In 1999, a study by the Institute of Medicine sponsored by the American Government, discovered health benefits of cannabis or marijuana in specific medical conditions like nausea triggered by chemotherapy. Since then, many studies have focused on researching the health and medicinal benefits of cannabis. Cannabis plants have almost 40% CBD that is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. Here are some of the key health benefits from cannabis:

1. Pain management: Cannabinoids in marijuana are known to lessen pain by changing one’s brain’s pathways of pain-perception. This is why smoking marijuana is considered helpful for treating chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines, endometriosis, etc. Medical marijuana may be used instead of NSAIDs like ibuprofen that has many negative side-effects.
2. Fights inflammation: CBD present in marijuana can help to reduce inflammation; this is why it is widely hailed as a treatment option for inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, IBS or irritable bowel syndrome, etc.
3. Treats mental disorders: Because of its effects on the central nervous system, doctors often prescribe cannabis for treating neurological conditions like depression, anxiety, epilepsy, PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, etc. Cannabis also helps to ease the pain and lessen tremors caused in people with Parkinson’s disease and promotes sleep patterns. It can improve their motor skills and soothe tremors. THC, an active ingredient in marijuana, is able to slow down the progress of Alzheimer’s disease. It retards formation of amyloid plaques that tend to destroy brain cells, triggering Alzheimer’s.
4. Sleep management: Marijuana has relaxing effects and is found to be effective for treating sleep-related disorders like insomnia. Improve sleep patterns are possible when marijuana has been used for pain relief.
5. Improves lung capacity: Unlike cigarette smoking, smoking cannabis will not damage your lungs. Incidentally, a study has reported that this exercise may boost your lung capacity.
6. Weight loss: Smoking marijuana can help you lose unwanted weight. Cannabis helps to regulate insulin in the body and effectively manages the body’s caloric intake.
7. Prevents/ Regulates diabetes: Since it impacts insulin levels, cannabis can prove effective for preventing or controlling diabetes. Studies have shown that it has links to controlled blood pressure, stable blood sugar levels, and better blood circulation. Cannabis also helps to treat glaucoma that refers to an increase in pressure inside the eye that can damage the optic nerves, leading to vision loss.
8. Fights cancer: This is perhaps one of the strongest reasons to use cannabis. A lot of evidence exists to prove that cannabis can prevent cancer spread. Marijuana was seen to slow down the growth of cancerous cells in the body.
9. Seizure control: Research has shown that cannabis helps to control seizures and epilepsy. It also provides relief to people suffering from multiple sclerosis that is associated with painful muscle contractions. Cannabidiol helps to heal broken bones and boost bone healing.
10. ADHD Treatment: Individuals diagnosed with ADHD have difficulty concentrating on tasks and face problems with concentration and cognitive performance. But, cannabis shows a lot of promise in helping such people improve their focus and is found to be far better option compared to Ritalin or Adderall.