and tranquility, which makes us more likely to take on behaviors that ease stress overall, such as going for a walk, taking deep breaths, meditating or exercising in other ways. Microdosing cannabis is one way to experience this benefit without side effects or the psychoactive “high” that can be challenging for some who are inexperienced with this medicine. This might entail using a vape pen to inhale one short hit of vapor or rolling a small marijuana cigarette with one drag inhaled each morning. It’s in small doses that the body still receives the benefits, without the side effects.

6. Alternatives for Sleeping Pills

For those unfamiliar with cannabis, or whose experiences are limited to a college bong, the typical complaint is that it “makes me sleepy”. For many who are using sleeping pills or have trouble sleeping altogether, cannabis can be an excellent herbal, natural resource for sleeping disorders. Rather than fighting the wave of tiredness, incorporate cannabis into your sleeping regime so you are ready to go to bed before inhaling or ingesting, and head to sleep only moments later. High-THC indica strains, such as Or, Erez and Eran Almog, can help with falling asleep and staying asleep, without the challenging side effects of some sleeping pills.

7. Enhance Family and Social Life

In a study at the University of North Carolina, it was found that people with social connections are overall healthier physiologically, from adolescence well into old age. Cannabis, when utilized as part of a treatment program particularly by the elderly, may help create better quality of life around family and social relationships, which in turn may improve physiological concerns as a result. The psychoactive effects of cannabis have been reported to help users feel more present, grateful and connected to others in their lives. For busy parents or ageing geriatrics, may help to rebuild family or social connections that have deteriorated and improve overall health and wellbeing as a result.

8. Improve Eating Habits

Cannabis is often utilized for medical patients with nausea, vomiting and appetite issues, particularly those suffering from cancer or AIDS. Incorporating cannabis into a wellness program may also help assist those with concerns around eating habits, by stimulating the appetite and encouraging eating properly and appreciating the food. Rather than responding to the inevitable appetite stimulus or “munchies” with a quick run for the refrigerator, it can help to prepare a quality meal with nourishing food in advance, then sit down to eat immediately after inhaling or ingesting. The newfound appreciation for the food may also help to remap eating habits in the long term.

 Note: This post does not replace medical advice from your doctor. When it comes to prescription pills, always consult with a qualified health professional, particularly when it comes to mixing it or replacing it with cannabis.