Marijuana frequently gets a bad rap. But how much of it is deserved?
“Should Marijuana Be Legalized?“ "Yes it should" I conducted research to understand the benefits and risks of marijuana. Here are just ten of the many health benefits attributed to the plant, as well as some of the problems associated with its use:
- Alzheimer’s
Marijuana may be able to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, according to research by the Scripps Research Institute published in “Molecular Pharmaceutics.”
- Anxiety
Harvard Medical School found that marijuana may have anti-anxiety effects. Of course, keep in mind that high doses may increase anxiety and paranoia.
- Arthritis
Marijuana can alleviate pain and inflammation linked to arthritis.
- Cancer
Research published in the journal “Molecular Cancer Therapeutics” suggests that cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in marijuana, turns off the “ID-1″ gene, which cancer cells use to spread.
- Epilepsy
Studies conducted by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University indicate that marijuana may stop seizures.
- Glaucoma
Researchers are working to develop new cannabis-based drugs to treat glaucoma pain after determining marijuana’s effectiveness for treating the condition. Glaucoma is a condition that increases pressure inside the eyeball and can lead to vision loss.
- Lung health
Research in the “Journal of the American Medical Association“ found that marijuana can increase lung capacity – not decrease it, as many people have long believed.
- Multiple sclerosis
A study published in the “Canadian Medical Association Journal” found that cannabinoids significantly reduced multiple sclerosis pain.
- Nausea
Marijuana contains a minimum of 60 cannabinoids. THC is the primary chemical associated with its mind-altering effects. THC has been used in the treatment of nausea, including drug- or chemotherapy-induced nausea.
- Parkinson’s Disease
Research published in “MedPage Today” found that marijuana use eased tremors and improved fine motor skills in patients with Parkinson’s disease.