Medical marijuana and the issuing of MMJ cards in California has made the drug one of the most mainstream medicinal and social forms of treatment in the United States. In this article, we’re going to explore some of the biggest benefits of medical marijuana and what having that all-important California medical marijuana card means for you. Cannabis has been a very tricky plant to study, but as the U.S. relaxes its attitude toward the drug, the indisputable benefits of medical marijuana are starting to come to light. With an MMJ card, you can benefit from them, too!
Lose Weight
If you have a medical marijuana card, you might actually start to slim down.
Many people associate marijuana with the munchies and eating food that you really shouldn’t be eating, so this might sound crazy, but MMJ can actually help you lose weight. Numerous studies have shown that not only are marijuana users slimmer than non-users, but marijuana is also capable of reducing insulin levels in your body, which can, in fact, promote weight loss. Marijuana users have a lower obesity rate than non-MMJ users, according to a study published in the American Journal of Medicine.
Treat Bowel Problems
The key components of marijuana THC and cannabidiol can combine with the cells in your body to improve the function of your gut and even immune responses. The cannabinoids in marijuana are actually capable of making your intestinal cells form a tighter bond, which, in turn, helps keep bacteria out and protects your immune system from bowel diseases.
Prevent Spread of HIV
Studies show medical marijuana can help prevent the spread of HIV.
The main component of medical marijuana — tetrahydrocannabinol, or the much easier to pronounce THC — can help stop the spread of HIV and AIDS. The cannabinoids within marijuana contain powerful anti-viral compounds that help prevent the spread of the disease. For those already suffering from HIV, these compounds have helped to reduce nausea, neuropathic pain and body weakness.
Relieve Arthritis Pain
Patients who have a medical marijuana card have seen severe reductions in pain compared to those who have not been treated with medical marijuana. MMJ has actually proven to be a more effective form of treatment compared to any other form of conventional medicine.
Reduce Chemo Symptoms
Suffering from cancer is one of the hardest things to do in life. The process of chemo is mentally and physically draining. Cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy typically suffer from loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Medical marijuana is commonly used to help treat these side effects and to increase appetite, reduce nausea and cope with pain.
Help with Effects of Strokes and Epilepsy
Numerous studies have proven that medical marijuana can help to protect your brain after suffering from a stroke. MMJ reduces the size of the area of the brain affected by the stroke and, as a result, helps to prevent future strokes from happening. It has also been proven to reduce convulsions and minimize them for people suffering from epilepsy.
Reduce Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Studies have shown that medical marijuana is not only an effective way to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s but can actually help prevent the disease altogether. This is because the cannabinoids found in MMJ are able to reduce the neurodegenerative process that occurs when someone has Alzheimer’s. For those who suffer from the disease, it’s a great method of reducing the effects, and for those who don’t, it’s a great way of preventing it.
Deal with Anxiety
The best of the best at Harvard medical school have performed studies that show that medical marijuana can help to reduce and prevent anxiety for both small and large scale sufferers.
Treat Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is the late-stage scarring of the liver, and symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, easy bleeding and bruising. Marijuana has been used to help treat and alleviate some of the more severe symptoms of cirrhosis. The two major cannabinoids found in medical weed — tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) — bind with or influence the cannabinoid receptors in your body. The theory is that this acts as a fusing mechanism and helps to replicate the role of a person suffering from liver damage. Although medical marijuana is not thought to repair the damage, it is believed to have a beneficial effect on containing it.
Treat Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a nasty eye condition that can lead to blindness. With the legalization of medical marijuana, studies have illustrated how it can be used to treat glaucoma. The THC in marijuana helps lower the intraocular pressure in your eyes. Because glaucoma is caused by an excess buildup of pressure, it can be used in conjunction with other medications.
These are only a few of the many benefits of becoming a California weed card holder. With your MMJ card in hand, you can visit your local dispensary, and you may find that the owner has an almost pharmacy-like knowledge of how medical marijuana can help you.