The use of cannabis as a medical or psychoactive plant can trace its roots to antiquity. In fact, the use of marijuana dates back to the time before Christ. A 2,700-year-old grave of a shaman was discovered to what is now known as the Yanghai Tombs – an expansive ancient cemetery located in the modern-day Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of northwest China. The shaman is said to have been one of the locals belonging to the ancient Jushi culture that has been known to have thrived in the area during that era.
Moving forward to the mid-20th century, the long-held knowledge on the medicinal value of marijuana has long been forgotten. Instead of being celebrated for its incredible properties, marijuana was greatly maligned as an illicit drug.
Fortunately, in the last few years, the image of cannabis as an ‘evil’ drug is slowly changing. More and more people are finding it acceptable to use. With this in mind, a range of studies have and continue to be conducted to learn more about its medicinal value. In the past, the prohibition of marijuana has not only destroyed the public perception of this plant, it also quelled potential studies that aimed to explore the possible benefits of this plant. You can also get same-day delivery from certain suppliers.
Although the cannabis species have been used as medicine for thousands of years; only since the 1940’s has the plant not been widely available for medical use (Abrams, 2016). However, an increasing number of jurisdictions are making it possible for patients to obtain the botanical for medicinal use. Weekend Gardener have compiled 3 awesome health benefits of marijuana:
1. Cannabis Supports Management of Nausea and Vomiting Induced by Chemotherapy for Cancer Patients
Research has observed that medical marijuana has positive effects in helping cancer patients deal with their chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) (Tramer et al., 2001; Abrams, 2016). As the name suggests, CINV is the feeling of nausea and the actual vomiting due to the side effects of chemotherapy. Many comparative studies have shown that marijuana is useful as an anti-nausea and vomiting drug. It is also helpful in stabilising the mood for food.
2. Cannabis can help you Maintain your Weight and help Prevent Diabetes
Cannabis use is very effective in the production of artificial insulin.
Research by the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC) has suggested that cannabis can help (Diabetes.co.uk, 2019):
- Stabilise blood sugars: A large body of anecdotal evidence is building among people with diabetes to support this.
- Suppress some of the arterial inflammation commonly experienced by people with diabetes, which can lead to cardiovascular disease
- Prevent nerve inflammation and ease the pain of neuropathy: The most common complication of diabetes: By stimulating receptors in the body and brain.
- Lower blood pressure over time, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other diabetes complications
- Keep blood vessels open and improve circulation.
- Relieve muscle cramps and the pain of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders
- Be used to make topical creams to relieve neuropathic pain and tingling in hands and feet.
3. Cannabis helps Manage Pain
Many people do not know that CBD provides relief for different types of chronic pain (Dillner, 2016). Whether it is smoked or infused in cookies, for example, the active ingredient cannabinoid (CBD) is known for its sedative effects. As such, when depressed or anxious, marijuana can be effective in inducing relaxation. It helps in managing pain by becoming a natural analgesic, and is also known to be effective in managing pain in wounds after surgeries.
Summary
These are just 3 awesome health benefits of marijuana. More and more studies are now being conducted to explore all medicinal and health benefits of this plant and, consequently, researchers are looking for the next big thing to discover about this amazing plant.
References
Abrams, D.I. (2016) Integrating Cannabis into Clinical Cancer Care. Current Oncology. 23 (Suppl 2), S8-14. doi: 10.3747/co.23.3099.
Diabetes.co.uk. (2019) Cannabis and Diabetes. Available from World Wide Web: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/recreational-drugs/cannabis.html. [Accessed: 06 November, 2019].
Dillner, L. (2016) Can Cannabis Relieve Pain and Other Ailments? Available from World Wide Web: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/sep/19/can-cannabis-relieve-pain-medical-marijuana. [Accessed: 06 November, 2019].
Tramer, M.R., Carroll, D., Campbell, F.A., Reynolds, D.J.M., Moore, R.A. & McQuay, H.J. (2001) Cannabinoids for Control of Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Quantitative Systematic Review. BMJ. 323(7303, p.16. doi: 10.1136/bmj.323.7303.16.
