7 Health Effects of Cannabis on the Body
Did you know? Your body produces its own cannabis-like compounds, called endocannabinoids, even if you’ve never consumed cannabis.
With cannabis’ meteoric rise as the wellness ingredient du jour in recent years, the biggest question raised among doctors, researchers, policymakers, and the public is: what exactly are the health benefits of cannabis, and what effects does it have on the body? With more clinical data available than ever before, we can now move beyond anecdotal evidence to understand exactly how cannabinoids interact with our physiology.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medical treatment that may include cannabis.
As a plant-based medicine with a (fairly) high safety profile and molecular complexity, cannabis has achieved a well-deserved reputation, with therapeutic applications ranging from easing muscle spasms related to multiple sclerosis to the treatment of nausea associated with chemotherapy, among others.
The cannabis plant has at least two active chemicals with medicinal applications. While tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the well-known psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant that produces users’ “high” and has pain-relieving properties, cannabidiol, or CBD, is its non-psychoactive counterpart. CBD is now widely recognized for its therapeutic potential and is commonly used for a range of wellness and medical applications without the mind-altering effects of THC.
In addition to CBD and THC, there are between 400 and 500 other chemical compounds in cannabis plants, including at least 113 distinct minor cannabinoids and around 120 terpenes. Many of these minor compounds also have medical potential, and research is ongoing to learn more about them.
Here are seven scientifically backed health effects of cannabis on the human body—and what the latest research tells us about them.
1. Modulation of Chronic Pain Pathways
The most common reason for medical cannabis use in the U.S. remains pain management. Modern research has moved beyond the idea that cannabis simply “distracts” the mind from pain. We now know that THC and CBD interact directly with the peripheral nerves and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord to inhibit pain signaling. Recent studies suggest that cannabis can serve as an “opioid-sparing” agent, allowing patients to achieve relief with significantly lower doses of addictive narcotics.
2. Neuroprotection and Spasticity Management
Cannabis has shown profound effects on the central nervous system, particularly for those with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or epilepsy. The FDA-approved use of cannabinoids for rare forms of epilepsy (like Dravet syndrome) has paved the way for research into other neurodegenerative conditions. Cannabinoids help regulate the “firing” of neurons, reducing muscle spasticity and protecting nerve cells from oxidative stress.
The endocannabinoid system helps maintain balance in the body—scientists call this process homeostasis.
3. The ‘U-Shaped’ Anxiety Response
One of the most significant 2025 insights in cannabis science is the “biphasic” or U-shaped response of cannabis on anxiety. While low doses of THC and high doses of CBD are proven anxiolytics (anxiety-reducers), high doses of THC can trigger the opposite effect. For the body, this means cannabis can effectively lower cortisol levels and heart rate when used in micro-doses, providing a physical sense of calm without cognitive impairment.
4. Sleep Architecture and REM Regulation
Cannabis is a potent tool for sleep, but its effect on the “body clock” is nuanced. While THC helps with “sleep latency” (falling asleep faster), newer research focuses on CBN (Cannabinol). Research has also helped us understand that a combination of cannabinoids may help patients with PTSD by suppressing the REM cycle slightly, which reduces the occurrence of night terrors while still allowing for deep, restorative “Slow Wave Sleep.”
5. Gastrointestinal Homeostasis
The gut contains one of the highest concentrations of cannabinoid receptors in the body. For individuals with Crohn’s disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), cannabis acts as an anti-inflammatory agent directly within the digestive tract. It helps regulate intestinal motility and reduces “leaky gut” symptoms by strengthening the epithelial barrier, providing relief that is often more targeted than systemic pharmaceuticals.
6. Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Joint Health
While we once thought only “smoking” or “edibles” worked, 2024 clinical trials have highlighted the efficacy of transdermal (topical) cannabinoids for arthritis. When applied to the skin, cannabinoids bypass the liver and interact with local receptors in the joints. This reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, offering a non-systemic way to manage rheumatoid conditions without the “high.”
7. Fighting Cancer, Palliative Support and Quality of Life
Last but not least, the effects of cannabis on the human body are comforting for those also suffering from cancer. In the decades-long discussions on whether cannabis helps in preventing or/and curing cancer, the unequivocal answer, according to veteran cannabis researchers is: it helps with several symptoms but don’t bet your life on it.
Cannabis is increasingly used in palliative care for its ability to treat a “cluster” of symptoms simultaneously: nausea, lack of appetite (cachexia), and depression. By stimulating the ghrelin hormone (the “hunger hormone”), cannabis helps patients maintain body mass during intensive treatments like chemotherapy, which is often a deciding factor in overall survival rates.
As research continues to catch up with centuries of real-world use, cannabis science is entering its most revealing chapter yet. In the coming years, clearer dosing guidelines, new cannabinoid discoveries, and more targeted therapies are likely to reshape how cannabis is understood, prescribed, and used—hopefully moving it from curiosity to cornerstone in modern medicine.
More from Soft Secrets:
S
Soft Secrets
