During the last ten years, cannabis has gone from being treated as a dangerous drug to actually being praised by the medical community worldwide.
In America alone, 33 states have legalized cannabis for medicinal purposes. Countries like Canada and Uruguay have fully legalized this plant, and even allow its recreational use and growing.
So, why has cannabis suddenly become a medicine rather than a drug? What sort of health benefits does cannabis have, and can it cure serious diseases? Let’s find out.
Pain Relief and Fracture Healing
Treating pain is one of the most widespread uses of medicinal cannabis. It is estimated that around two-thirds of people who have a license to buy cannabis use it for this purpose.
The two main ingredients in cannabis (THC and CBD) are proven to have anti-inflammatory effects, which help with both chronic and acute pain, digestive pain, pain caused by cancer treatments, and more. On top of that, 40% of people suffering from migraines reported that their headaches were reduced by half after undergoing cannabis treatment.
Cannabis can also be useful for pain caused by broken bones and fractures. However, the CBD component in cannabis also helps broken bones heal by enhancing bone volume and stimulating bone-forming cells.
Multiple Sclerosis
Over two million people around the world suffer from multiple sclerosis. While there is no known cure for this condition, there are many ways in which you can control the disease and alleviate its symptoms.
One of those ways is offered by cannabis. Namely, the anti-inflammatory effects of this plant reduce the symptoms and can make the patients feel more comfortable. Cannabis treatment can reduce muscle spasms, stiffness, spasticity, and tremors.
Effects of Cannabis on Depression
Cannabis represents an alternative way of treating depression. Unlike multiple sclerosis, depression can be cured, and its symptoms can be significantly reduced.
Endocannabinoids produce similar effects like many antidepressants. What is more, the one advantage that cannabis treatment has over other traditional antidepressants is that patients don’t experience any severe side effects. Depression can often be associated with anxiety, and cannabis can provide treatment for that as well.
In a recent cannabis study that involved patients suffering from depression, nine out of ten participants reported reduced symptoms, while only around 3% said it had a negative effect on their condition.
Treating Dementia
Dementia and Alzheimer’s occur due to the death of neuron cells in the brain. The damages are usually irreparable, and these conditions can’t be cured. However, cannabis treatment can reduce cell death related to these illnesses, thanks to THC that stops amyloid protein buildup.
Aggression and agitation, which are common symptoms of dementia, can be managed by cannabis intake. The THC treatment of dementia is most effective in its early stages.
Cannabis Against Addiction
By itself, cannabis can be mildly addictive, which is one of the bad sides of smoking it. However, it can be used to cure other addictions.
Studies have found that heroin addicts react well to cannabis treatments due to the fact that cannabis can reverse the damages heroin use has left on the person’s brain.
The cannabis treatment against addictions is very effective. As a matter of fact, one-quarter of participants successfully substituted stronger substances with cannabis, while an additional 40% of the surveyed found it easier to overcome their addiction to alcohol by consuming cannabis. As much as two-thirds of participants started to use cannabis instead of prescription drugs.
Conclusion
These are only some of the health benefits that cannabis can have on humans and in treating various conditions. Each year, studies confirm the new positive effects of THC and CBD. Nevertheless, you should also learn about the potential risks of these substances, as there are a few of those as well.
In any case, make sure that you always talk to a certified doctor or a physician before you start your cannabis treatment.
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