Marijuana (which also goes by the name of weed, pot, herb, grass, etc.) is a mixture of dried flowers of the plant Cannabis sativas. People consume it in various ways, including smoking it or mixing it with edible substances. The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is responsible for the intoxicating and out-of-the-world experience that its users get.
Marijuana has been a debatable topic for a very long time now. While some societies look at it as a tabooed indulgence, others see it as a way of life.
Here are 11 mind-blowing health benefits of marijuana that can change your perception about it!
#1 It Can Treat Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease, which is characterized by increasing pressure on the eyeball, damaging the optic nerves and ultimately leading to blindness.
According to the National Eye Institute, Marijuana helps in decreasing the pressure on the eyeballs (intraocular pressure), hence helping to prevent glaucoma.
#2 It May Help To Eradicate Carcinogenic Effects Of Tobacco
In a study published by the American Medical Association, there was astonishing results produced by smoking marijuana. It not only reduced the effects of carcinogens as a result of tobacco consumption, but also increased the lung capacity of an individual.
Studies suggest that the increased lung capacity may be a result of taking deep breaths while inhaling the drug.
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#3 It Can Help To Control Epileptic Seizures
A 2003 study by the Virginia Commonwealth University suggests that Marijuana can help to control episodes in an epileptic individual. The active ingredient (THC) found in marijuana can bind the brain cells responsible for controlling excitability and help the person to relax.
Also Read: Consuming Fruits And Vegetables Help Reduce Symptoms Of This Disability!
#4 Marijuana Prevents Cancer From Spreading
A research from the California Pacific Medical Centre in San Francisco suggests that marijuana can prevent cancer cells from spreading by turning off a gene called Id-1. Cancer cells are able to divide solely because of this gene and spread throughout the body. Marijuana essentially prevents these genes to facilitate the division of the cancer cells.
#5 Marijuana May Decrease Anxiety
Marijuana users claim that the drug suppresses pain and nausea - the sole reason as to which it is believed to decrease the side effects of chemotherapy.
Some studies suggest that this may be due to it's intrinsic nature to reduce anxiety and act as a sedative in low doses.
#6 It Can Reduce The Pain Caused By Multiple Sclerosis
Studies have suggested that marijuana can help in controlling the pain caused by multiple sclerosis. The patients did not respond to other treatments but after smoking marijuana for a week, they were in less pain. The ingredient in pot causes a blockage to the receptors in the nerves and muscles and the pain is not felt. It also helps to control muscle spasms.
Also Read: 15 Home Remedies For Swollen Painful Ankles.
#7 Marijuana Treats Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Inflammatory bowel diseases consist of Crohn's or ulcerative diseases that are extremely dangerous. The THC content in marijuana interacts with the body cells and plays a vital function in enhancing the immune system. In these diseases, the permeability of the intestines is increased, letting the bacteria to enter and infect it. The THC content helps in reducing this permeability and makes the intestinal cells stick together more strongly.
#8 Marijuana Helps In Soothing Tremors For People Suffering From Parkinson’s Disease
Studies have shown that marijuana helps to relieve pain and tremors and improve sleep of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. It also helps in improving the fine motor skills amongst patients.
#9 It Reduces The Side Effects Of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy comes with a lot of side effects like pain, nausea and loss of appetite. Marijuana has proved to decrease a lot of pain and nausea and alleviate the appetite of a person undergoing chemo.
#10 Far Safer Alternative Than Alcohol
It can't be said that marijuana is risk free, but it is far safer than alcohol in terms of physical damages. It is also less addictive, making it a perfect substitute for alcohol. Many users have claimed that pot has helped them to deal with alcoholism and it has surprisingly low harmful side effects on their body.
#11 It Can Help People Suffering From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The relaxing effects of Marijuana are well known. So, it won't be surprising that it can help people suffering from depression and anxiety. PTSD is a complex disorder that is characterized by consecutive nightmares from the past. Marijuana can help to pacify these effects of PTSD.
Although marijuana is known for the benefits which it brings about, there is a flip-side to excessively using the drug for recreational purposes. It can worsen heart problems by accelerating the heart rate when it is consumed. Though it is relatively safe for people with normal heart conditions, it might be risky for people with existing but undetected heart problems.
It also worsens the mental conditions of people suffering from psychosis and bipolar disorder.
It is not right to say that it is a completely a healthy choice, but it can be far less risky than the other drugs that people consume on a regular basis.
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