25 Health Benefits of Marijuana

Growing marijuana has been legalized in Zimbabwe and South Africa, my country of residence and my country of birth. People sigh and roll their eyes and wring their hands with worry, because this herb, that they believe is evil, is now going to be available in many gardens. Marijuana was first banned in the USA in 1937 and subsequently in many other countries. People never questioned why it was banned, yet they are questioning why it is being legalised. My mother-in-law is a traditional African healer and I am aware that she used this herb medicinally at one time. Still, the negative reaction to marijuana is understandable, considering that people used to get arrested for possession of the herb.

Marijuana has been cultivated and used medicinally for at least 6,000 years. In China, there is archaeological evidence that the Chinese cultivated and used hemp at least 10,000 years ago for cloth and medicine. The Ebers Papyrus, which dates back to 1550 BC, mentions marijuana as one of the medicinal herbs used in ancient Egypt (Kemet). Even the ancient Indus Valley, the rest of Africa and South America used it. Please do your own research and learn to question laws.

The Health Benefits of Marijuana

Cannabis has innumerable health benefits. Why was a herb that has hundreds of health benefits banned? My take is that it was banned to remove competition for patented drugs which bring in billions of dollars to pharmaceutical industry every year. Now that it is coming back, people are worried. I guess brainwashing is a powerful tool.

There is a huge difference between Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), two of the 104 cannabinoids found in cannabis so far. CBD is a non-psychoactive active ingredient found in hemp that has many medical benefits but will not produce a “high.” THC is the psychoactive compound found in marijuana that produces a “high”. The other cannabinoids all have health effects. Here are 25 benefits of marijuana.

1. Relaxation

Marijuana relaxes people and makes them feel better. My colleague told me that after a heart break years ago, he could not sleep or function for a long time. His aunt gave him marijuana and told him to add it to cookies. He used it all in the cookies, ate them, and he slept for days. When he woke up he was surprised that he had slept for so long. He later discovered that he had put too much of the herb in the cookies. Luckily the overdose did not harm him.

2. Pain Relief and Anti-inflammatory Properties

Cannabis was used by doctors for pain relief until its banning in 1937. It is a natural analgesic that has no side effects and it should be recommended for people who suffer from chronic pain who do not like the effects of opioids. Studies have found it to be useful pain relief for people undergoing chemotherapy.

One study looked at the effects of CBD and THC in 177 people who suffered from cancer-related pain and could not get relief from pain medication. Those treated with an extract containing both CBD and THC experienced a significant reduction in pain compared to those who received only THC extract.

Other studies are looking at the role of cannabis in relieving symptoms caused by arthritis, chronic pain, MS pain and spinal cord injuries. The United Kingdom and Canada have approved the use of Nabiximols (Sativex), a pain killer for multiple sclerosis pain made from a combination of TCH and CBD. There is a general belief that a combination of cannabidiol and opioids is the breakthrough of the future in palliative care where chronic pain is involved. Use of marijuana may be the solution to the current 30,000 deaths per year from opioids.

3. Cannabis Reduces Symptoms of Drug Withdrawal

CBD oil reduces or prevents drug withdrawal symptoms. One study found that CBD oil reduced some of the symptoms suffered by patients with substance abuse problems, such as mood swings, anxiety, pain and insomnia. More research is needed.

4. Treatment of Epilepsy

Traditional African healers use marijuana to treat epilepsy. That is why it is being studied for treating epilepsy and associated neuropsychiatric disorders. So far, scientists have found that CBD oil has anti-seizure properties without side effects. It can also treat neurodegeneration, neuronal injury, and psychiatric diseases that are linked to epilepsy.

In 2015, a comprehensive 6-month study was carried out in which CBD oil was given to children with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Seizure decreased by 54-67% for some, while others dropped out of the study because they did not see any difference. A Senate hearing resulted from this study, and the FDA now permits epilepsy centers in the United States to prescribe products containing CBD oil to patients who do not respond to allotropic medication.

5. Anti-psychotic Effects

CBD has anti-psychotic effects similar to certain prescribed drugs. It is potential treatment for schizophrenia, as has been confirmed by another study that was published in the Current Pharmaceutical Design. Research is ongoing.

6. Treats and Reverses Cancer

Studies are ongoing on the efficacy of CBD oil as an anti-cancer agent. A review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that CBD oil prevents cancer cells from spreading around the body, can completely prevent cancer cells from invading an area, suppresses the growth of cancer cells and even destroys cancer cells without any toxicity.

7. Treatment of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an auto immune disease in which the immune system attacks tissue cells in the pancreas. A study published in Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation found that CBD oil eases pancreatic inflammation in type 1 diabetes. CBD oil or cannabis might be the type 1 diabetes remedy of the future. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties CBD oil can potentially reduce insulin resistance, the major metabolic problem for people with type 2 diabetes. Research is required.

8. Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

A review of scientific studies found that CBD oil can effectively reduce anxiety levels in people with:

• General anxiety disorder.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Panic disorder.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Social anxiety disorder as confirmed by one study.

So far there have been no side effects of CBD oil and the researchers want CBD to be studied as a potential treatment method.

9. Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

CBD can reduce inflammation and make neurodegenerative symptoms better in people with Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and stroke. In one study on Alzheimer’s Disease, CBD oil prevented people from losing their ability to recognize faces of acquaintances. This was the first evidence that CBD can potentially prevent Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. More research is required.

10. Alleviates Problems of the Digestive System

Cannabis is anti-emetic so it can be useful for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and suffering from nausea and vomiting, as confirmed by one study. It is also effective for curing Crohn’s disease. A study done in Israel found that smoking marijuana significantly reduced the symptoms of Crohn’s disease in 10 out of 11 participants. The disease was reversed in 5 of the participants.

11. Alleviates Arthritis Symptoms

CBD oil can be used as an analgesic for rheumatoid arthritis. It works by reducing pain and inflammation in the joints.

12. Glaucoma Treatment

Cases of glaucoma can be treated with CBD in its properties as a vasorelaxant. It also reduces pressure that glaucoma puts in the eye and improves vision.

13. Benefits for the Heart

CBD can help the heart when it acts in its capacity as an anti-ischemic and anti-inflammatory agent. So far, scientists have achieved a 30% increase in blood flow in rodents that had areas of dead tissue in the heart muscle. Research is ongoing.

14. Strengthens Bones

CBD oil from marijuana stimulates bone growth and strengthens bones especially for people affected by osteoporosis. Rats given CBD supplements by researchers at the University of Tel Aviv, recovered from fractures up to 40% faster than other rats.

15. Autoimmune Disorders

There is an increase in cases of auto-immune diseases caused by inflammation throughout the world. CBD has proven over and over again that it can reduce inflammation with little or no side effects. It is highly possible that CBD oil is a new remedy for a host of autoimmune diseases that works by moderating the immune response.

16. Anti-Bacterial Benefits

CBD and all other cannabinoids help the immune system to fight bacteria according to a study carried out at the Italian Piemonte University and published in 2008. The study particularly focused on antibiotic-resistant strains of the Staphylococcus Aureus, good proof of the abuse of antibiotics in the last few decades.

17. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, people who suffer from chronic liver inflammations, traumatic and diffuse axonal brain injuries, experimental colitis and rheumatoid arthritis can benefits from CBD oil.

18. Cachexia and Anorexia

Cachexia is a disorder that develops as a result of dangerous weight loss brought on by diseases such as AIDS, cancer or Alzheimer’s. A study carried out in Germany in 2011 involving more than 100 people found that patients on the placebo lost about 80 percent more weight per week than those given a cannabinoid cocktail. If this can be coupled with the mood-elevating properties of cannabidiol, it can mean future use of CBD oil for the treatment of widespread eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa.

19. Insomnia Treatment

CBD oil has even been effectively used to safely treat insomnia and anxiety in children with post-traumatic stress disorder.

20. Anti-Depressant

CBD has shown antidepressant-like effects in a number of animal studies. This effect is linked to CBD’s ability to act on the brain’s receptors for serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and social behavior.

21. Alleviation of High Blood Pressure

Studies have found that CBD is a natural and very effective remedy for high blood pressure. In one recent study 10 healthy men were given one dose of 600mg of CBD oil and their resting blood pressure went down lower that in those given a placebo. In the same study, the men were given stress tests that normally increase blood pressure. It was found that the single dose of CBD led the men to experience a smaller blood pressure increase than the normal response to these tests. Researchers believe that the stress and anxiety-reducing properties of CBD are the reason for its ability to lower blood pressure.

22. Marijuana is Safer Than Tobacco and Alcohol

According to the World Health Organisation, tobacco (which is legalized) kills more than 7 million people every year, i.e. half of the tobacco users. The World Health Organisation does not say anything about cannabis, the banned drug, maybe because cannabis does not cause any harm to the lungs. In fact, it improves lung function.

The use of cannabis is also safer than the use of alcohol, which kills 2.8 million people worldwide every year but has always been legal. It is less addictive than alcohol and does not harm physically the way alcohol harms the body.

23. Acne Treatment

Acne is caused by a number of factors such as inflammation, genetics, bacteria, and over-active sebaceous glands. One study found that CBD oil reduces production of sebum and inflammation.

24. Spiritual Development

Traditional healers mix marijuana with other herbs and inhale the smoke in order to connect with their higher selves and also to connect to other dimensions. Basically, they feel the ego dissolving and they become different. Generally, users report that they feel amazing after smoking marijuana.

25. Treatment of ADHD, ADD, etc.

Cannabis is a natural alternative to Ritalin for the treatment of children with ADHD, ADD and other problems.

Dangers of Marijuana

The use of marijuana has no known dangerous effects on health. Moderate amounts of cannabis can lead to reduced ability to think clearly, to make logical decisions and to avoid dangerous situations. Users can lose control and coordination of bodily movements. Many medicinal drugs also have the same effect, therefore as long as cannabis is used for medical purposes, the user must be careful not to drive or operate dangerous machinery.

So far, an 11-month old baby has died as a result of exposure to cannabis smoke. Most adults who overdose on cannabis do not die at all but may experience hallucinations, delusional thinking, paranoia, intense anxiety and panic attacks. Look at this debate on cannabis overdose.

Marijuana is a wonder-herb with innumerable benefits for health. It is not advisable to overdose on it or to use it while working as it can impair brain function. It is advisable to use it only when there is a medical need for it.