The Numerous And Widely Varied Medical Benefits Of Smoking Cannabis
Cannabis
Medical cannabis has been legalized in 29 states due to the health benefits. Most of these benefits have been documented by numerous studies. The two key ingredients in cannabis believed to have the most significant benefits are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)and cannabidiol (CBD). THC has properties to help alleviate pain and CBD has a positive impact on the brain. The most common benefits are described below.
The Benefits of Smoking Cannabis
Cannabis is used for treating chronic pain and has been proved effective. This is the most common usage. Cannabis additionally helps relive muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis. Prescribed medications have had little to no effect on these spasms. Evidence has come to light from the Journal of the American Medical Association that not only does smoking cannabis not harm the lungs but may increase the capacity of the lungs. Another study by the National Academies report found there is a strong possibility of developing a drug from cannabis capable of treating glaucoma. Glaucoma increases the amount of pressure to the eyeball, causes vision loss and damage to the optic nerve. Smoking cannabis decreases this pressure and has the potential to improve glaucoma.
The Benefits of Cannabis for Specific Diseases
CBD has been shown to be beneficial for treating epilepsy. Many people have reported smoking cannabis as the only way they are able to control seizures. Cannabis additionally decreases symptoms for Dravet’s Syndrome. This condition causes severe seizures and developmental delays. The cannabis quiets the brain’s excessive activity and interacts with the brain cells causing the seizures. The California Pacific Medical Center reported cannabis prevents the spreading of cancer in cell cultures. The CBD and THC have been shown to shrink or slow the growth of tumors. Smoking cannabis helps control anxiety and stress by promoting a feeling of calm and relaxation. THC may also slow Alzheimer’s disease. Cannabis slows the amyloid plaques responsible for blocking brain enzymes associated with Alzheimer’s. Cannabis also reduces the frequency of behavioral disturbances in people suffering from dementia.
The Opioid Epidemic
Smoking cannabis has reduced the number of deaths from opioids. The experts believe smoking marijuana can replace opioids as a treatment for chronic pain without the addiction and overdose risks. Studies have shown the states offering legalized marijuana have a much lower rate of deaths from opioids. These deaths decreased 20 percent in the first year of legalization, 24 percent during the third and 33 percent during the sixth. The longer cannabis is smoked by an individual the less likely they are to use opioids.
The Varied Benefits
Smoking cannabis has numerous and widely varied benefits. Smoking cannabis lessons side effects from hepatitis C treatments while increasing the effectiveness of the treatment. Benefits have been reported for inflammatory bowel disease, including colitis and Crohn’s disease. Smoking cannabis reduces inflammation, pain and promotes sleep. Cannabis is beneficial for arthritis and promotes a healthier metabolism. Cannabis promotes creativity, verbal fluency and provides relief for post traumatic stress disorder. Smoking cannabis is also a much safer alternative than alcohol, prescription drugs and painkillers.
