There are pioneers in every field, including the Marijuana field (pun intended!), and the earliest record of cannabis being used as a treatment goes back to China in 28 BC. Emperor Shen-Nung prescribed cannabis for: beriberi, constipation, female weakness, gout, malaria, rheumatism, and absent-mindedness.

Further historical uses include:

Eight-hundred years later, in Ancient Egypt, we have records suggesting that cannabis was used to treat sore eyes.

In the tenth century BC, a cannabis preparation known as bhang was used as an anaesthetic in India.

It is thought that the religious use of the plant predated the medical use. In fact, cannabis is still used in Hindu and Sikh temples, as well as at Mohammedan shrines, to aid meditation. In rituals where food and water are disallowed, it is also used to overcome hunger and thirst, although how this squares with the well-documented munchies is difficult to say.

Back to China, but fast forward to the 2nd century AD, and we find that cannabis was used as an analgesic in surgical procedures.

There are many more historical incidences of marijuana use but to list them all might have you clicking off to another site! Suffice it say that weed, pot, or whatever else you wish to call it, has historically been used in the treatment of these medical conditions:

tetanus

rabies

delirium tremens (DTs)

infantile convulsions

nerve pain

cholera,

very heavy periods

rheumatism

hay fever

asthma

skin diseases

prolonged labour in childbirth

Astoundingly, despite the hoard of cannabis detractors, tests were undertaken in the mid-20th century (so about 40 years ago), which proved that cannabis sativa is effective as an antibiotic for local infections. Given the crisis in hospital acquired infections that are resistant to current antibiotics, surely, this use of the evil weed is one worth exploring.

The following list of ailments against which cannabis is thought to be effective was published in a House of Lords report, The Therapeutic Uses of Cannabis – Second Report, 2001:

AIDS Wasting Syndrome

Arthritis

Brain Injury/Stroke

Multiple Sclerosis

Nausea associated with cancer Chemotherapy

Anti-Tumour Effects

Asthma

Epilepsy

Glaucoma

Schizophrenia

General Pain

Migraine

Eating Disorders

Please let us know whether you have used marijuana to improve your health.

Share

Join the discussion 46 Comments

  • thor says:

    I love weed, and i like this list and all but i can tell you from experience that it doesn’t help with schizophrenia. They deffinatly need to legalize it already, the law can’t win this one.

  • Chase says:

    Hey, I use this for my ADHD, OCD, Depression, Insomnia, Pain, GI Tract Problems and much more. This is by far the best, safest and most effective medicine on the planet EARTH!

  • JT says:

    I cant fine a list of dispensaries for the Tacoma/Puyallup area

  • lyns says:

    Yes it is a wonderdrug.

    I have always had depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, ocd etc. I cannot sleep unless I am high becauseni have a very overactive mind. But then I get high and all of my problems disappear. It can help us live a normal life and just enjoy being ourselves.

    Someone I am very close to has a bone disease and it helps her cope with the pain and lead a normal life, another friend is bipolar and she can relax and be happy. Some people just need weed to survive, honestly. Please legalize it and make the world a happier place and help those who are in pain, cannot eat, or cannot relax.

  • John says:

    Some states are really behind the times on medical Marijuana.. I seen it go through in colorado and the police, although it was legal still raided the shops.. I am really glad to see times are changing.

  • the girl says:

    i use it for my BPD an my ADHD i cant stand the way the drugs that doctors give me i feel so sick i noticed when i use cannabis i could sit still longer an hold a stable mood for more then 5 mins. i get a better affect from it then i do taking regular meds it saves the stomach pains and the lost of appetite

  • I have used marijuana for a long time as a cognitive enhancer to retrieve distant memories, to work creatively, to introspect my own feelings, to better understand others and to obtain deep insights.

    I’ve just published the first book that solely focuses on the mind enhancing potential of marijuana: “High. Insights on Marijuana” (Dogear Publishing 2010, available on amazon, barnes&noble and sebastianmarincolo.com).

    My interdisciplinary study shows that there is a huge potential of marijuana for psychotherapy and for personal growth which is usually underrated even by the most fervent advocates of medical marijuana.

