Researchers have been able to discover that the use of marijuana goes back further than any of us would have thought. As far back as 1000 BC, some cultures integrated cannabis into their general ways of life. Admittedly, there was no Italian Ice strain or any other fancy ones we have. What they had was the original version of weed grown in their fields.
Why use marijuana? Other than the recreational purpose, weed use has been branching into the medicinal field. Even in historical records, there is a clear indication that cannabis was used for its medicinal value.
The Negative Side of Cannabis
The hype surrounding cannabis often leaves out the uglier side of the matter. Like anything else, its use has two sides. There are positive effects and negative ones. To explore the negative side, we have to start with the most common method of ingestion. Most stoners prefer smoking to eating edibles or using tinctures and oils. This is because that is the fastest way to get high.
How does smoking affect a person? The reception of the inhaled product is in the lungs. Over time, the inhaled smoke undermines the functioning of the lungs. Smoke from cannabis, tobacco, or any other product contains carcinogens and other harmful compounds.
The fact that weed has fewer carcinogens than tobacco does not make it entirely safe. The other harmful products reach the lungs and may cause health complications later.
Apart from the ingestion method, there is also the issue of age. Research shows that when ingested by young people below age 18, there is the possibility of stunted brain development. In the long run, this results in memory losses, poor cognitive abilities and other issues. It is highly recommendable to avoid using marijuana until one reaches a certain age. Preferably 18 or 21.
Cannabis Health Benefits
In contrast to the negative effects, weed has several positive attributes, especially regarding health. Cannabis is packed with THC and CBD, which are cannabinoids. These two are responsible for the underlying effect of the ingested product. CBD is mostly responsible for a range of health benefits. Below are the top five health benefits that come from using marijuana and its compounds;
Helps in Treating Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease that may lead to blindness in the worst-case scenario. How it occurs is that it leads to increased pressure in the eyeball, which eventually damages the optic nerve. The National Eye Institute supports 1970s research that showed weed effectively reduces intraocular pressure. Smoking a few blunts would hence prevent and cure glaucoma.
Stagnates and May Kill Cancer Cells
Cancer has been known to be a disease with no cure for decades. Researchers recently discovered that certain cancer cells were being killed by regular use of cannabis. Also, some cells were being prevented from multiplying. With sufficient research into the matter, some scientists believe weed can cure cancer. If it can kill and stagnate the growth of certain cancer cells, then the goal is to make it efficient at working on all types of cancers.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
A 2010 research at Harvard Medical School reported that when taken in low dosages, marijuana could reduce anxiety in users. They argued that this is a result of weed’s sedative effects. Cannabis interacts with the brain resulting in eased stress and anxiety in general. Hence the user becomes relaxed and not anxious even when faced with tense situations. Psychologists and behavioral scientists are looking into treating general forms of anxiety with weed.
Slows the Development of Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that results in memory loss and a decline in cognitive abilities. Researchers have found that the same cause is the production of amyloid plaques. In 2006 a study published in Molecular Pharmaceutics stated that THC works at slowing the production of the same amyloid plaques. The progressive nature of Alzheimer’s gets slowed down, and the memory loss also slows.
Strong and Safe Pain Reliever
Yet again, THC has been proven to react with receptors and neurotransmitters to reduce pain levels. Studies show that weed can relieve the pain of people suffering from chronic illnesses. These studies have resulted from cancer research, Multiple Sclerosis, and other conditions. Aging individuals also report less pain when they use marijuana for their aching joints and other body muscles.
Best Way to Ingest Medical Marijuana
For recreational purposes, one can choose whichever method to ingest their weed. But what about for medicinal purposes? Whichever mode of ingestion is used leads to a person enjoying the full benefits of the plant. Considering that smoking can result in more negative effects, it may be safer to stick with edibles, tinctures, and oils.
Why these three are preferable because they do not involve inhaling smoke. They may take longer to take effect, but once they do, it is prolonged. If you are using edibles for pain relief, it may be ideal to use them in advance. For instance, if you get knee pains in the evening, you can take them an hour or two before it starts dark.
Conclusion
One of the reasons marijuana is gaining popularity among people is its medicinal value. Regarding health benefits, weed has become a go-to option for various issues. Researchers are unearthing beneficial uses of cannabis as medicine, from pain to stress to mental disorders. With ample research being rolled out, the future of weed use seems more promising. Each study on the health benefits of cannabis only points to its relevance as a therapeutic alternative to modern-day medicine.
Disclaimer:
Qrius does not provide medical advice
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis products in India
CBD oil manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 can be legally used in India, for medicinal purposes, only with a prescription, subject to specific conditions. Kindly refer to the same here for the legalities of use in India
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