In recent years, support for medical marijuana has been skyrocketing. This is thanks to a mounting body of scientific evidence proving its therapeutic value for treating a myriad of health complaints, from mild to debilitating. Cannabis effectively alleviates, in some cases cures, the symptoms of most medical issues, including epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, cancer, muscular disorders, mental health woes, and so more.
Benefits of Marijuana
There is a weed alternative for just about every prescription drug on the market today, some of which cause their own medical issues, such as organ failure, addiction, mood instability, even fatalities. In their attempt to fix one health problem, some drugs cause others. Some kill outright. If unsure about a weed alternative being right for you, here are eight common conditions for which doctors prescribe cannabis:
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a terrible condition that affects the spinal cord and brain. Symptoms vary in severity but typically include visual impairment, tingling, balance problems, spasms, pain, and more. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, cannabis therapy reduces both pain and spasticity significantly for patients, with no noticeable side effects. A weed alternative gives sufferers greatly the quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury influences gross motor skills. In severe cases, it causes total function loss in some areas of the body. Science shows patients using a weed alternative suffering fewer muscle spasms and less pain, which are frequently symptomatic of these injuries. As the U.S. National Library of Medicine says, “Cannabis extracts improve neurogenic symptoms unresponsive to standard treatments.”
Spinal Cord Disease
Unrelated to trauma, spinal cord diseases develop for other reasons. They include spinal stenosis, syringomyelia, spina bifida, even multiple sclerosis. It is usually degenerative and causes pain, spasticity, and loss of gross motor skills. According to a study by the European Journal of Neurology, cannabis proves highly therapeutic at alleviating the pain, spasticity, and loss of function experienced by patients.
Cancer
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, cancer is the cause of around 30 percent of all deaths. Although nobody touts cannabis as a cure for cancer, it is able to treat the many symptoms associated with it, while improving the quality of life for sufferers. Both THC and CBD enhance appetite, combat pain, fight nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, treat depression, and help them sleep.
HIV/AIDS
Cannabis helps those suffering from HIV/AIDS to eat healthier. The side effects of traditional medications are difficult to handle for most, but treatment has improved vastly in recent years. Many studies show cannabis managing symptoms of this disease, including nausea, anorexia, and more. A study by the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management showed 97 percent of patients eating better with cannabis.
Arthritis
Joint inflammation can be debilitating. It includes all arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Severe cases cause major swelling, as well as terrible pain, stiffness, weakness, and loss of movement. Researchers noted in one study that, “a significant analgesic effect was observed and disease activity was significantly suppressed” in patients consuming cannabis.
Epilepsy
This neurological disorder afflicts hundreds of thousands in the United States alone. Statistics Canada says nearly 140,000 Canadians endure it near daily. It causes seizures that range from mild to extremely severe, resulting in unconsciousness. Every episode is a risk of brain damage and drugs are challenging to cope with. Cannabis, particularly CBD, reduces both the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IBD characterizes disorders that inflame the digestive system, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The U.S. National Library of Medicine published a study that found cannabis providing an array of health benefits for patients suffering IBD. The research showed sufferers experiencing less pain, better social functioning, improved work performance, and reduced depression after consuming cannabis.
Other Benefits of Marijuana
This list is by no means exhaustive. Scientists are discovering new therapeutic uses for cannabis on an almost daily basis. Much evidence already exists to show cannabis relieving anxiety, helping depression, reducing nausea and vomiting, aiding glaucoma, and much, much more, as well as boosting immune function and overall wellbeing.
The cannabinoids in cannabis make this a potent medicinal plant with a horde of important properties capable of treating most health complaints. It is antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-depression, anti-psychosis, anti-seizure, antitumor, analgesic, antiemetic, antibacterial, and anti-everything between. More and more, doctors are recommending it.
Cannabis is a favorite among insomniacs. It relaxes body and mind, acting as a potent stress reliever. It kills pain, enhances cognitive focus. There are so many benefits to ditching prescription drugs for a healthier weed alternative. It also improves the quality of life for those needing end-of-life compassion and deserves status as a basic human right.
Final Thoughts
The effects of cannabis are very strain dependent, making it paramount that you research the most effective strains for the condition you are treating. Additionally, some cannabinoids influence the efficacy of some drugs, so always discuss cannabis therapy with your doctor before starting it. Ideally, you should visit a cannabis-specialized physician for the correct strains and dosages.
The plant is healing and enjoyable! Just love every part
Great help with insomnia smoking weed helps me sleep well !
Helps spinal pain greatly!!