Marijuana is greenish-grey dried flowers and shredded leaves of cannabis or hemp plant. In its unprocessed and whole form, it can be used as medicine to treat various illnesses and ailments. Like any herb, it can be used as a whole or can be extracted. Recently, marijuana has been legalized in more than 20 states across US after recognizing its medicinal value.
Mostly used for recreational purposes till yet, its benefits as a medicine supersede any other type of usage. Even experts now are backing its beneficial use as a medicine. FDA hasn’t changed its stance against its use as a medicine but scientifically speaking, there is no doubt. Here in this article, we are going to look at the proven benefits that marijuana has to offer as a medicine. Read on.
BENEFITS OF MARIJUANA AS A MEDICINE
Glaucoma: It can be used to treat Glaucoma. It is an eye disease in which pressure built up in the eyeball can result in loss of vision. Marijuana helps in decreasing intraocular pressure, thus preventing blindness due to Glaucoma.
Cancer Prevention: Marijuana can slowdown and even stop the cancer cells from spreading, according to research. Cannabidiol, found in marijuana has the ability to curb the progression of cancer causing cells and turning off the gene called Id-1. It has also proven to be beneficial in treating severe pains, nausea and loss of appetite caused by chemotherapy.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Alzheimer’s disease can also be treated using this versatile herb. Marijuana has been found to slowdown the advancement of Alzheimer’s disease. THC, the active component found in marijuana slows the development of amyloid plaques that lead to Alzheimer’s disease by killing the brain cells.
Epileptic Seizures: Epileptic seizures can be treated through marijuana intake as a medicine. Again, Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the active ingredient found in marijuana that has the tendency of controlling seizures by attaching themselves to the brain cells responsible for regulating relaxation.
Relieves Pain in Arthritis Patients: Marijuana helps relieve pain of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, according to research done in 2011. It significantly reduces pain in such patients and improves their sleep quality.
Improves Metabolism: Good news for calorie counters; marijuana can help you with your weight watch. Marijuana improves your metabolism by improving your reaction to the sugar intake. No wonder, pot users are always skinny.
Parkinson’s Disease: It is found to soothe tremors suffered by patients with Parkinson’s disease. It improves their sleeping pattern as well as helps them with their fine motor skills.
Improve Lung’s Health: What do you know!? It is also known for reversing the carcinogen effects of tobacco and help to improve the health of your lungs. How ironic! Not only that, it works toward increased lung capacity as well. Although, that is due to the deep inhaling of the drug rather than any chemicals found in it.
Treatment of Anxiety: Marijuana has medicinal value against treatment of anxiety. This is a no brainer as this benefit is generally known to all. But in 2010, it is scientifically proven through research done at Harvard Medical School. It can also be used as a mild sedative.
And the list goes on. It has much more to offer and serious efforts and commitment is required by government and healthcare department to work towards its propagation as an alternative medicine to some of the most serious diseases plaguing the mankind.