If you are one of the millions of American’s who regularly indulge in a little Mexican agriculture, then we probably don’t need to tell you the many benefits of toking up. However, there are still millions of American’s who really don’t have a clue about the “Devil’s Lettuce”, AKA, marijuana.
There is perhaps no plant on this earth (with the exception of poppies) that has been more condemned than marijuana. This is a plant that governments all over the world have tried to control, outlaw, and criminalize, but to no avail. Why? Because you can’t keep a good thing hidden forever.
Despite the fact that NEVER, in the history of the world, has anyone ever died from an overdose, been injured or gotten a disease from excessive consumption of this plant, it remains a controversial subject, especially by those who have never indulged.
Cannabis is one of the most healing plants on our good earth. Dozens of studies have found that it can do everything from lower blood pressure to suppress cancer.
For those of you who want scientific proof that cannabis is a good thing, we are going to spell it out for you. For those who love their evening blunts and want to know what else cannabis can do for you – we are going to list the top 10 scientifically known health benefits.
- Suppresses Cancer
Let’s start off with the big C; cancer. Everyone is looking for ways to avoid it, prevent it, and cure it. While there haven’t been enough studies to show that marijuana can “cure” cancer, there are studies which have found that cannabis can inhibit the growth of tumors in lab animals. Other studies, done in vitro, show it kill cancer cells in a petri dish, but then again, so does just about any substance.
- Helps Relieve PMS
While men may not fully understand this, women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome will be buying new bongs or papers once they hear this; studies show that cannabis can ease the cramps, pain, headaches, and mood swings that PMS brings each month. Using marijuana to ease the discomfort most women experience during their period goes back to Queen Victoria. It’s been used for centuries to help with the pain of child birth, migraines, and more.
- Eases Tourette’s Syndrome
Many people enjoy a good laugh at the expense of those who suffer from Tourette’s, but this neurological condition is no joke. This disease causes uncontrollable facial tics, grimaces, shouting, snorting, and grunting noises, which makes public appearances anything but comfortable. The Hanover Medical College in Germany found that Tourett’s subjects who consumed a cannabinol extract had a significant reduction in their symptoms within minutes. Just one dose lasted for several hours when compared to the placebo group.
- Possible Alzheimer’s Prevention
One study, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, found that regular consumption of marijuana could prevent the onset of many neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s disease. The main culprits when it comes to these type of brain diseases are oxidative stress, intro-cellualr dysfunction and chronic inflammation of the brain. THC and cannabinoids reduce inflammation in the brain, protect cells from oxidative damage, and encourage the health of brain cells on several levels. There is a definite need for more studies, but since there is no harm in consuming even large amounts of marijuana, it can’t hurt and appears that it will help.
- Stops Seizures
This is perhaps one of the most commonly known medical uses for marijuana. Cannabis definitely has a relaxing effect on the brain and body. The antispasmodic properties of this plant have been proven, not only in studies, but in real life scenarios, all over social media sites, as well as the internet.
- Crohn’s Disease and IBS
The very basis of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and Crohn’s disease is a relentless inflammation of the colon and stomach, along with uncontrollable spasms. As with Alzheimer’s disease, cannabis brings the hammer down on inflammation and is a natural antispasmodic. While pot may not cure these debilitating diseases, they can make life almost normal again. One study found a full 45 percent of those suffering from Crohn’s disease had complete remission after just 8 weeks of smoking 2 blunts a day.
- Migraine Relief
While migraines have been around for centuries, the cause has eluded scientists for just as long. Since medical marijuana was legalized in California, doctors have stated that they have successfully treated almost half a million cases that conventional medicines were unable to treat. That, friends, is the power of this one tiny plant!
- ADHD and ADD
Ritalin might just be on the way out if a few more studies can back up a study done at USC, which found that marijuana eased the symptoms of ADD and ADHD far better than Ritalin, without the harmful side effects. If your child suffers from ADHD, speak to your doctor about medical marijuana as a safer alternative.
- Relief from MS Symptoms
Again, this isn’t a cure, but 11 studies to date have shown that many people have found relief from the symptoms of multiple sclerosis via cannabis. Subjects reported less pain, relief from muscle stiffness, and fewer spasms after smoking marijuana. Talk show host Montel Williams has been very outspoken about his love for marijuana and how it helped him live an almost normal life after being diagnosed with MS.
- Stops Glaucoma
Along with seizures, this is perhaps one of the most documented uses for medical marijuana. Glaucoma causes extreme pressure in the eye, which can lead to blindness if not treated promptly. Cannabis relieves the pressure instantly, which can literally save your eyesight. Studies‘ regarding this go back as far as the 1970’s and has been highly documented. There has not been a single study or case where marijuana failed to help a patient suffering from glaucoma.
Keep in mind that while marijuana might not be a “cure all”, it certainly doesn’t hurt anyone or anything. This plant needs to be removed immediately from the Schedule 1 drug list so it can be properly studied, researched and its benefits available to everyone.
