And Whoever Told That Pot Isn't Healthy?

Of all the medicinal plants known to man, marijuana (cannabis) is one of those that have been deemed both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, marijuana can indeed lead to erratic and violent behavior if a person ingests too much of it, not to mention the health risks it poses if used without medical supervision. On the other hand, it is also one of the most potent pharmaceuticals available and is touted to help treat a myriad of diseases.

The ancient Chinese and Egyptians have used cannabis for thousands of years, mostly as pain-reliever and a drug to treat rheumatism, hemorrhoids, and other ailments. However, it is only quite recently that the major ingredients of the drug are fully-explored, hinting of other medical benefits that were not yet known until now. Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, for instance, has been shown to help in treating chronic anxiety and depression.

Another major component of medical cannabis is cannabidoil (CBD) which is known to treat inflammations, multiple sclerosis, and dystonia. However, it is also found out to be able to halt/hinder the growth of some cancer cells, particularly those that propagate breast cancer, by neutralizing a gene called ID1 found in the body. In November 2012, some Israeli scientists have created a new strain of cannabis with higher levels of CBD and almost no traces of THC, creating a drug that doesn't have the addictive potential found in other kinds of medical marijuana.

Up in Smoke: On Marijuana as Medicine

The cannabis plant is well-known for its use as marijuana, a psychoactive drug. The drug is best known as the substance of choice for those looking for a quick “high,” although in recent times, people have been pushing for the drug's use as a legal form of medicine. Indeed, marijuana reportedly has numerous health benefits, many of which are quite well-documented.

Due to its nature as a psychoactive drug, marijuana is a natural fit as a pain reliever. Researchers much later on found out that the drug had other interesting effects which could alleviate certain conditions. For one, studies suggest that cannabis can treat ailments such as intra-ocular pressure caused by glaucoma, muscle spasms, breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and more.

Interestingly, the drug was found to be an effective expectorant, which can be handy for those with mucus-lined throats and lungs. Marijuana was also found to be capable of acting as an anti-inflammatory analgesic, similar to the universal aspirin. Other studies noted the decrease of obesity rates among cannabis users (a rather curious side-effect, as the use of marijuana can induce hunger), and further research could lead to slimming supplements. Marijuana might be infamous as a recreational drug, but it certainly holds a lot of promise as a medicinal herb.