Cannabis has been used for thousands of years. From native Indians to various subcultures, people have used cannabis for several reasons. However, there has always been a stigma surrounding cannabis use. Although a lot of people used the plant, it was never widely accepted by the general public.

However, things started changing in the last 40 years. Today there are many countries in which medical cannabis is legal, and there’s tons of research about this plant and its benefits. This change is obvious for another reason as well, currently there are thousands of medical dispensaries where people can legally buy cannabis.

For example, residents of California can drop by Venice Beach cannabis dispensary and instantly get cannabis for their needs. One of the reasons these medical dispensaries are so popular is because they promote responsible cannabis use. Here’s how they work.

They Offer Better Product Quality

In the past, people had to get cannabis from unreliable sources and shady channels. Simply put, there wasn’t a legal way to get marijuana, which made it difficult to find quality products along with a reliable source they could always count on.

It was also very unsafe. People had issues because they often bought low-quality products with no guarantee of what they were getting. People had to trust that the seller would deliver good quality. Today, products at medical dispensaries come from professional breeders and cultivators.

Customers know the exact strain they are getting and these producers are held to a higher standard. Simply put, they need to pass various quality checks to be able to sell their products.

They are Safer

Using cannabis responsibly is not just about having a reliable supplier – the way you get your products matters as well. Whenever illegal production and supply are involved, there are certain risks for everyone, including consumers.

As a buyer you don’t want to meet someone in the back alley, not knowing what to expect. You can potentially get robbed, scammed or even arrested if cannabis is illegal. Medical dispensaries are far safer. First of all, the cannabis they sell is completely legal and legit.

You don’t have to worry about being scammed. You can just drop by and purchase the product you need. At the same time, dispensaries often have security personnel and cameras that protect you from potential criminals.

You Know What You are Getting

Dispensaries must be transparent. What does this mean? A couple of things:

• Every medicine and product that’s being sold goes through rigorous checks.
• The origin of each product can be traced back to the producer.
• Product packaging clearly states the content of the product and all its ingredients.
• If you have additional questions, you can talk to the pharmacist working at the dispensary

When buying medical products you need to know what they contain, since people use cannabis for treating different conditions. Professional producers breed different strains that are better at alleviating various symptoms.

For example, some marijuana strains are better for treating depression and anxiety while others might be better for arthritis. You can always find a product that’s best for your needs.

Dispensaries Can Educate Users on Proper Cannabis Use

Dispensaries often have medical professionals working at them. These pharmacists are there to accept various medical forms and prescriptions that people use to get their medical products. However, there is another advantage of having medical professionals at the dispensary.

They have a lot of knowledge about different medications, how they work, and how they should be used. So, you’re not buying cannabis products from a random person – you’re getting it from people who have a medical background.

They can give you valuable advice on how to use your medicine properly, which is especially important when you’re taking cannabis for the first time and don’t know what to expect. A pharmacist can help you understand how you should use your medicine, when, and in what dosage.

Chances are you’ve heard about various cannabis side-effects, but in reality most of them are caused by improper use. People take high doses in uncontrolled environments and they suffer the consequences. A medical professional can guide you to avoid this from happening.

Bottom Line

The use of cannabis for medical purposes has gone a long way. All over the world, we are seeing more and more countries letting people treat several conditions with this medication. At the same time, we are also seeing an increase in cannabis-based drugs.

Dispensaries have made supply a lot easier to obtain. They make these products available to everyone who has an appropriate medical prescription. At the same time, people can use cannabis responsibly to get the desired effects.

From life-threatening viruses to raging wildfires to skyrocketing unemployment, 2020 is testing the human spirit in unimaginable ways. One such symptom of this year’s chaos is maintaining proper mental health as bad news continually wafts through televisions sets like a skunk’s scent from a bedroom window.

Anxiety and depression are running amok. Some studies discovered that “In mid-July, 53% of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the coronavirus. This is significantly higher than the 32% reported in March.”

With so much uncertainly swirling about, how are CBD, anxiety and depression intertwined, and how can cannabidiol products help during such trying times?

CBD and Anxiety

In 2011, a study reported that CBD possessed the power to reduced anxiety during public speaking for those anxious in social situations. How was that possible?

CBD aids the neurotransmitters already bouncing around your brain by promoting the release of serotonin. It’s a potential alternative to sketchy “happy pills” like Prozac, and you can purchase it at outlets as popular as Whole Foods.

No grocery stores in your area with CBD items? No worries. Products are legal to ship to your doorstep in the United States.

CBD and Depression

CBD can help with depression, similar to relieving anxiety issues. Early studies on canines and CBD showed great promise in raising low serotonin levels.

Science has only progressed in purporting that CBD has incredible antidepressant effects, but it’s always smart to speak with your doctor about your unique situation, including how many milligrams to begin with and any potential side effects.

Say Goodbye to Insomnia

Pandemic or not, you know full well how difficult everyday tasks are following a night of fitful sleep, and a lack of solid slumber can exasperate anxiety and depression.

To maximize your chances of saying goodnight to insomnia, check out products consisting of tinctures easily added to evening teas, soothing bath salts, yummy edibles (don’t worry, no THC here) and more.

In Sickness and in Health

Whether you’re battling a life-threatening disease, anxiety and depression or simply looking to feel your best, CBD helps in additional ways:

• Reduces pain and inflammation
• Can help increase the lack of appetite often arising from anxiety or depression
• Exercise is closely linked to alleviating anxiety and depression. CBD can provide muscle recovery afterward
• Offers a viable alternative to traditional drugstore items unhelpful in providing relief
• Confidence in knowing products are legal and regulated
• Depending on where you live, home delivery is possible

These are challenging times, to say the least, and we aren’t clear of the forest yet, but with an assist from over-the-counter CBD items, you can increase your odds of keeping anxiety and depression at bay.