The Health Benefits of Cannabis

Medical marijuana is shown in a jar at The Joint Cooperative in Seattle, Washington January 27, 2012.

Medical marijuana is shown in a jar at The Joint Cooperative in Seattle, Washington (January 27, 2012).

Though much research is still to be done in the area, the health benefits of cannabis cannot be understated, a testament to the 23 states (plus Washington D.C.) where medical marijuana has been legalized in recent years.

There are at least two known active chemicals in marijuana that researchers suspect have medicinal uses. Those are cannabidiol (CBD), which seems to impact the brain without delivering a high, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has multiple medical properties, the foremost being pain relief. Below, we take a look at the many medical uses of cannabis for patients suffering from a variety of ailments.

  • Cancer Fighting

Cannabinoids fight certain types of cancer.

  • Treating Depression

Samir Haj-Dahmane of Buffalo University is conducting research using compounds derived from cannabis to restore normal endocannabinoid function and potentially help treat depression.

  • Regulating Seizures

Cannabis is showing promise in helping to people with disorders like Epilepsy regulate their seizures.

  • Glaucoma Treatment

Effective Glaucoma treatment can be obtained by ingesting cannabis, which helps lower pressure in the eyeball.

  • Aid in Lung Health

Though it may seem counter intuitive, cannabis has been shown to improve lung health in lung cancer and emphysema patients.

Medical Marijuana

  • Treating Arthritis

The THC and CBD (in addition to other cannabinoids) in cannabis help sufferers deal with arthritis pain.

  • Aid For Chemotherapy Patients

Cancer patients undergoing treatment can find immense relief from cannabis’ many effects.

  • Alternative Headache Treatment

Standard headache medicines, from acetaminophen (Tylenol) to ibuprofen (Advil), can take their toll on your body, potentially resulting ulcers, liver damage and other complications. Cannabis provides a natural, non-invasive alternative.

  • Benefits AIDS and HIV Sufferers

Cannabis helps those living with AIDS cope by aiding sufferers in maintaining their diets and handling aches and pains.

  • Weight Loss and Diabetes Prevention

Cannabis users tend to be slimmer, on average, than non-users. Cannabis helps the body regulate insulin production and manage caloric intake more efficiently.