HOME

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

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.

No comments:

Post a Comment