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Marijuana is a chemically active plant. There are 400 active chemicals with 60 of these chemicals exclusive to cannabis. These 60 compounds are collectively known as cannabinoids, and our bodies are hardwired to absorb them. The human body features an endocannabinoid system full of receptors made specifically for the uptake of cannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system is connected to every system in the body, so marijuana is perfect for a variety of medicinal applications.
1. Epilepsy
Federal prohibition has made it challenging to study marijuana’s medical uses. There is no federal funding, and it is extremely rare to obtain permission to conduct studies. However, scant studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD, a cannabinoid found in marijuana, mitigates the acute impact of seizures and reduces the number of seizures in epilepsy patients. The NYU Langone Medical Center studied 213 patients recently to find a 50 percent reduction in the frequency of seizures in both children and adults.
2. Multiple sclerosis
New research is emerging about the efficacy of marijuana to combat MS. Cannabinoids have proven effective at mitigating painful muscle spasms and stiffness. Tremors are also reduced with the use of marijuana. These studies are promising for those with the debilitating neurological disorder.
3. Certain Cancers
Marijuana has been proven to kill certain types of cancer cells in a laboratory. Studies have also demonstrated that marijuana has the ability to stop the growth of certain types of cancers on a molecular level. And THC seems to amplify the positive cancer-killing effects of radiation treatment. Marijuana can also be beneficial for the adverse effects of cancer treatment. It can help reduce nausea and stimulate hunger for those receiving chemotherapy.
4. Alzheimer’s
Studies have shown the potential therapeutic effects of THC on Alzheimer’s disease. Marijuana slows down the deposits of proteins in the brain that cause the disease. The plant can also help Alzheimer’s patients gain weight. And medical marijuana has shown the ability to reduce agitated behaviors. Doctors still don’t know exactly what causes the disease, but studying marijuana’s positive impacts on Alzheimer’s may lead them to a discovery.
Federal prohibition of the marijuana plant is slowing down vital research into its medical applications. Anecdotal evidence has spread across the internet like wildfire. Viral videos show Parkinson’s and Tourette’s patients shed their tremors in just a few minutes with medical marijuana. More funding and studies could help those suffering live a healthier, less painful life.
For more information on the legal battle of marijuana, check out our article Marijuana Needs to be Legalized Now!
