10 Benefits of Marijuana for Medical Use

Medical marijuana’s benefits have opened up a huge market of customers looking for relief over getting high. As a result, options like medical cannabis seeds  are more popular than you might have imagined ten years ago. 

The general effects of cannabis are by now well known and widely agreed upon, if not exhaustively researched. Few dispute the various positive effects of marijuana, such as its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and calming properties.

What’s slightly more interesting is the ongoing research. Thanks to legalization and broader acceptance of marijuana, scientists are redoubling their efforts in determining what weed can help with.

Despite much of the research being incomplete, some findings have massive potential, while others are already improving lives. More time and study are necessary to confirm these theories, but this vital work could help countless people.

Read also: Infographic: Medicinal Cannabis, What is the Difference Between THC and CBD?

10 Surprising Medical Marijuana Benefits

Let’s not hang around and get straight into the exciting stuff. Read on for ten medical weed benefits that might surprise you.

Fights Cancer

Studies show that CBD may have the ability to fight off cancer. Scientists observed that the cannabinoid could halt the development of cervical cancer cells and even cause cell death.

Studies so far are limited to cervical cancer in animals, so more data is necessary. A new way to slow down the spread of cancer without resorting to chemotherapy would change the lives of millions.

Epileptic Seizure Regulation

One of the most well-documented benefits of medical marijuana is its role in regulating seizures in those with epilepsy. CBD works to reduce the frequency of attacks and limit their intensity when they do occur.

This discovery is hugely beneficial to people dealing with this debilitating illness. Its efficacy is such that it led to the creation of CBD-based prescription medicine Epidiolex. It’s the first, and currently only, FDA-approved medicine derived from an active ingredient of cannabis.

Weight Management

Occasionally, research leads to findings utterly contrary to expectations. Curious about the effect of the munchies on weed users’ BMI, scientists performed an investigation with some unexpected results.

The researchers found that cannabis users consume more calories and tend to weigh less. Some scientists theorize that cannabis increases cellular metabolism, leading to higher calorie burn rates.

If you’re interested in incorporating cannabis into your diet, these highest yielding indoor strains should keep your stash full.

Heals Bones

Some exciting research out of Israel reports that cannabidiol may help speed up recovery from a broken bone. Scientists from the Bone Research Laboratory in Tel Aviv say that this new benefit of medical marijuana is very promising.

Their research revealed that cannabidiol caused broken bones to heal more rapidly than usual. They also noted that the bones in question were strengthened during the healing process, making them less likely to break again.

Increased Lung Capacity

A surprising health benefit of smoking marijuana is an increase in lung capacity. A study by The University of California, San Francisco, and The University of Alabama at Birmingham produced some extraordinary results.

Over twenty years, researchers studied over 5000 subjects in Minneapolis, Birmingham, Oakland, and Chicago. In contrast to tobacco smokers, occasional users of pot showed increased lung capacity and airflow rates.

Treat Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a common eye condition caused by a fluid buildup. This liquid increases the pressure and causes damage to the optic nerve. Without diagnosis and treatment, loss of vision is a possible result.

Preliminary research undertaken in 2019 showed that cannabinoids might help treat glaucoma and ease its symptoms. Researchers found that THC and CBD help lower intraocular pressure, reducing discomfort and slowing its progress.

Regulate Blood Pressure

Another benefit of medicinal marijuana is its use in regulating high blood pressure. A 2017 study showed that CBD consumption led to lower blood pressures in the trial’s participants.

Besides producing a lower resting blood pressure, scientists ran subjects’ through a series of tests under stressful conditions. Blood pressure remained lower when tested after sessions of mental arithmetic, a cold pressor test, and isometric exercises.

Alleviate Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a devastatingly debilitating brain and spinal cord disease. Its effects range from mild to severe, causing great pain and discomfort for those with the condition.

One of the more common symptoms of MS is bouts of muscular spasms. This spasticity can be profoundly uncomfortable or outright painful, depending on the severity of the condition.

The benefits are twofold for users dealing with MS. Its relaxing properties lessen the frequency and severity of muscular contractions, while its analgesic qualities help ease the pain.

A Powerful Antiemetic

Several studies have shown that cannabinoids limit nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. As a result, many cancer patients opt to medicate by using cannabis in one form or another.

While the FDA hasn’t approved cannabis for this purpose, two individual cannabinoids have been. Dronabinol and nabilone are both employed when other antiemetic treatments prove ineffective.

Regulate Diabetes

Research by the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC) shows a link between blood sugar stability and cannabis use. A 2016 study showed CBD increased insulin production and decreased blood glucose levels in Type 2 diabetics.

On top of their potential to regulate diabetes, cannabinoids may also help treat its symptoms. The anti-inflammatory properties of marijuana have the potential to ease the pain of peripheral neuropathy and relieve associated muscle cramps.

Healthy Prospects

With continued research, we may find that medical marijuana’s benefits are far more significant than we first imagined. While we collectively wait for the final results, what better way to put in the time than by growing your own cannabis?

Remember to consume cannabis responsibly and consult a medical professional before treating any condition by yourself. Share this article with your friends and family and stay healthy.