What are the Health Benefits of Marijuana?

When we say that we partake in the smoking of marijuana for medicinal purposes, we are stating that we are using it for the simple relief of any on of a number of conditions. If you are thinking that you might benefit from the health benefits of marijuana, you will want to research the potential that weed offers.

There are in fact more than 400 different chemicals that can be identified in marijuana. By today’s medical standards, some of these chemicals are considered to have great health benefits while others are considered to have harmful health effects.

One of the most potent and most necessary health benefits of smoking marijuana is its ability to relieve chronic pain. It is a fabulous pain reliever that often can leave the user less “high” than prescription narcotic pain medications. For people with crippling arthritis, immuno-inflammatory diseases, and perpetual injury pain, marijuana can actually help give them their functional life back.

The additional anti-inflammatory properties in pot are also helpful when it comes to relieving pain. Inflammation can often be the root cause of pain, especially in migraine sufferers (although some people complain that smoking pot actually gives them a headache, others swear by its ability to relieve chronic migraine pain) and those with bone injuries or diseases.

Oddly enough, smoking pot can actually be more effective at relieving asthma symptoms than most rescue inhalers. This benefit is one of science’s quandaries, but the evidence is overwhelming clear that those with asthma suffer at least 50% fewer rescue need attacks than those who don’t smoke pot. Some scientists attribute this to the anti-inflammatory properties, as asthma is partially caused by inflammation within the bronchial tubes.

Those who suffer from rheumatic diseases not only find that marijuana relieves their chronic pain, but studies have indicated that the degeneration often associated with some of these diseases can be slowed or even stopped. Those suffering with muscular dystrophy and other debilitating diseases can be active and nearly pain free from the use of pot.

There have been studies conducted on epileptics, those suffering from Huntington’s disease, and of course those with glaucoma, all of which indicate that the use of medicinal marijuana has either significantly improved the lives of most patients. A few patients actually became symptom free. Only a small percentage of the patients studied remained in the same condition as before the introduction to marijuana for medicinal purposes.

There are a few studies that have not yet drawn significant conclusions as the results seem to vary by individual. Smoking marijuana has proven to be a terrific antidepressant and anti—anxiety medications for some while others find that it is a depressant. Some have found that it is actually a helpful treatment for eating disorders while others find that it is ineffective for such issues. There is much more to be studied when it comes to determining the positive health benefits of smoking marijuana, however those who use it for a higher quality of life while battling a condition or disease find that it is much more beneficial than most prescribed medications.

Related posts:

1. Smoking Marijuana, Is It Dangerous?
2. What are the Effects of Marijuana?