In the 19th century, everyone had cannabinoids available in their medicine chests. What then followed were decades of repression, fuelled by propaganda and lobbying. However, the world is on the brink of rediscovering cannabis as a medicine. Whether taken to combat pain, loss of appetite or inflammation, cannabis has the potential to combat the symptoms of many ailments.
Big, blond, super-fit and with a piercing stare from ice-blue eyes – Kyle Turley is a picture-book athlete. But appearances can be deceptive, because like many other professional athletes, he suffers from a range of health issues, such as headaches, depression, concussion and sleep disorders. For many years, he tried to manage these problems with a mixture of painkillers and psychiatric drugs. With zero success.
Things only started to improve when he stopped taking all his medications and started using marijuana instead. “It saved my life,” says Turley in the magazine Men’s Journal. More and more people are reporting experiences similar to his. They are turning to nature rather than pharmaceuticals.
There is one definite advantage: Occasional and low cumulative marijuana use was not associated with adverse effects on pulmonary function. This has been confirmed by a study by the University of California, carried out among a group of 5000 adults over 20 years.
But of course, all that glistens is not gold, and this applies to cannabis, too. We recently reported on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. Cannabis consumption undeniably carries a certain risk.
But there is barely any other medicine that can be used for so many illnesses. Here, we focus on 10 fantastic medical benefits of cannabis.
1. Cannabis combats pain
Countless patient reports and studies confirm the pain-relieving (analgesic) properties of cannabis. Definitive evidence that cannabinoids are effective in treating chronic pain comes in a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. It is based on one of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted into cannabis.
Most people take medicinal marijuana as pain relief. In particular, patients suffering from cancer, migraines or multiple sclerosis (MS) report positive experiences.
2. Cannabis relieves nausea and stimulates the appetite
HIV is not a death sentence anymore. Yet even the most successful antiretroviral therapies come with a series of unpleasant side effects. These include nausea and loss of appetite.
Various surveys and studies confirm what anecdotal evidence has long suggested: Cannabis is proving to be extremely effective in the treatment of several HIV symptoms and side-effects.
3. Cannabis can replace opiates
The USA is currently afflicted by the biggest drug epidemic in its history. Every day, approximately 100 people die from an overdose of opioids such as heroin or fentanyl, and there is no end in sight.
Medicinal cannabis offers a glimmer of hope. It can reduce the need for opiate-based painkillers. For many addicts, cannabis also alleviates withdrawal symptoms.
4. Cannabis may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
Even very small quantities of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can help reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease. The most common cannabinoids have long been claimed to have neuroprotective properties. Because Alzheimer’s is associated with inflammation of the immune system, cannabidiol (CBD) may also play a part in its treatment.
5. Cannabis eases inflammation
Naturopaths have been using marijuana to treat inflammation for thousands of years. The British company GW Pharmaceutical developed Sativex on the back of various pieces of research. This cannabis-based mouth spray has been successfully used in the treatment of the painful muscular cramps that can be triggered by multiple sclerosis.
6. Cannabis is effective against sleep disorders and nightmares
We all suffer from insomnia from time to time, counting sheep and still unable to fall asleep. Occasional insomnia is part of life, but when sleep disorders become chronic, they rapidly cause problems for the person affected. Many resort to sleeping pills which, while effective, are controversial, mainly because people can become addicted to them.
One physician’s opinion, Dr Michael Moskowitz, psychiatrist and scientific author, prefers to prescribe his patients a plant-based alternative. “I’d rather have someone on a high THC tincture at night than on Lunesta, Ambien or any such hypnotic sleeping pill. Cannabis is the best sleep medicine that I have ever used on patients.”
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ) patients also report positive effects in alleviating nightmares.
7. Cannabis reduces the frequency of tics in Tourette’s patients
Tourette Syndrome is a neuropsychiatric disorder that manifests itself in physical and vocal tics. It typically involves socially unacceptable comments, which can be very awkward for the person affected.
Several studies are researching the effectiveness of cannabis for Tourette sufferers. As well as reducing the frequency of tics, it is notable for its capacity to reduce anxiety and aid sleep.
8. Cannabis helps Parkinson’s patients in many respects
Parkinson’s occurs when the nerve cells in a certain part of the brain die off. After Alzheimer’s, it is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Parkinson’s initially affects motor skills, followed by mental and psychological symptoms such as dementia and depression.
