Marijuana has come under fire in recent years due to its high potential for abuse and the perceived negative effects on individuals and communities when used irresponsibly. However, there are actually several surprising benefits to marijuana use that could change your opinion about this drug if you’ve never considered its full potential before. Keep reading to learn seven shocking benefits of marijuana you didn’t know!
Reduces Stress:
When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, which prompts you to seek out unhealthy foods. (And believe us, it’s a vicious cycle: when your stress levels are high, so is your desire for chocolate!) However, research suggests that pot can reverse that process—and increase serotonin. The result? More peace of mind. To reap those benefits, try using CBD products like Mary’s Nutritionals CBD capsules.
If you’re worried about what marijuana use might do to your brain cells, don’t be!
Studies show that weed increases your volume of grey matter in certain areas, suggesting it might help speed up learning processes. That makes sense when you consider how cannabinoids bind with receptors throughout our brains.
They might even benefit women suffering from PMS or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). And unlike other drugs linked to anxiety attacks—such as alcohol or opiates—marijuana doesn’t elevate heart rate or blood pressure. So don’t worry if you’ve never tried cannabis before; if anything, marijuana could ease some serious life stressors.
Manages Glaucoma:
Glaucoma is an eye disease caused by increased pressure within your eyeball. It can lead to permanent vision loss if it’s not controlled early on, but there’s good news: it can be treated—and even stopped—if detected early enough. Treatment usually involves either lowering IOP or restoring aqueous humor flow within your eyes.
One study showed that marijuana smoking significantly reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with normal-tension glaucoma. This is an important breakthrough because marijuana is non-toxic and has a high margin of safety compared to other drugs commonly used to treat glaucoma.
Treats Nausea:
Several common prescription medications effectively treat nausea. But what happens when you’re dealing with nausea and don’t have time to wait for a doctor’s appointment? Fortunately, it may be possible to stave off nausea using marijuana.
Research has shown that cannabidiol, or CBD—the non-psychoactive component in cannabis—helps alleviate and prevent nausea in numerous ways, making it an ideal treatment for patients facing chemotherapy treatment.
Decreases Pain From Multiple Sclerosis:
The marijuana plant, known scientifically as Cannabis Sativa, contains chemical compounds that can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Medical professionals have experimented with THC, a non-psychoactive component in marijuana, to help manage MS pain and spasticity symptoms. Specifically, they’ve found that THC can reduce muscle spasms and control tremors from neurological disorders like MS.
Research shows it has fewer side effects than many existing pharmaceuticals for these conditions—with far fewer risks of addiction or overdose. So it’s no wonder medical marijuana is now legal in 30 states for people who suffer from multiple sclerosis!
Helps with Seizures:
One of marijuana’s more well-known benefits is its ability to help with seizures. In Colorado, studies have shown that seizures in kids drop by 20 percent after medical marijuana is legalized. Not only does medical marijuana reduce seizure symptoms and overall damage done by a seizure, but it also helps make medications more effective.
In some cases, patients can even lower their medication doses if they find that medical marijuana helps with their symptoms.
Promotes Mindfulness:
Mindfulness meditation, which is all about being aware of your body, thoughts and surroundings in a nonjudgmental way, has been shown to help people cope with stress and anxiety.
Marijuana promotes mindfulness by allowing us to witness our present thoughts without judgment. You must try not to be self-critical while meditating or use it as an opportunity to reflect on your flaws; instead, just watch your thoughts come and go in a very neutral manner—this is mindfulness. If you like marijuana for any reason other than its ability to promote mindfulness, please remember there are other reasons it’s awesome.
Improves Appetite:
As anyone who has used marijuana for medicinal purposes can tell you, it improves appetite. When I was growing up and not eating, my grandmother would get me to take a bite of something, then ask if I wanted some weed to go with it. It worked like a charm.
While medical use might be frowned upon in some circles, there’s no denying its effect on increasing hunger pangs. While you might be hesitant about using it as an appetite stimulant due to its high THC content (the component that gets users high), know that low doses actually have proven benefits for people who have trouble eating.
The Conclusion:
So these are some amazing benefits of marijuana backed by science. While it’s been a couple of years since marijuana is legalized in Canada, marijuana has been used for medical purposes for centuries. However, there are benefits and drawbacks to using marijuana regularly. Always consult a doctor before starting any kind of drug or treatment program.
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