There are a total of 20 states already in the US that have legalized the use of marijuana. One of the major reasons for its legalization is its medical purposes. Even up to this day, research is still going on that focuses on positive impacts that it has on the human body. Just keep in mind that despite the medical benefits that marijuana can provide, it still poses some danger when it’s being abused.

Medical Marijuana Sativa
Medical Marijuana Sativa Strain

Benefits of Marijuana

It can treat glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease that increases pressure in the eyeball which can cause loss of vision and damage to the optic nerve. Marijuana is great for this condition since it can decrease the pressure in the eye. In addition, the drug’s effects can help slow the progression of the disease thus preventing blindness.

Controls epileptic seizures. During a recent study, marijuana was used on epileptic rats and the result was, marijuana got rid of the seizures for about 10 hours. The active ingredients in the drug helped control the seizures by binding to the brain cells which are responsible for regulating relaxation and controlling excitability.

Marijuana for Epilepsy
A young man on the floor having a seisure

Improves lung health. Marijuana does nothing to impair the lung function but it can even increase the lung capacity. It has a way better benefit to the lungs compared to the ones experienced in tobaccos.

Contains chemicals that can prevent the spread of cancer. Cannabidiol helps prevent cancer by turning off the gene known as Id-1. Cancer cells duplicate this type of cell compared to the non-cancerous ones and it is responsible for spreading it all over the body.

Decreases anxiety. Marijuana users say that the drug has helped them a lot in suppressing nausea and relieving pain. It is great in improving the smoker’s mood and if used in low doses, it also serves as a sedative. However, a high dosage of marijuana can result to an increase in anxiety as well as making the user more paranoid.

Anxiety attack
A man having anxiety attack

Muscles spasms can be prevented. Numerous types of muscles spasms respond very well to marijuana. Conditions such as myoclonus diaphragmatic flutter can cause abdominal muscles to have nonstop spasms that are painful to bear and can have some interference on breathing. By smoking weed, the attacks are handled right away since it calms the diaphragm’s muscles.

Treats inflammatory bowel diseases. The chemicals in marijuana such as cannabidiol and THC interact in the body’s cells that have something to do with immune responses and gut function. THC-like compounds in the body increase the permeability of the intestines, thus allowing bacteria in. The cannabinoids derived from the plant blocks the cannabinoids derived from the body which plays a great role in preventing the permeability and making the intestinal cells bond tighter.

Relieves arthritis discomfort. Marijuana and its benefits is great for alleviating pain, promoting sleep and reducing inflammation which can be very helpful in relieving the discomfort that is usually experienced in rheumatoid arthritis.

Marijuana and Arthritis
Woman massaging her own hand

Helps people cut back on drinking. A study showed that marijuana is much safer to use than alcohol. Although there are some risks associated in using it, the drug is still less addictive and doesn’t allow much physical damage to occur.