As more and more countries around the world legalize cannabis for medicinal purposes, there has been a growing interest in the potential benefits of this plant for treating a variety of health conditions.
Here in Barcelona, we have a thriving marijuana culture and a range of options for people seeking to access medicinal or recreational cannabis thanks to the decriminalization of marijuana in the entirety of Spain. In this article, we’ll explore the landscape of medicinal cannabis, including the various ways people can obtain and use cannabis for therapeutic purposes in Barcelona.
Medicinal benefits of cannabis
Because some of the cannabinoids found in the plant can link to the receptors that are in our endocannabinoids system —CB1 and CB2 receptors found in the brain and skin —they can also help regulate the response of the neurons against an excitatory signal such as pain, seizures, or brain tremors. That is why these cannabinoids can help deal with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson, Alzheimer’s, ALS, or help with PTSD, anxiety, depression and reduce pain in patients with cancer or arthritis. Not only the cannabinoids help with pain and inflammation but they can also be used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, which improves the quality of life of the cancer patient and helps them get through the treatment.
Responsible use
While there is evidence that cannabis can be effective treating a variety of health conditions, there is still ongoing research in the subject. The impracticality —for lack of another word —of weed becoming illegal in the 20th century has set us back considerably in terms of scientific research and there is still a lot of information missing when it comes to the right dosage or the exact functioning of certain cannabinoids. That is why we should be cautious and responsible in the use of cannabis and if we would like to use cannabis for medicinal purposes never do so without the supervision of our health provider, and always aim for the highest quality of products from trusted providers.
Quality products
Thankfully, one of the most appealing aspects of Barcelona’s cannabis culture is the abundance of high-quality cannabis available. Whether you’re looking for flowers, concentrates, or edibles, you can find a wide range of excellent products at weed clubs and dispensaries throughout the city. The quality of the cannabis in Barcelona is widely regarded as some of the best in the world, thanks in part to the city’s ideal climate for growing cannabis and the expertise of local growers.
To join a weed club in Barcelona, you would usually need to be referred by an existing member, or apply for an invitation directly from the club on their website. Once you’re a member, you can get access to cannabis products for personal use and a space where members gather to smoke or consume cannabis, typically in a social setting.
Catching up
We have been missing out on the potential health benefits of cannabis for a while now. Thankfully, the world is changing and, although a lot of research is still needed to learn the exact doses and extract a higher efficacy from the cannabinoid treatments, at least now a lot of people have that extra option: the possibility to use cannabis derivatives to treat their condition, which is especially important to those patients that don’t respond well to traditional medication.
Conclusion
We are lucky to live in Barcelona, where the cannabis culture offers a unique and exciting opportunity for people seeking to access marijuana for any of its uses. We can only hope that everyone does it in a responsible fashion, and if it is for medicinal purposes, that they do it under the right advice and supervision of a healthcare professional.
