The debate about cannabis use is far from over. The federal government continues to enforce bans prohibiting the use of pot, while a growing number of states have embraced its use into the medical community.
Last November, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize the use of recreational marijuana. Eighteen other states alifornia included already enacted laws allowing qualified health dispensaries to legally sell cannabis for medicinal purposes.
But what are the health benefits of using medical cannabis and are they valid? Here is what the medical circle has to say about just some of the benefits of therapeutic marijuana.
Prevents blindness from Glaucoma
According to the National Eye Institute, medical cannabis decreases pressure within the eye. Glaucoma, a disease that specifically increases eye pressure and eventually blinds patients by damaging the optic nerve, has been proven to slow down significantly with the use of cannabis. Not Harmful to Lungs like Tobacco
Those who smoke tobacco eventually lose full lung function and capacity over time, but studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association actually found a link connecting therapeutic cannabis to increased lung capacity. It is believed that taking deep breaths while inhaling cannabis is the cause.
Controls epileptic seizures
Research conducted by the Virginia Commonwealth University found that cannabis given to epileptic rodents provided relief from violent seizures for 10 hours. The main ingredient in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), binds to the faulty brain cells responsible for the seizures and controls excitability by regulating relaxation. The findings have been further studied on humans, and were published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.
According to the National Eye Institute, medical cannabis decreases pressure within the eye. Glaucoma, a disease that specifically increases eye pressure and eventually blinds patients by damaging the optic nerve, has been proven to slow down significantly with the use of cannabis. Not Harmful to Lungs like Tobacco
Those who smoke tobacco eventually lose full lung function and capacity over time, but studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association actually found a link connecting therapeutic cannabis to increased lung capacity. It is believed that taking deep breaths while inhaling cannabis is the cause.
Controls epileptic seizures
Research conducted by the Virginia Commonwealth University found that cannabis given to epileptic rodents provided relief from violent seizures for 10 hours. The main ingredient in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), binds to the faulty brain cells responsible for the seizures and controls excitability by regulating relaxation. The findings have been further studied on humans, and were published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.
Slows cancer growth
Another published study in 2007 targeted Id-1 gene that cancer cells use for rapid cloning and reproduction introducing it to medical cannabis. The researchers found that one of the primary ingredients in cannabis, cannabidiol, turned off Id-1 genes and made them less aggressive cancer spreaders.
Another published study in 2007 targeted Id-1 gene that cancer cells use for rapid cloning and reproduction introducing it to medical cannabis. The researchers found that one of the primary ingredients in cannabis, cannabidiol, turned off Id-1 genes and made them less aggressive cancer spreaders.
Decreases anxiety
One of the main uses of medical cannabis is relieving the painful side-effects of chemotherapy as patients fight to recover from cancer. Reduced pain and nausea have been directly attributed to cannabis use, and now researchers at Harvard Medical School say that these benefits are because of reduced anxiety. Cancer patients that use cannabis report increased relaxation, and subsequently less nausea, pain, and stress.
One of the main uses of medical cannabis is relieving the painful side-effects of chemotherapy as patients fight to recover from cancer. Reduced pain and nausea have been directly attributed to cannabis use, and now researchers at Harvard Medical School say that these benefits are because of reduced anxiety. Cancer patients that use cannabis report increased relaxation, and subsequently less nausea, pain, and stress.
Slows progression of Alzheimer disease
A study by the Scripps Research Institute found that the THC in cannabis slows the creation of amyloid plaques by blocking the enzyme in the brain responsible for producing them. These plaques are what kill brain cells and directly cause Alzheimer.
A study by the Scripps Research Institute found that the THC in cannabis slows the creation of amyloid plaques by blocking the enzyme in the brain responsible for producing them. These plaques are what kill brain cells and directly cause Alzheimer.
Reduces pain associated with MS
In 30 patients with Multiple Sclerosis who didn respond to other medications, therapeutic marijuana lessened the pain associated with the disease after a few days. The THC in cannabis relaxes the muscles and nerve endings, and some studies have shown that the chemical controls muscle spasms as well.
In 30 patients with Multiple Sclerosis who didn respond to other medications, therapeutic marijuana lessened the pain associated with the disease after a few days. The THC in cannabis relaxes the muscles and nerve endings, and some studies have shown that the chemical controls muscle spasms as well.
Reduces side-effects of Hepatitis C treatments
Many patients who were unable to complete the painful and rigorous treatments associated with Hepatitis C have found that therapeutic marijuana lessens the side effects. As a result, the cannabis also seemed to improve patient resolve to keep their viral levels low 4% compared to the 18% of patients that were non-smokers.
Many patients who were unable to complete the painful and rigorous treatments associated with Hepatitis C have found that therapeutic marijuana lessens the side effects. As a result, the cannabis also seemed to improve patient resolve to keep their viral levels low 4% compared to the 18% of patients that were non-smokers.
Treats Inflammatory Bowel disease
Researchers at the University of Nottingham discovered that the chemicals in medical cannabis (THC and cannabidiol) increase the cell bonding of the body cells and decreases the permeability of the intestinal tract which allows harmful bacteria in to cause inflammation.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham discovered that the chemicals in medical cannabis (THC and cannabidiol) increase the cell bonding of the body cells and decreases the permeability of the intestinal tract which allows harmful bacteria in to cause inflammation.
Relieves arthritis
Studies in 2011 found that medical cannabis both decreases inflammation and promotes better sleep, both which serve to relieve patients suffering with arthritis. Rheumatology doctors tested their patients by giving one group a placebo and the other medical cannabis, and the group with marijuana recorded a reduction of pain and improved quality of sleep after two weeks.
So what now?
Further research about the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis continues to be done today by the medical community, but it will take time for the practice to gain widespread acceptance in American society as a whole. Despite its therapeutic opportunities, marijuana use is also a social and cultural issue, not just a medical one. All we can do now is continue discovering the benefits of medical cannabis, and stay informed while informing others.
Studies in 2011 found that medical cannabis both decreases inflammation and promotes better sleep, both which serve to relieve patients suffering with arthritis. Rheumatology doctors tested their patients by giving one group a placebo and the other medical cannabis, and the group with marijuana recorded a reduction of pain and improved quality of sleep after two weeks.
So what now?
Further research about the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis continues to be done today by the medical community, but it will take time for the practice to gain widespread acceptance in American society as a whole. Despite its therapeutic opportunities, marijuana use is also a social and cultural issue, not just a medical one. All we can do now is continue discovering the benefits of medical cannabis, and stay informed while informing others.
Related Articles -
Related Articles -
medical marijuana laws, marijuana doctors, marijuana license, marijuana legalization pros
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.