Physicians and researchers are noting the medical advantages of cannabis and finding that it’s more than just the Leaves of the Devil. If you suffer from one or many debilitating ailments and cannot find a prescription that helps, perhaps it’s time to try medical marijuana. If the word “marijuana” fills you with a sense of concern, be eased. While it’s true that it is used as a recreational drug, it’s also true that there are many health benefits it provides too.
Why is it Illegal if it’s So Beneficial?
The United States has the Marihuana Act of 1937 to thank for its illegal status. In the early 1900s, Americans saw that marijuana was coming into the country with Mexican immigrants. Still living in the shadow of the Mexican Revolution in 1910, fear of these immigrants frightened parents that their children could become involved with the Mexican drug cartel. America created its own ideas about it, claiming that it causes “superhuman strength” and “bloodlust.” These inaccurate assumptions caused the plant to be demonized and eventually made federally illegal.
How Can it Help Me?
Researchers like Dr. Harry Stylli, who studies cancer, make it their life’s work to make beneficial medical discoveries. The use of medical marijuana is gaining traction in the United States thanks to its soothing effects on patients, including those who have cancer.
THC and CBD, the two active chemicals in the plant, work together as a pain-blocking agent to the receptors in your brain. They work to balance the chemicals that are causing you pain in a safe, natural way. Some of the most common uses for medical marijuana include:
- Nausea and vomiting (including nausea caused by chemotherapy)
- Migraine headaches
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and depression
As more studies are done, medical professionals are making more surprising discoveries about even more benefits of marijuana. Some lesser-known uses are:
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Gastrointestinal issues
- ADD and ADHD
- Autism
How Do I Know if it’s Right For Me?
Like any new medication, using cannabis takes some trial and error. Start with small amounts, see how you are affected and adjust accordingly. One of the best parts about marijuana is that it is impossible to overdose on; to date, there has never been a report of a death by marijuana overdose.
It is worth noting the difference in marijuana types. There are two main strains, indica and sativa. Both are helpful in their own way, but there are subtle ways that differentiate them from one another:
- Sativa is known for being the more “motivational” strain and giving a head high. If you need to focus on things like housework or homework, sativa can help. It is thought to boost creativity and work as an anti-anxiety or antidepressant for users.
- Indica is known for its relaxing nature and for giving a body high. A common saying among users is that indica will put you in the couch. If you are having muscle pain or trouble sleeping, indica can help to calm you down.
Natural and safe, the chemicals in marijuana come from the good green earth, not from a laboratory. Entrust your health to a natural alternative of prescription medications.