5 Medical Benefits of Marijuana
In honor of 4/20, let's review a few of marijuana's health benefits.
1- Can be used to treat Glaucoma
Know someone with glaucoma? Might be time to give them some weed! The eye disease increases pressure in the eyeball and damages the optic nerve and can cause a loss of vision.
Marijuana can help by decreasing the pressure inside the eye. According to the National Eye Institute: "Studies in the early 1970s showed that marijuana, when smoked, lowered intraocular pressure (IOP) in people with normal pressure and those with glaucoma" — though they still said that pharmaceutical drugs were more effective.
These effects of the drug may slow the progression of the disease, preventing blindness.
2- THC may slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease
A study led by Kim Janda of the Scripps Research Institute suggests marijuana may be able to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
The 2006 study, published in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics, found that the active chemical in marijuana - THC - slows the formation of amyloid plaques by blocking the enzyme in the brain that makes them. These plaques seem to be what kill brain cells and potentially cause Alzheimer's.
3- Soothes tremors for people with Parkinson's disease
Research from Israel shows that smoking marijuana significantly reduces pain and tremors and improves sleep for patients with Parkinson's disease. It also showed to improve patients' fine motor skills.
4- Protects the brain after a stroke
Research shows that marijuana may help protect the brain from damage caused by stroke. It does so by reducing the size of the area affected by the stroke.
Other research has also shown the neuroprotective effects from cannabis. Some research shows that the plant may help protect the brain after other traumatic events, such as concussions.
5- Eases the pain of multiple sclerosis
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in suggests marijuana may ease painful symptoms of multiple sclerosis. 30 multiple sclerosis patients with painful contractions in their muscles were studied. They weren't responding to other treatments, but reported to be in less pain after smoking marijuana for a few days.
The THC binds to receptors in the nerves and muscles to relieve pain. While other studies suggest that the chemical also helps control the muscle spasms.
These are only a few of the many medical benefits of marijuana. Stay informed and let's quick knocking what we don't understand.