  • Brandon says:

    Who ever runs this website needs to have efficient data concerning all medical conditions. Diabetes? Diabetic Complications? CAD? Neuroprotectin aspects?

  • david says:

    I have suffered with depression all my life. Could not cope with it and have bp1. On Lithium with my
    Topomax. Almost 5oo mg, not working yet. I live in florida is there help for me.

  • I use cannabis to help my depression and my knee was that fucked up when I had surgery.

    Can we please stop putting people in jail and charging the tax payers to lock them up. Where does the money go? to the COMPANIES, thats right the COMPANIES, that OWN the prisons!!

    That’s right prisons are a business now. Only in AMerica. And now they want more inmates for more $$$$$!!!

    The police are happy to catch people with weed, because they are less violent, and easy to catch. Why go after murderers, rapist, child molesters, and robbers, when we can catch a few college kids smoking a bowl of Kush in the park.

    WTF is wrong with the rock we live on??

  • Chris says:

    I’ve had a long history of depression due to family issues and family related death, and I’ve been slowly recovering from major depression ever since I started using cannabis, my anxiety has also gone down tremendously within the last year.

    Many say that cannabis can harm those with depression but for me it has turned me around ten-fold.

    All I need is a couple joints a day, and I feel exuberant all the time.

    Cannabis has helped me balance the normal stresses of my life, and come to terms with my family’s history.

    I can’t speak for every person with depression who has used cannabis in hopes it would help, but for me it has been an excellent catalyst in getting rid of my depression.

    Plus i’ve noticed a remarkable change in my work ethic, I’m a much more productive person, and I work very hard on everything I do.

  • tom says:

    What did you smoke sativa or indica before bedtime.

  • Kyra says:

    I have gastroparesis, a disease in which your stomach has a very difficult time digesting food and often leaves you either with extreme nausea or vomiting undigested chunks of food. It also comes with severe stomach cramps (nearly every day for me) and your diet is extremely limited. Without the use of marijuana I can only eat maybe 1/2 peanut butter sandwich a day, though I can usually drink as much as I want.

    Obviously, this sucks! I had smoked herb for a while before I got diagnosed with gastroparesis but had quit for about 3 years prior. Upon diagnosis and a 10-day-no-food-at-all stay in the hospital, I went home and lit up a bowl and could eat about a normal sized meal (which for me is A LOT of food). Without pot, I’d probably only weigh about 85 lbs (I’m 5′) but with it I’ve been able to keep my weight at around 105. This is an amazing plant and I love it now even more than I did before!

  • R Olson says:

    I use cannabis to help with my bipolar disorder. I rapid cycle and the drugs that the doctors had me on before were horrible. I was catatonic most of the time. I had no emotion, no feelings, and just existed.

    About 3 years ago I read about how someone used it to treat BPD. I have been off the harmful drugs with the very bad side effects ever since. I smoke about a 1/2 a bowl each night and as needed if I slip into a mania. My cycles are fewer and fewer between.

  • Marie says:

    I began using marijuana for pain management approximately 10 years ago. I was born with structural birth defects to the lower half of my body; I also have a rare genetic blood disorder that essentially makes me allergic to ALL forms of chemical narcotics and highly sensitive to things as simple as Tylenol.

    Without marijuana, I cannot move, sleep or eat due to the constant high level of pain I experience daily. I am educated with an extensive medical background, specialized in anatomy and physiology, and have a broad knowledge base in homeopathic medicine.

    I am not a criminal; in fact at one time I wore a uniform and took oaths to uphold the law. But laws instituted in the United States make it Ok that I should suffer needlessly because the pain relief I so desperately require does not come from the pharmacy, it grows out of the ground. Where are my rights? Why don’t I count? I am angry.

  • MIGUEL WILLIAM says:

    My dad is perscribed to marijuana, his doctor gave him it for his chronic back and neck pain, but I noticed that when he don’t smoke his personality completely changes from Mr. nice guy to an absolute rage driven maniac. He’s don’t even act angry its full blown RAGE. I was wondering if marijuana can treat a mental conditions such as constant rage, bipolar symtoms, or split personalties?

  • Philip says:

    Hey folks I’m just catching up on the post. Yes I have used marijuana for medical reasons. I’m a cronic suffer of Migraines. Marijuana regardless of its strength did not supress it in anyway and I’m not talking about a week or two basis. I’m talking months of practical use. However, I will say that my joint pains in my knee and sholders went away.

