When you say ‘Cannabis’, the first thing that comes to mind is the image of a few teenagers sneaking around in the dark to smoke a blunt…but that’s not what cannabis is.
We’re not talking about poorly sourced local drugs consumed in a raw form, when we say cannabis, we’re talking about the key ingredients found in the cannabis plant and processed in different forms.
This ranges from pharmaceutical grade medication to health and wellness products like CBD gummies, CBD oils, or even different strains of cannabis that are grown under controlled conditions. The reason for this is that cannabis inherently has a host of healing properties and effects on the human body that have been found to be extremely helpful.
Without much ado let’s get into a few surprising benefits of the cannabis plant.
1) Can prevent diabetes and regulate body weight?
Studies have shown that Cannabis can help control and prevent diabetes. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, there is a direct correlation between Cannabis and Type 2 diabetes.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a compound found in cannabis that helps regulate insulin in the body. How much though?
Well the study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the fasting insulin levels in those who used Cannabis were 16% lower. Also, the insulin resistance levels were 17% lower in Cannabis users.
By regulating the insulin levels in the body cannabis not only lowers the risk of diabetes but also helps regulate your weight so that sugar spikes don’t lead to rapid fat gain, metabolism paces up and hunger is also well regulated!
2) Can be used for the treatment of glaucoma
Since we’re talking about ‘surprising’ health benefits, here’s one that’ll definitely stand out. Glaucoma is an eye disease that increases pressure on the eyes and can lead to partial or complete blindness. According to the National Eye Institute of the U.S.A., Cannabis reduces the pressure and in turn the stress exerted on the eyeballs.
It can be used for the prevention and treatment of glaucoma and can slow down the progression of the disease considerably. ‘Eye-catching’ benefit, isn’t it!
3) Can prevent Cancer from Spreading
Over the last few years of medical research, the anticancer properties of cannabis have come to light. Cannabis consumption in various studies done across the world has shown to inhibit and limit or reduce the size of certain malignant tumours.
Through direct cell death or inhibiting the further spread of these cancerous cells, cannabis does indeed have a clear impact on cancer. According to a study conducted in 2012, a compound in Cannabis can restrict the metastasis in certain types of aggressive cancer. In the UK, researchers successfully used Cannabis to kill cancer cells in leukaemia patients.
Besides that, a number of researches suggest that oral cannabinoids are effective against vomiting and nausea – caused due to chemotherapy and can help a patient get sound sleep, deal with the stress and headaches better that are a part of the side-effects of chemotherapy.
4) Can Heal bones and help patients with Arthritis
Here’s a surprising benefit when it comes to healing properties.
The Bone Research Laboratory in Tel Aviv suggests that it helps in strengthening the bones during the healing process, making them stronger and reducing the chances of future fractures. It is also an effective painkiller and has been found to help patients with rheumatoid arthritis get sound sleep and reduce their aches and pains.
Yet another benefit for the older generation, and yet cannabis is assumed to be something meant to be consumed by only teenagers. Food for thought? Definitely.
5) Can help with tremors related to Parkinson’s Disease
Cannabis and Parkinson’s Disease management? Yes, you read that right! Cannabis can help reduce tremors and pain, and it also helps promote sleep. Research has also shown to improve motor skills in patients.
Well, the list could really go on and we could tell you about how it also helps reduce stress, tackle anxiety, help people with ADHD, etc. But we’ll save that for another day.
This psychoactive plant has effects on not only your mental but also physical well-being, and if consumed correctly under medical supervision can greatly enhance your quality of life –
That’s the last thought we’re going to leave you with. Until next time!