Cannabis can be a blessing for many Parkinson’s patients. Many report feeling fitter and happier, and suffer fewer tremors (shaking) and less stiffness.
See for yourself what cannabis is capable of:
9. Cannabis relieves convulsions
Anyone interested in the medicinal potential of cannabis will inevitably come across the story of Charlotte Figi. It is the story of a young girl who, thanks to a CBD-rich cannabis strain, was able to manage her epileptic attacks.
The anti-convulsive properties of cannabis have long been known. The first scientific references to this date back to 1947. The precise mechanism behind this is still being researched.
10. Cannabis reduces intraocular pressure
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that, in extreme cases, can lead to blindness. Increased pressure in the eye is a deciding risk factor in many cases.
Cannabis-based eye drops known as Canasol offer a remedy. An exceptionally perfidious type of glaucoma, known as angle-closure glaucoma, also includes strong pain in the eyeball. The broad effectiveness of cannabis as a painkiller, muscle relaxant and mood enhancer improves the situation of many patients.
- Disclaimer:This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your doctor or other licensed medical professional. Do not delay seeking medical advice or disregard medical advice due to something you have read on this website.
This is an excellent article! Cannabis has a lot of advantages and disadvantages. Cannabis has a wide range of medical benefits for humans.
Good afternoon Jacob,
Thanks for the comment and support!
I’m so glad you found the article informative.
Thanks again, and have a great day!
Mark
Very interesting article, I have depression and anxiety, I have medicine for depression,but nothing for anxiety so I smoke, I have for years, my younger years never thought about it, but now it does help with my anxiety and stress, it gives me an appetite “which is good, I’m a small woman “and it helps me sleep, I’ve done other things in my lifetime but smoke has never made me feel bad or disoriented, it relaxes me and helps with my anxiety and stress
Good afternoon Cathy,
Thank you so much for contacting us and sharing your experiences with cannabis. It’s great to hear you found the article interesting.
I’m pleased you are enjoying the benefits of cannabis – It is such a remarkable plant.
Thanks again, and have a great day!
Mark
Thank you for sharing this. Great ideas!
Thank you for explaining how cannabis can alleviate nausea. I get nauseous a lot and it is very frustrating. Maybe I will look into trying cannabis to get rid of my nausea.
I found it very interesting how the article explains that cannabis can help to get rid of your nausea. I often get nauseous a lot and it makes it very difficult to do daily tasks. Maybe taking cannabis can help to alleviate my nausea.
I think the benefits of cannabis is now there for everyone to see,
the pharmaceutical industry wants to keep us using their products, so they influence the decision.
Governments throughout the world make a lot of money from them, so to legalize would cost them a lot of money. So, it is not about a sensible decision, it is all about MONEY.
I like how the article explains that by using cannabis, you can reduce your chronic pain. I get chronic migraines that are often very painful and keep me from doing a lot of activities. Maybe using cannabis will alleviate the pain and allow me to return to doing my daily activities.
I have a Rare condition called, (Syringelmyelia) with added complication with the “Syrinx” that’s described as having Buffet Sausages, segments, these segments effect my Syrinx from C2 to T5 Vertebrae, I also suffer from Brachial plexus damage in my Left Arm, Severely damaged Left knee Muscles, Tendon damage, also I suffer from Arthritis in my Right knee, the Medications I take 4 time’s daily including, Gabapentin 300mg X 3, Oxycodone (Long-Tec )
Amazing! Cannabis is really an amazing plant, it has a lot of health benefits. This article is really informative and reading.
Thanks for sharing 10 fantastic benefits of cannabis. I have taken a cannabis form Medmen it really helps me out to make my normal life and work more productively.
Keep sharing another blog!!!
Thank you for the website and info. Anxiously looking forward to a time when cannabis is easy to obtain, even grow without fear of arrest. Its the government and those with the most money who repressed this in the first place, and killing daily with alcohol products. Onward Cannabis………….
You got my attention when you said that cannabis can help you with your sleeping problem if you’re condition is chronic and is affecting your life. My insomnia has been giving me difficult problems at work because I couldn’t focus on my job due to sleep deprivation. I wanted to have a normal life and be productive at work again, so I will make sure to register in myself to use medical cannabis. Thanks!
Superb and Informative Content you have written on Cannabis. The Cannabis Light Shared the great benefits I love reading it. Thanks for sharing the great Knowledge with us. Keep sharing the another blog. All the Best !!
