In the United States, nearly 23 states, plus Washington D.C., have legalized medical marijuana. In cities like Denver and Seattle, recreational marijuana plays an imperative role for local businesses. However, more and more states are making an effort to learn more about the drug’s incredible benefits.
Science proves that marijuana can do wonders for improving a patient’s quality of life. For patients who endure rounds upon rounds of chemotherapy, marijuana is the only “is the only anti-nausea medicine that increases appetite.”
Health benefits of marijuana
1. Parkinson’s
Cannabis has been found to help slow tremors and pain in Parkinson’s patients. According to Medical News Today, the compounds in marijuana help to “reduce the effects of reduced dopamine in the brain”.
A study conducted by Israeli scientists found smoking marijuana helped reduce these tremors. “We not only saw improvement in tremor in these patients, but also in rigidity and in bradykinesia,” said researcher Ruth Djaldetti.
Furthermore, marijuana has been found to slow the progression of Parkinson’s because of its antioxidant qualities.
2. Glaucoma
The American Academy of Ophthalmology describes glaucoma as a condition in which the optic nerve is damaged over long periods of time. It can limit vision and sometimes lead to blindness.
The link between glaucoma and marijuana has been studied since the 1970s, as smoking marijuana has been found to lower eye pressure. Doctors are working on ways to elongate the effects of marijuana.
It has been speculated that smoking the drug can slow the progression of the disease.
3. Chemo patients
There has been extensive research on the benefits of cannabis and chemotherapy patients. The “wonder drug”, as it is hailed, does miracles for cancer patients.
According to Dr. Donald Abrams, marijuana “is the only anti-nausea medicine that increases appetite.”
The American Cancer Society claims that the drug can also lower pain, reduce inflammation and calm anxieties of not just chemo patients, but patients suffering from a chronic illness or disease.
Scientists have found that cannabinoids, one of the many chemical compounds found in the plant, can inhibit tumor growth. It was particularly effective in the inhibition of colon cancer.
4. Alzheimer’s
According to an article published by CNN Health, marijuana may be beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients. It was found that THC, an ingredient in cannabis, blocks inflammation in the brain and “stimulates the removal of toxic plaque”.
Marijuana has also been used to help dementia patients. Author and doctor David Casarett told CNN, “I spoke to many family members of people with mild or moderate dementia who believed that THC or whole-plant marijuana was effective in alleviating the confusion and agitation that sometimes occurs.”
5. Skin Diseases
It is widely known that marijuana possesses antiinflammatory benefits, helpful to patients who suffer from arthritis and cancer, amongst many others.
A study published by the University of Colorado found that using the drug topically can alleviate pain and “may be effective against eczema, psoriasis, atopic and contact dermatitis. More and more dermatologists are encouraging the use of cannabinoid cream.
6. Stroke victims
Cannabis and stroke victims is an interesting topic of study for many researchers, some of whom contend the drug can “shrink” the damaged area of the brain.
Doctors, who tested the drug on mice, rats and monkeys, believe the chemical “shows promise as a neuroprotective treatment for stroke”, according to the Huffington Post.
7. PTSD
Advocates have argued that marijuana can provide immense relief for patients, specifically veterans, who suffer from PTSD. In states like New Mexico, “medical marijuana is legally prescribed for PTSD”.
A study conducted by the University of Haifa fond that marijuana helped block the “development” and progression of PTSD in rats. But, researchers explain, that there is a critical window of what marijuana can do.
For lucid Alzheimer and dementia patients, marijuana can reduce feelings of confusion and agitation. For stroke victims, marijuana can, quite literally, shrink the damage away. Marijuana can reduce tremors and slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
That’s why many researchers, patients and families are advocating for future legislation of the drug. Legalization will not only offer patients increased access to the drug, but it will allow researchers to conduct more research.
According to Business Insider, only 6% of studies on marijuana are focused on the drug’s benefits. And since there are so many benefits, the backing of the drug on a federal level is necessary — whether it’s funding for clinical trials, drug development or patient care.
“We’ve conducted the studies, but I think an ordinary researcher without the support of the state would be hard pressed to do it. It’s just a difficult and cumbersome process,” said Igor Grant, the director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research.
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