Multiple provinces, across countries in the world, are legalizing medical marijuana. The most common use of medical marijuana has been to treat pain such as headaches, nerve pain, glaucoma or even cancer.

We bring you the most common medical benefits of medical marijuana:

Helps reverse the effect of tobacco and improves lung health in tobacco smokers

Marijuana has been known not to impair lung function, and in many situations even improve lung health. In research conducted by the American Medical Association, tobacco users lost lung capacity over time, but marijuana users showed an increase in lung capacity.

Helps control Epileptic Seizures

Marijuana has shown to help control epileptic seizures. In a study by Virginia commonwealth university, marijuana given to rats has been shown to control seizures in them. Additionally. Cannabinoids have been known to bind to brain cells responsible for controlling excitement and regulating relaxation.

Lowers anxiety post Chemotherapy

In a study by Harvard Medical School, marijuana has been shown to decrease stress. It helps to relieve pain and reduce nausea. Moreover, most often it has been prescribed post chemotherapy, that has two common side effects namely pain and nausea.

Improves Retention and Virological outcomes in patients treated for Hepatitis C

In a study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology, results suggest that marijuana use may offer virological benefits to patients undergoing Hepatitis C treatment, by helping adherence to change medical and body regimes. In other words, marijuana helped reduce the side effects of Hepatitis C medications. The study outcomes that 86% patients using marijuana completed Hepatitis C medications, while only 29% of non-marijuana users completed treatment.

Increases your Metabolism

A study conducted by the American Journal of Medicine concluded that marijuana users have better metabolism and healthier reaction to sugars. Due to improved metabolism, typical marijuana users are much more skinnier and can lose weight quickly compared to non-users.

Helps counter autoimmune disorder, Lupus

Marijuana is now used to treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own tissues and organs. Marijuana has been shown to have a calming effect on the body’s immune system, that counters the effect of Lupus.

Reduces the severity of Chron’s Disease

Marijuana has been shown to counter the effect of inflammatory bowel disorder (Chron’s Disease) by regulating bacterial and intestinal functions. Furthermore, a study was done in Israel where Marijuana is legal for medicinal purposes. It helped decrease the symptoms in 10 out of 11 patients. Moreover, it caused complete reduction of the disease in 5 out of 11 patients.

Soothes tremors in people with Parkinson’s Disease

Patients with Parkinson’s Disease suffer from pains and tremors at regular intervals. Again, A study in Israel has found that marijuana helps to reduce these pains and tremors. Moreover, motor skills among Parkinson’s patients were much improved due to marijuana.

Decreases Intraocular Pressure

Marijuana has been shown to reduce Intraocular Pressure (IOP) in people with Glaucoma. However, it does not seem to be as effective as other products prescribed by an eye doctor. It has been shown to decrease IOP only for 3 to 4 hours. Therefore, repeated intake is necessary to lower Intraocular Pressure.

In summary, Medical Marijuana may have benefits, but in the long run consumption of marijuana could lead to multiple side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, memory loss and euphoria. Therefore, even if legal, marijuana should be used only in consultation with a Doctor.