f you are still on the fence about marijuana legalization, here are 10 surprising health benefits to consider. 1. It can stop HIV from spreading throughout the body In perhaps the most unexpected news yet, scientists announced last month that THC, an active ingredient in cannabis, was effective in stopping the spread of HIVin monkeys. The monkeys that received daily THC doses had higher levels of healthy cells as well. 2. It slows the progression of Alzheimers During his much-lauded congressional appearanceas an Alzheimers activist, actor Seth Rogen joked, This has nothing to do with the legalization of marijuana. Well, he might be surprised to learn that it does. A 2006 studyfound that marijuana can block an enzyme that is behind the progression of Alzheimers. It also prevents protein clumps that can inhibit cognition and memory. 3. It slows the spread of cancer cells A 2012 studyfound that a marijuana compound can stop metastasis in some kinds of aggressive cancer. Last year, a similar study found that certain non-psychoactive cannabinoids resulted in dramatic reductions in cell viability and caused a simultaneous arrest at all phases of the cell cycle in leukemia cells. Researchers in the U.K. have already been able to use marijuana compounds to kill cancer cellsin leukemia patients. 4. It is an active pain reliever Marijuanas anti-inflammatory pain relief has shown to be effective in treating a host of illnesses and conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritisand migraines. The effects are several hundred times more powerful than that of aspirin. 5. It can prevent or help with opiate addiction Because marijuana acts as such effective medication, it can reduce dependenceon opiate-based medication, which has more addictive qualities. 6. It combats depression, anxiety and ADHD Via: Wikimedia A 2005 studyfound that those who consume marijuana occasionally or even daily have lower levels of depressive symptoms than those who have never tried marijuana. In small doses, it relieves anxiety and symptoms of ADHD. 7. It can treat epilepsy and Tourettes In December, the FDA gave the go-aheadto study the efficacy of medicinal marijuana in treating pediatric epilepsy. Researchhas shown that it can alleviate symptoms of Tourettes in certain cases as well. A Colorado non-profit has already developed a strain called Charlottes Web,which they provide for free to those who suffer from epilepsy, Parkinsons and similar conditions. The strain is named after a 6-year-old epileptic patient who inspired the move. 8. It can help with other neurological damage, such as concussions and strokes Research indicates that marijuana has neuroprotective qualities, which can limit neurological damage after stroke or trauma. There has already been talk over where the NFL could introduce marijuanato deal with concussions. Even NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell signaled his willingness to consider the idea: We will follow medicine and if they determine this could be a proper usage in any context, we will consider that, he saidin January. 9. It can prevent blindness from glaucoma By decreasing the pressure inside the eye, marijuana can prevent blindness for those who suffer from glaucoma. Research found that marijuana was effective in lowering eye pressure when ingested orally, intravenously or by inhalation. 10. Its connected to lower insulin levels in diabetics The most important finding is that current users of marijuana appeared to have better carbohydrate metabolism than nonusers, according to a Harvard researcher. The 2005-2010 studyfound that the current marijuana users showed fasting insulin levels that were 16% lower than those of former or never users, along with a 17% reduction in another measure of insulin resistance as well.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 08:06:48 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015