Now that many states across the country have legalized medical marijuana, you may be wondering about the benefits of marijuana use. As expert after expert changes his or her mind about marijuana, or joins the fight to legalize cannabis, it seems that the medical community truly believes the drug is beneficial for a number of medical uses.
Researchers have studied the drug’s medicinal uses and now they better understand how it impacts the body. There are a number of benefits to smoking marijuana, and those include:
Treats Glaucoma
One benefit that you probably already know about is the use of marijuana to treat and prevent the eye disease glaucoma. Glaucoma causes pressure on the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and cause the loss of vision. Marijuana, when it is smoked, actually decreases the pressure inside the eye..
Improves Lung Health
Marijuana may actually help reverse the carcinogenic effects of tobacco and improve your lung health. The increased lung capacity may be due to the fact that pot smokers take deep breaths when they inhale, rather than from the chemicals in the drug.
Controls Epileptic Seizures
Marijuana use can prevent epileptic seizures. Researchers gave marijuana extract and synthetic marijuana to epileptic rats. The drugs actually rid the rats of the seizures for about 10 hours. The cannabinoids in marijuana control seizures because they bind to the brain cells that are responsible for regulating relaxation and lessening one’s excitement. When this response is controlled, it in turn controls seizures.
Helps Stop Cancer from Spreading
The cannabidiol, also known as CBD, in marijuana helps keep cancer from spreading. CBD can stop cancer because it turns off a gene in the body, known as the Id-1 gene. This gene is one that cancer cells copy, and then spread through the body. When the gene is turned off, the cancer cannot spread.
In a research study, breast cancer cells with high levels of Id-1 were treated with cannabidiol. After treatment the cells had decreased Id-1 expression and were much less aggressive spreaders.
Decreases Stress and Anxiety
Some people suffer from such acute anxiety that they cannot leave the home. However, when marijuana is used to help relieve pain and nausea related to chemotherapy, researchers have noticed that it actually reduces anxiety, too.
Marijuana improves users’ moods and acts as a sedative when used in low doses.
Slows the Progression of Alzheimer’s
The THC in marijuana can actually slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. A study found that THC, which is the active chemical in marijuana, slows the formation of amyloid plaques. These plaques are what kill your brain cells and cause Alzheimer’s disease.
Ease the Pain of Multiple Sclerosis
Studies show that marijuana can ease the painful symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). In a study of 30 patients who had painful contractions in the muscles that would not respond to any other treatments, smoking marijuana caused their pain to lessen.
The THC in marijuana binds to receptors in the nerves and muscles, relaxing them and relieving the pain of MS. Studies also show that THC can help control the muscle spasms, helping rid the body of pain. Because it can control muscle spasms, marijuana can ease the pain associated with other diseases as well.
Helps with Arthritis
Marijuana also helps with all types of arthritis pain. It relieves inflammation, reduces pain, and even helps you get a good night’s sleep. Because of this, those who suffer with rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from smoking marijuana.
Chronic Therapy
At Chronic Therapy, we understand the medicinal benefits of using marijuana and are proud to share that knowledge with our customers. If you have any questions about the health benefits of using marijuana, please contact us today.