Men face challenges from coping with stress to managing pain and inflammation. Medical marijuana has emerged as a powerful solution for these issues, offering numerous benefits for men's physical and mental health. The 10 key benefits of this natural alternative reveal how it can make a significant difference in daily life.

Insomnia

One of the most common problems that men face is sleeplessness, or insomnia. A good night's rest is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Medical marijuana is known for promoting relaxation, and improving sleep quality. Its calming effects help the mind unwind at bedtime, allowing for falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer. By enhancing the quality of rest, medical marijuana can boost energy levels, mood and overall performance during the day.

Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural response to injury, but chronic inflammation leads to health issues including joint pain and reduced mobility. For fitness enthusiasts and athletes, inflammation can be a significant roadblock. Medical marijuana has potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal alternative to traditional pain relief medications. Medical marijuana enables men to hit the gym harder and recover faster, staying on top of the fitness game.

Sexual Function

Medical marijuana has been found to impact sexual function and desire in men positively. It can help alleviate performance anxiety and promote relaxation, allowing men to be more present and engaged during intimate moments. Moreover, medical marijuana improves blood flow and increases sensitivity, heightening the sexual experience. A recent study review in Psychology Today found 74 percent said cannabis improved their sexual satisfaction, while 59 percent said it increased their sexual desire. Anecdotal accounts label it an aphrodisiac.

Stress

Modern life is full of stressors such as work, family and financial concerns. Long-term stress can affect mental and physical health, leading to anxiety, depression and chronic health conditions. Medical marijuana is renowned for relieving stress and promoting a sense of calm and well-being. Incorporating it into a daily routine can effectively manage stress levels and improve overall quality of life.

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that affects millions of men worldwide. Symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety can make daily life incredibly challenging. Medical marijuana has been found to reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms, helping men regain control over their mental health.

A placebo-controlled, double-blind study published in March 2021 in PLOS ONE, found that cannabis was beneficial for PTSD and can positively affect up to 20 percent of recent war veterans. Over the course of a year, the study found that cannabis users reported a greater decrease in the severity of PTSD symptoms, and they were more than 2.5 times as likely to no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD as those that did not use cannabis.

Focus and Productivity

Contrary to popular belief, medical marijuana can enhance focus and productivity in some users. Specific strains of cannabis, such as sativa-dominant strains, are known for their uplifting and energizing effects. These strains can help men stay alert and focused, making tackling tasks and staying on top of their responsibilities easier.

Anxiety and Depression

Mental health is critical to overall well-being, and medical marijuana has positively impacted many mental health conditions. By promoting relaxation, reducing stress and improving mood, it can be a valuable tool in managing anxiety and depression. The natural ability to bind with the endocannabinoid system can help balance brain chemistry and provide much-needed relief for those struggling with these conditions. A 2019 study of 103 adult patients found CBD to be better tolerated than routine psychiatric medications, displaying great promise as a tool for reducing anxiety in clinical populations.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be debilitating and negatively impact daily life. Medical marijuana has proven effective in managing neuropathic pain to cancer-related pain. Its analgesic properties can help reduce the reliance on prescription painkillers which often come with a host of side effects and the risk of addiction.

Appetite and Weight Management

Many men struggle with maintaining a healthy weight, whether due to a lack of appetite or an inability to gain weight. Medical marijuana has been shown to stimulate appetite and help individuals struggling with weight loss, particularly those facing health issues such as cancer or chronic disease. By boosting appetite and promoting a healthy weight, medical marijuana can play a crucial role in improving overall health and well-being.

For losing rather than gaining weight, new cannabis strains and products have been released to help with just that. A 2018 analysis by Thomas Clark, Ph.D., showed that cannabis users have a strongly reduced body mass index and less obesity relative to nonusers, while also revealing an increased caloric intake. The growing legalization of cannabis at the state level has reaffirmed the inverse relationship between obesity and cannabis use, prompting a growing number of professionals to consider cannabis as a therapeutic option for weight loss.

Immune System

A strong immune system is essential for preventing illnesses and maintaining overall health. Research suggests that medical marijuana can support the immune system by modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation. According to studies published in the Journal of Neuroimmunology, cannabinoids can modulate the function and secretion of cytokines from immune cells, thus offering treatment opportunities for inflammatory diseases.

The benefits of medical marijuana for men are numerous and transformative, providing an alternative to traditional pharmaceutical options without undesirable effects.

David Friedman is the manager of Compassionate Healthcare of Florida, comprised of an expert team of board-certified physicians providing patients in Southwest Florida certifications and guidance on how to safely and effectively use medical marijuana to manage symptoms. For more information, call 833-633-3665.