Marijuana is a subject that is slightly controversial in some social circles. Some people claim it makes you paranoid, others think it makes you lazy, but did you know that this plant also possesses health benefits? Read on to discover eight health benefits of marijuana that you were previously unaware of.
Number Eight: Treats and Prevents Glaucoma
Glaucoma increases pressure in the eyeball, which leads to a whole host of problems and pain. Marijuana has been shown to decrease this pressure, providing relief for and preventing the disease Glaucoma.
Number Seven: Marijuana Improves Lung Health
Although it seems hard to believe, marijuana does not decrease lung capacity. In fact, studies have shown that it actually increases it. The reasons for this are unclear however, and may be due to users taking deep breaths while inhaling the drug.
Number Six: It Can Help with Epilepsy
Researcher Robert J. DeLorenzo did a study where he gave epileptic rats marijuana extract. The extract rid the animals of epileptic symptoms for about 10 hours.
Number Five: Helps with Dravet’s Syndrome (a Seizure Disorder)
Dravet’s syndrome causes developmental delays along with severe seizures. In one study, a five year old girl went from having 300 seizures a week to only 1 per week with the help of a medical marijuana strain which is low in THC and high in Cannabidiol.
Number Four: It May Prevent the Spread of Cancer
Weed may help to combat the spread of cancer, suggest researchers at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. Research conducted in 2007 helped the studiers to reach this conclusion.
Number Three: Decreases Anxiety for Some Users
Medical weed is often used in addition to chemotherapy for its anti-nausea and pain relieving properties. For some patients, it also reduces anxiety. Higher doses may have the opposite effect though.
Number Two: THC Slows Alzheimers
A 2006 study, published in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics, found that marijuana helps prevent the onset and spread of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s true!
Number One: Provides Pain Relief for Multiple Sclerosis Sufferers
The THC in weed binds to receptors in the nerves and muscles of sufferers of MS and helps to relieve painful symptoms. Thanks for reading!