Are you wondering if medical marijuana is the real deal and not just all hype? Do you wish to know if and how it can help with your different health concerns?
Data reveals that 12% of American adults claim that they smoke marijuana.
Experts predict the market size to grow even further. Incidentally, it is through the two important cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
When these two interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors, it results in different positive effects.
But let’s focus on THC. What are the medical benefits of THC? What does it do to the body whenever you take cannabis?
Continue reading below as we look at 11 medical benefits of THC that may surprise you.
1. Improves Appetite
Are you trying to regain your appetite? Then medical marijuana can help you do so. The THC in marijuana can help address your appetite loss.
Some studies note that THC helped reduce the peptide PYY in the body. This peptide works as an appetite suppressant.
Furthermore, THC may help increase the ghrelin and leptin levels in the body. These two hormones help increase your food intake.
2. Reduces Pain
Of all the supposed medical benefits of THC, this is perhaps the most popular one. Some arthritis patients take medical marijuana to relieve chronic pain. The practice of using cannabis to ease arthritis pain dates back to Ancient China.
It is the THC’s anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the pain. Furthermore, some cancer patients take marijuana as part of their pain management requirements.
As most cancer patients find chemotherapy painful, THC’s pain-relieving prowess can help reduce the pain and discomfort of patients.
3. Manages Depression
Between THC and CBD, it is the former that comes with psychoactive effects. This means it is THC that gives you that feeling of “high” whenever you take cannabis.
And when you take it at minimal levels, it can help manage your depression. As you take cannabis into your body, it adds endocannabinoids that your body may already lack.
As a result, your body returns to homeostasis. This is the state wherein the body functions steadily and optimally. In turn, your depression levels may decrease.
4. Treats Muscle Spasticity
Muscle spasticity pertains to the stiffening of your muscles. This happens when there is a disruption or damage in the spinal cord and brain. These two control your muscles and reflexes.
As a result, you cannot stretch your muscles, affecting your gait and speech.
When you take marijuana, the THC binds with your cannabinoid receptors. It then reduces inflammation in the body. In turn, your muscle spasms may loosen.
5. Reduces Nausea and Vomiting
Whether it’s chronic nausea or the side-effects of chemotherapy, THC can help reduce that feeling. Furthermore, it can do the same thing with your vomiting.
The same as with the other benefits we discussed earlier, THC reacts with your brain receptors to help regulate your feelings that cause nausea.
6. Aids in Easing Effects of Glaucoma
Glaucoma pertains to severe eye conditions affecting the optic nerve. This happens when there is too much pressure on your eyes. It results in blurred vision, which may lead to blindness among the elderly.
Thankfully, THC can help reduce the pressure on the eyeball. It particularly lowers intraocular pressure. Moreover, it provides temporary relief for people who feel pain in their eyeballs.
7. Slows Down Alzheimer’s Disease
One of the most promising THC health benefits is that it may help slow the development of Alzheimer’s Disease, which ranks sixth among the leading causes of death in the United States.
Though experts continue to research THC’s effects on Alzheimer’s Disease patients, things look promising. THC’s antioxidant and neuroprotective properties can help treat the dreaded disease.
8. Can Boost Your Mood
If you are feeling down or anxious, the THC in cannabis can help boost your mood. As we mentioned earlier, it is the THC that gives you that “high.”
Hence, taking the right amounts of cannabis can reduce your anxiety. Furthermore, it may also work as a sedative in low doses.
But be very careful when taking marijuana. Having too much THC in the body can lead to increased anxiety and paranoia.
9. Reduces Gut Inflammation
If you have chronic stomach problems like pain, THC can help improve your gut health.
Studies suggest that THC helps block the body’s cannabinoids that facilitate the entry of bacteria. In turn, it stops the intestines’ permeability and tightens the intestinal bond.
10. Helps Control Seizures
Studies noted that THC can help control epileptic seizures. THC binds with the brain cells that control the body’s ability to relax. It also reacts with the brain cells that control the body’s excitability.
11. May Help Cancer Patients
Last but not least, THC in cannabis may help cancer patients in their battle. But let’s get one thing clear: the positive effects of THC on cancer patients still need further studies.
Nevertheless, doctors and cancer patients report positive feedback after using cannabis. As for cancer research, experts are still looking into the effects of the THC-CBD combination on brain cancer cells.
They are also conducting more studies on the efficacy of THC against breast cancer cells, lung cancer cells, and prostate cancer cells.
Tips for Buying Medical Marijuana
If you are looking to try medical marijuana, here are some tips to consider:
- Research on the best dispensaries
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions
- Bring Your ID
- Always Pay in Cash
Also, don’t be afraid to consult with friends and family who already tried medical marijuana. Ask for suggestions and guidance regarding proper use.
Learn More About Medical Benefits of THC and Marijuana
Though some of the medical benefits of THC still need further studies, there is no question that many marijuana users are feeling its positive health effects. And if you wish to learn more about medical marijuana, the key is to continue with your research.
We invite you to read our other articles on the cannabis plant. We discuss topics that will help you understand marijuana and maximize the many THC benefits.
