Bhang (Hemp): Benefits and side effects

The most significant benefit of hemp is that it helps in the control of pain, particularly chronic pain, that is persistent and more difficult to manage. In addition to being a physical burden, this type of pain often has a psychological impact and the sufferer experiences a reduction in the quality of life and reduced interest in daily activities. With the use of cannabis or hemp, a significant reduction in the intensity of pain has been ascertained, as it was self-reported by the participants.

Although the side effects of the drug are plenty, when used irrationally, a medically supervised use has been considered to be safe. In fact, it is even said to have a better safety profile than other drugs, which are used conventionally. For this benefit, practitioners prescribe to use it in the form of a smokeless inhalation with the help of a vapouriser device. This requires titration of a specific dosage, which will slowly deliver the medication and thus describes a form of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA).

These effects have been found to be comparable to other forms of PCA utilising the intravenous route and thus it can be established that cannabis is a pronounced method of pain control. Vapour pens and conventional vapourisers can be used for this purpose in a dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Concerning the brain, the role of bhang is quite debatable. On one end of the spectrum, it is highly associated with an addictive response, and on the other end, researchers mention its potential in the management of several neurological and mental health disorders.

Hemp has been recognised as an anxiolytic (reduces anxiety) due to its effects on the endocannabinoid system (a biological system consisting of endocannabinoids where cannabis binds itself). This explains the relaxing effects experienced after having bhang.

Research indicates that hemp helps to minimise depressive and psychotic behaviours in individuals when used in a prescribed manner. It has further been demonstrated that the preparation has an anti-inflammatory effect and also helps in reducing the levels of oxidative stress and damage. When tested on animal models, it was found that hemp helps to reduce brain damage.

This suggests its neuroprotective potential and its role in facilitating in the prevention of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, post-concussion syndrome and even some neurodegenerative disorders. It functions by reducing the formation of amyloid plaques and decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Clinical studies have also demonstrated that it aids in fear control and prevention of its recurrence, which is the possible rationale for its anxiolytic effects.

Additionally, its role has been suggested in the management of bipolar disorder and several neurological conditions. With all these effects on the brain, extensive studies are presently going on to determine these actions and to specify a particular dosage. So, it is absolutely not safe to try out the drug by yourself in the hope of obtaining relief from any of the described conditions.

In addition to its several benefits on mental health, one of its major application is in the control of seizure activity. Seizures refer to sudden, uncontrolled movements, that are caused due to a change in the electrical functioning of the brain. Although the use of cannabis, marijuana or hemp is not legalised, this plant finds its applications in the management of seizures as approved by the FDA. In fact, it is one of the three approved uses of the plant.

As an oral solution, cannabis is used to treat seizure activity. This use was approved epidiolex in the year 2018. Significant anti-seizure activity has been found against epileptic seizures. Although the use has been approved, it is not safe to consume hemp as the benefit can only be derived from its medicinal form.

(Read more: Epilepsy management)

Cancer refers to the uninhibited growth of cells in the body, which can be well-differentiated or highly atypical depending on the stage of cancer. It has the potential to spread to nearby and distant locations, and affect the functioning of the affected body systems.

Hemp has several applications in the field of cancer. It can be used for tumour control and is also helpful in the management of chronic pain and other symptoms experienced by those affected with cancer. The use of hemp can thus help in improving their quality of life. It controls cancerous growth by initiating the process of apoptosis (programmed cell death). Therefore, it may help to prolong the life of those affected.

One specific utilization of this has been in the case of glioblastoma multiforme, in which, it ceases cancer growth by promoting autophagy (destruction of cells).

By functioning in a similar manner and by having distinct actions, it has anti-cancer actions against various cell lines including those of melanoma, hepatic cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer.

Other than its possible role in the treatment and management of several types of cancer, cannabis has other benefits for those affected with cancer. The most important of these benefits is that it helps to manage chronic pain, which is a major complaint of cancer-affected individuals. Cannabis helps to reduce the intensity of pain as apparent by a decrease in the number of pain medications used by the individuals. A self-reported improvement in the quality of life was also reported by the users. The use of cannabis oil or vapourised herbal preparation has been found to be useful in this regard.

Not just pain control, hemp also has the potential to manage several other cancer-associated symptoms like nausea, vomiting and problems with sleep. It also helps to reduce the side effects associated with chemotherapy or other types of cancer treatments.  Its use in the management of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy has also been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). These benefits were noticeable after a 6-month duration of the study.

What’s more is that hemp has immunomodulatory actions, that is, it helps to improve your immune status and modifies the risk of added infections. Since those affected with cancer have a compromised immune status and an increased risk of infections and illnesses, an improvement in the immune status can significantly help to improve the quality of life years lived in good health. However, you must note that these are the benefits of medicinal cannabis and illicit use can cause more side effects than benefits.

AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is caused due to an infection with the HIV virus and is marked by a state of immunodeficiency. As with cancer, the immunocompromised status of HIV-affected individuals increases their risk of opportunistic infections.

Since hemp assists in improving the immune response, it is useful for individuals with HIV. The inclusion of hemp in correct amounts can help to increase the disease-free quality of life years. Due to this positive association, the use of cannabis in AIDS has been recognised by the FDA. Not only does its use assist in reducing the risk of opportunistic infections, but also caters to improve their health status. It helps to treat loss of weight and appetite in individuals affected with AIDS. As with other conditions, making an unprescribed use of hemp in AIDS can do more harm than good.