9 Cannabis Health Benefits Backed by Science

We’re experiencing a boom in the marijuana industry, and with federal legalization right around the corner, it will only go uphill from here. From pharmaceutical companies to Kusheo CBD marketing, everyone is diving in headfirst to a territory that should have been explored ages ago. 

Studies have found varying degrees of health benefits from the marijuana plant, but there is little knowledge of what it does and doesn’t treat. Until there is more regulation on CBD and other cannabis-derived products, companies are making false or unconfirmed claims of its effects.  

Keep in mind that while there are medical benefits of marijuana use, research is still being conducted, and there is no evidence that it’s without adverse effects

Effective Chronic Pain Relief

Cannabinoids, chemical compounds in cannabis, have been linked to providing relief of chronic pain, which is why so many people use marijuana for pain relief. The most common use of medical marijuana in the United States is for pain management, and it’s the principal combatant against opioid addiction

The pain relief includes neurological effects and muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis, according to the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Thirty patients responded positively to marijuana after a few days. 

Regulates Seizures, Epilepsy, and Dravet Syndrome

Over the years, cannabinoids have been shown to reduce seizures, especially in patients that have a resistance to traditional treatments. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics published the results: THC controlled the seizures by binding the brain cells responsible for controlling excitability and regulating relaxation.

Delays and Prevents The Spread of Cancer Cells

Patients in chemotherapy experience painful nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Marijuana can help reduce these side effects. Not only does it minimize discomfort from chemotherapy, but early clinical trials have also shown that cannabinoids can be safe in treating cancer. 

Scientists reported that THC and other cannabinoids delay growth and eliminate certain cancer cells growing in the lab. More studies are being conducted to see how effective it is on human subjects. While it’s deemed safe, more evidence is needed before we can suggest it controls or cures the disease.

Disorders Such as Depression, PTSD, & Anxiety

The compounds in cannabis can help stabilize moods affected by certain psychological disorders. Medical marijuana is well-known for its calming effects and shows promise in helping individuals that need additional help with regulating mood or cognitive performance.

Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia

As we age, we are prone to cognitive degeneration, but we can delay the development of these conditions. Cannabis’s endocannabinoid contains anti-inflammatories that fight the brain inflammation that leads to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 

Treats Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Marijuana has beneficial anti-inflammatory properties that extend to your guts. Dronabinol is beneficial to IBS patients with constipation and diarrhea. 

Individuals with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can also find relief in cannabis usage. Medical marijuana for bowel disorders block inflammatory bacteria, strengthens the immune response, and helps with the functioning of the gut. 

Relieves Symptoms of Parkison’s Disease

Cannabis can help reduce tremors, improve fine motor skills, and ease pain associated with Parkison’s Disease while also helping promote sleep. Since medical marijuana is legal there,  government-supported research was done in Israel.

Regulates and Prevents Diabetes

Research conducted by the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC) shows that cannabis has a positive impact on insulin and improves blood circulation. The usage of medical marijuana also lowers blood pressure over time, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other diabetes complications.

Regulating insulin also helps users lose weight. Combined with proper caloric intake, it’s often an effective method of weight loss. 

Glaucoma Treatment

Cannabis reduces the pressure applied to the eyeball due to glaucoma, which is a painful condition that may lead to optic nerve damage and loss of vision over time.  According to the National Eye Institute, patients who consumed marijuana experienced lowered intraocular pressure (IOP)

Unfortunately, the decrease in pressure only lasts for a few hours. Researchers are hoping to find a marijuana-based compound that will serve as a long-term treatment. 

Conclusion

These are some of the many benefits that are being discovered. Medical marijuana is still in the early research stages, and studies have demonstrated that there are legitimate medicinal uses. To find out if you could benefit from medical marijuana, talk to your doctor, and check to see how it’s regulated in your state.