10 Benefits of Using Medical Marijuana + Possible Side Effects

Marijuana is made from the dried buds and leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant.

With a wide variety of health benefits, marijuana has been used for generations to heal and treat common afflictions. From reducing inflammation to decreasing anxiety, marijuana can be used in many ways to improve one’s quality of life.

An estimated 159 million people around the world use marijuana, according to the United Nations. Also, more than 95 million Americans have admitted using it at least once.

Consider The Following Benefits Of Using Medical Marijuana:

#1 Relieve Vomiting and Nausea

Marijuana is often used to reduce nausea in patients prone to vomiting. For example, doctors often prescribe medical marijuana to their chemotherapy patients to help ease their symptoms of nausea.

According to certain studies of chemotherapy patients, cannabis offers a 70% – 100% relief of vomiting and nausea.

#2 Stimulate Your Appetite

Whether it’s for medical reasons or simply personal ones, many people that have difficulty gaining weight turn to marijuana to help stimulate their appetite.

As studies show that marijuana use and weight and appetite are correlated, many cancer, AIDS, and anorexia patients are given marijuana to help stimulate their appetite. Certain studies show that smoking marijuana leads to an increase in one’s caloric intake by 40%.

#3 Decrease Anxiety

In addition to treating some of the more pervasive symptoms associated with diseases, many people rely on marijuana to decrease their anxiety.

Researchers hold that regular use of marijuana from a mail-order dispensary works to improve one’s mood while acting as a sedative as well. When consumed in smaller doses, marijuana works to actively reduce anxiety, though higher doses are linked to an increase of paranoia.

When using marijuana for medical purposes, certified doctors should regulate the dosage. In some states, like Maryland, marijuana is legal only for medical use. Obtaining a marijuana card can allow you to buy it legally, so you should consult with certified marijuana doctors in Maryland to obtain the card if you have a qualifying condition.

A reduced level of anxiety is also good for bulimia sufferers since anxiety (especially social anxiety) can trigger bulimia nervosa.

#4 Help with Epilepsy

Patients with epilepsy are often prescribed cannabidiol oil. This derivative of marijuana effectively reduces seizure by 39%, according to a study of children with Dravet syndrome.

This CBD oil doesn’t contain THC, which guarantees that its users won’t experience the psychological side effects associated with THC.

#5 Alleviate Chronic Pain

Another popular benefit of marijuana is its effectiveness in alleviating chronic pain. While most people use the likes of over-the-counter and prescription medication to handle this pain, marijuana’s effects are comparable in reducing pain.

Multiple studies link marijuana use to a decrease in chronic neuropathic pain that many people experience as a result of some of the most widespread syndromes and diseases.

#6 Reduce Headaches and Migraines

Marijuana has been regarded as an effective treatment for headaches for years. While most headaches can be treated with the likes of acetaminophen, most people have no luck when it comes to treating migraines.

With the help of marijuana, individuals with migraines can trigger their endocannabinoid system to reduce the inflammatory and physiological components associated with migraine attacks.

#7 Treat Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes an increased risk of bone fractures as a result of a loss of bone density. The cannabinoid receptor in the brain is considered to be a stimulant of bone formation.

As this receptor is activated by marijuana (particularly THC), studies show that marijuana is an effective treatment for fighting osteoporosis and its symptoms.

#8 Improve Lupus Symptoms

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack itself. Certain chemicals that are present in marijuana helps to calm one’s immune system.

As a treatment for lupus, marijuana helps treat symptomatic pain and eliminate nausea, and similar issues.

#9 Help Eliminate Nightmares

As nightmares have a variety of triggers, they can be quite difficult to treat. However, studies show that using marijuana to eliminate nightmares it particularly helpful.

As marijuana works to interrupt REM sleep (the stage of the sleep cycle known for dreams), many people that would otherwise experience nightmares don’t have the opportunity to do so.

#10 Treat PTSD

PTSD is a complicated issue to treat, but many studies show that marijuana plays an instrumental role in doing so. The cannabinoids in marijuana help to control the way the body experiences anxiety and fear.

Regardless of whether the marijuana is vaporized or smoked, experts hold that it is an effective treatment for PTSD.

Warnings & Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use

Marijuana accounts for 17 percent of admissions to treatment facilities in the United States, second only to opiates among illicit substances. This happens since marijuana has mind-altering compounds which affect both the body and brain.

Some of the effects include:

• psychosis (when taken in high doses);
• delusions (when taken in high doses);
• hallucinations (when taken in high doses);
• impaired memory;
• difficulty with thinking and problem-solving;
• impaired body movement;
• changes in mood;
• altered sense of time;
• altered senses.

Important note – mothers who smoke pot while pregnant face a significantly higher risk of giving birth to premature or underweight babies.

Additionally, it may increase the effects of other drugs which cause drowsiness, including:

• muscle relaxants;
• antidepressants;
• seizure medicines;
• alcohol;
• anxiety medicines;
• antihistamines;
• pain relievers;
• sedatives.