We all know that marijuana is big business. We also know that it hasn’t been heavily researched so information on its efficiency really comes down to testimonials – confessions of people who have tried it and reaped the benefits of it. However, from all the studies that have been conducted so far, we can safely assume where research of medical marijuana is heading. For instance, an HIV study has been done humans and it seems that people who are suffering from HIV and consuming marijuana eat better, are in a better mood and have better sleep. I’m sure that’s not only the case for HIV patients but for most people who smoke marijuana. However, another study in the same area proved that people who smoke cannabis experience a calmer nervous system. Again, not surprising.
Alzheimer’s & Cancer
In another study, patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease have also been using cannabis to increase their appetite, improve their mood and in one particular study, it was shown that protein deposits in the brain progress more slowly after they have been hit with a good stash of marijuana. When it comes to asthma research, both the doctors and the people are a bit skeptical and for a valid reason. Some asthma related studies show that marijuana could reduce asthma that was caused by exercising while other people reported a feeling of discomfort in their lungs after inhaling marijuana. Cancer research, on the other hand, is pretty straightforward and certain marijuana strains are pretty much proven to either kill cancer cells, slow down their development or even be helpful during radiotherapy, not to mention that it obviously increases appetite for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a well-known ailment but that is only because cannabis has such a mildly sedative effect. Because of this “condition”, a lot of people are taking advantage of current medical marijuana laws and pretend like they have splitting headaches and chronic back pain only to get some of that sweet bud. We can’t say we blame them but it’s ruining the reputation that cannabis worked so hard to restore. We have already written about the effects cannabis has on epilepsy and seizures and that is truly awe-inspiring so feel free to check that out in our previous articles.
Glaucoma & MS
Two other diseases where cannabis has been researches and proven effective are glaucoma and multiple sclerosis. Glaucoma can cause blindness. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of it and the research studies show that THC can reduce lower eye pressure, which consequently, makes things a bit easier on the optic nerve. In terms of multiple sclerosis, we may thank cannabis for reducing muscle spasms, stiffness and tremors.
So, this is the state of the union, these are the illnesses that were lucky enough to have a small portion of scientific research dedicated solely to them. Will most research funding continue to flow in the directions we already mentioned above or will some of it be spared to treat other diseases as well?
