Many people know marijuana as a recreational drug. While it is mostly used for recreation, marijuana can be used for medicinal purposes. The marijuana used for medicinal purposes is commonly referred to as medical marijuana. This post will look into some of the health benefits of medical marijuana.
Improved Digestion
Medical marijuana can be used to treat digestive problems such as stomach cramps, nausea and lack of appetite. According to a report published in the International Journal of Eating, medical marijuana contains compounds known as cannabinoids. These cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoids, chemicals known to improve appetite. The endocannabinoids not only improve appetite, but they regulate it to optimal levels, reducing the risk of becoming obese. Marijuana is also known to reduce nausea and plays a significant role in reducing the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and diabetes.
Pain Management
Many doctors have begun to prescribe medical marijuana to patients suffering from chronic pain. This after a series of surveys found out that 99 percent of patients who use marijuana to manage chronic pain report significant improvement. And nearly anyone who uses it to manage other types of pain report positive results. Scientists have backed these claims with further research. They have found that marijuana can actually reduce chronic and neuropathic pain.
Improved Cognitive Function
This is one of the major reasons why people use marijuana. According to those who use marijuana regularly, they become more alert, focused and energetic with each puff they take. A preliminary study done by the Harvard Medical School actually supports these claims. According to the study, medical marijuana does not necessarily impair mental function like many people think. It actually improves executive mental functioning. They found that the marijuana improved psychomotor speed, attention span, memory and verbal skills.
Cancer Treatment
There have been wild claims that medical marijuana can treat certain symptoms of cancer, with some people casting doubts on such claims. The truth is that medical marijuana can be used as a form of treatment for certain cancers. It is being used by oncologists to fight certain side effects of chemotherapy. However, scientists are working day in day out to see if it can be used to treat cancer itself.
Brain Development
Marijuana not only improves mental health, but it also promotes brain development. Studies show that marijuana aids in the development of new brain neurons and promotes overall brain plasticity. It also has neuroprotective properties, meaning it can be useful in treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, oxygen deficiency and migraines.
These are some of the benefits of medical marijuana. However, before you use the drug, check the local laws to see if it is legalized. Some states are yet to legalize medical marijuana. Also, talk to your primary care physician to see if it is safe to use the drug.