Great account of what can be done using a simple plant for the good of the people, if only opened minded people like yourselves were listened to by politicians, and people in power, hopefully our day will come, keep up this amazing work and craft
Today a friend had posted on facebook a list of prescription medicines that cannibis could replace…I saw one of which my daughters doctor had prescribed..”Zoloft” and a few others. I am prescribed xanax and would much rather smoke a joint than this because it is natural. I cannot take any antidepressants whatsoever because of the horrible side effects they have..anyhow..my daughter is taking wellbutrin, effexor,and atarax..she has been diagnosed with OCD,Major depression and body dismorphic disorder. I so hate all of these meds she has to take…it takes a while to find the right combo..she was just switched to effexor in place of paxil..havent started this combo yet..today..and im truly worried..She is fifteen,has suicidal thoughts…she is absolutely beautiful. .and im not just saying that because shes my daughter..she has been bullied at school because she is so pretty..and on and on…I am 49,a single mother ..and Ya know I told a friemd the other day..Id rather for her to be able to smoke some medicinal cannibus..have that prescribed instead of all this crap she is taking..Ifirmly believe that would cure her…I just had to put in my two cents i guess. So ready to throw my hands up and say its ok ya know…she has done it with a friend a few times and told me it helped her…and…I BELEIVE HER. But of course like you say..some are not as open minded as we’d like them to be. ZOLOFT made my daughter so suicidal she cutthe inside of her arm from wrist to bend of her arm with a razor the day after coming home from a suicide prevention center who put her on the zoloft the 2nd day and upped it twice within 9 days from 100mg to 300mg and 25mg. To 100mg,. Of trazadone at night..I hope they legalize this soon where i live cuz i swear id much rather her do that then all these meds..Of course Id want it to be controlled by her doc and prescribed…but i dont think Im alone on this. Its hard fo see your kids go thru something so hard and not know how to help…ya try and try ,sorry..I guess I needed to get that out. Sincerely..M..
Just over 2 yrs ago I had a brain haemorrhage that went undiagnosed for a week
I kept being told it was migraine
Luckily my better half is a nurse and after my 4th visit to the GP she refused to leave his office until he’d arranged a scan for me
He did, they found the bleed
Anyway, back to my point
For that week I had a horrendous headache so was smoking quite a lot of weed to help with the pain and try to get some sleep
My specialist told me later that he’s firmly of the belief that the cannabis helped save my life due to it lowering my blood pressure
Handy when you’re walking around with a brain haemorrhage
That and the missus refusing to take no for an answer too
Natures medicine for a multitude of ailments ?
Hi Carl,
Thank you for your comment and for sharing your experience, that’s really amazing and I’m very glad that your specialist was so honest about cannabis helping to save your life! I hope your health is good now and that you and your better half continue to enjoy the blog.
With best wishes,
Scarlet
Thanks Scarlet
Yes we’re both good thanks
I lost 45% of my sight on the left so can’t drive anymore but I still work and can still provide so anything else we take in our stride
I was very very lucky ?
i am nearly 60 and have been learning so much about the benefits of this wonderful plant that should be available for everyone who needs it,keep doing the great work,
Good morning, hope you’re all ok.
What a good article!
You might be interested to know that Nicholas Culpepper wrote of Cannabis quite recently (1653):
“This is so well known to every good housewife in the country, that I shall not need to write any description of it.”
But for me, its anti-spasmodic properties are the most life saving – it stops my epilepsy ? for which I will be eternally grateful.
Best, A
Hi A,
Thanks for your comment, and for sharing that information! I can’t help wishing that Nicholas Culpeper had written more about cannabis, it would be fascinating to know more about what he thought about it and exactly what all the good housewives used it for!
I hope you continue to enjoy the blog,
With best wishes,
Scarlet
you guys in the leading Cannabis-World,have had me convinced,for a Looong time allready-this is just more good News,anVd,for crying out loud-Should take over the World of Pharmaceuticals,and Reach the mainstream media…but,it seems that everybody is lieing to themselvses,…i would wish that everybody would get their head out of their ass-and see Things,as they clearly are…)!…keep up the fantastic work,and that goes out to ALL,who is a part of the Research,of this wonderful plant,Love you guys…)… X …)…
So well said….AWESOME….