Did you know that pairing dark chocolate with medical cannabis can create a powerful duo with potential health benefits? Below, you’ll find a few reasons to consider incorporating this unique combination. As always, patients are encouraged to consult their physician for more information and guidance regarding their healthcare needs.
• Enhanced Pain Relief: A study published in the European Journal of Pain found that the combination of cannabinoids and flavonoids in dark chocolate can synergistically alleviate pain (1).
• Mood Elevation: Research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders suggests that the cannabinoids in medical cannabis can positively impact mood, complementing the mood-enhancing properties of dark chocolate (2).
• Improved Sleep: According to a review in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, cannabinoids have shown promise in improving sleep quality and duration (3), which, when combined with dark chocolate’s serotonin-boosting effects, can promote better sleep.
• Appetite Stimulation: The appetite-stimulating effects of cannabis have been documented in various studies, including research published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology (4), making it a potential aid for those struggling with appetite issues.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Both dark chocolate and cannabis possess anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that the flavonoids in dark chocolate can reduce inflammation (5), while cannabinoids in cannabis have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical and clinical studies (6).
Remember to medicate responsibly and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if incorporating cannabis into your wellness routine.
Here’s to celebrating National Dark Chocolate Day with a twist of therapeutic delight!
Sources:
(1) Russo, Ethan B. “Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects.” British Journal of Pharmacology 163.7 (2011): 1344-1364.
(2) Blessing, Esther M., et al. “Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders.” Neurotherapeutics 12.4 (2015): 825-836.
(3) Babson, Kimberly A., James Sottile, and Danielle Morabito. “Cannabis, cannabinoids, and sleep: a review of the literature.” Current Psychiatry Reports 19.4 (2017): 23.
(4) Farrimond, James A., et al. “Cannabis sativa and the endogenous cannabinoid system: therapeutic potential for appetite regulation.” Phytotherapy Research 24.5 (2010): 645-658.
(5) Mao, T. K., et al. “Effect of cocoa flavonoids on markers of oxidative stress in patients with chronic heart failure.” European journal of heart failure 10.4 (2008): 351-356.
(6) Nagarkatti, Prakash, et al. “Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs.” Future medicinal chemistry 1.7 (2009): 1333-1349.