    There is NO do it all miracule pill cure. It’s a balance. I do not want to take multiple perscriptions fro pain. My doctor calls pills posion. I have no issues with folks using for medical reasons. I really do not see why folks get so upset.

  • smkitup says:

    ok marissa when someone in your family starts doing dope or h or oc or any of that, you’ll wish maybe you had some pot for them. Believe me, i know an 18 year olds brain isn’t quite developed properly but come on man! Why are you wasting your time here?

  • clutch says:

    I have went to my med. Dr. and have got my papers. Done.

  • Hodge says:

    I have epilepsy, seizers & migraines. I was told by all of my docs. that they felt it was fine to smoke and that does include my surgens all agreing it was fine for me to do that. But at the time it was still illegal for me to have. Now it is leagle, What do i need to do? My doc wasn’t sure what needs to be done. He gave me a writen perscription saying he feels it right for me to do this. but, i’m sure i will need some other papers to fill out. Please help me find what i need to do. Some place to get the court papers or something!

  • gmoney says:

    ok marissa look. 1st off if it is legalized that doesnt mean your kids have 2 smoke it that just means its legally available and if they do smoke it they wont go to jail 4 it wihout u knowing anything because they had 2 hide it.

    Sometimes maybe not all but sometimes it can help do things that presciptions may not be able to. Don’t get me wrong im not addicted to it but I do blow every now and again when im stressin or got alot on my mind.

    Even if it is legalized it doesnt mean ur kids will get on it the best thing to do is raise them right and teach them the way you want them to be taught. Anything beyond that its their choice and they gonna do what they want to do just like you did.

  • Marie says:

    My husband has suffered from RLS for years and it has gone to his right arm 100 times worse than his legs. Have tried everything, food, herbs, prescriptions which have horrid side affects and two that work opiates and valium family are addicting. He has had a breakdown as a result of not being able to sleep and get away from what he calls electric ants in his bones.

    I read about smoking pot which he has never been able to do as he gets to twisted on it. Anyway he tried 2 puffs and the RLS was instantly gone out of his arm. I think he will learn to tolerate it..LOL because we are thanking the great kahoona or who ever because if this continues to work what a break through for the millions of sufferers. Why this is illegal I never understood, but now there is no reason other than total ignorance and control that it should not be made available in every state. Thankfully we live in Humboldt County California or we may have never known.

    If you have RLS or any disorder of the nervous system I say give it a try. I have read about to many suicides from RLS and it just does not have to be so.

  • Marrisa says:

    Ok so look, i grew up with a drugy so ya i know the ups and downs to this shit kay it don’t work like a miracle worker you have to be hooked in order for it to work. And the migraine shit… ya right take migrain pills, and eating disorder, why not put them in a phisility or whatever ok but this is a bad example for the kids, i should know i was on drugs for most of my life now im 18 and havent touche them in 2 years. i will be damned if anyone in my family touches those filthy drugs my aunt died cause of drugs. so ya. hope you keep that in mind when you make it legat for your kids to start smoken mj. thanx for your time

  • Mattie says:

    Hi, lookstwices, seems like we have much the same issues – even tho we’re on separate sides of the pond! There aren’t many answers forthcoming are there – perhaps we could ask Blog Admin to set up this forum they’ve been promising!

    Are you reading Blog Admin!

  • lookstwices says:

    i am looking for a site that deals with epilepsy which i have and i live in a no med state so you know i have to get my med from the streets any help on what is best for us.

  • Mattie says:

    I’ve just started to investigate the use of marijuana for medical reasons. My last experience with weed was back in the 70’s and was strictly for recreational purposes. Now, though, I have a rare and painful illness that medical science is still battling to deal with. I’m thinking about using marijuana as a pain reliever but, well, I’m in the UK and things are a little different here to in the States.

    Any advice anyone. Oh, and just in case there are a few of you out there, the condition is called Behcet’s Disease.

    http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Behcets-disease/Pages/introduction.aspx

  • I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.

  • conni says:

    I dont get medical marijuana my Dr. is not for that treatment. I smoke, the stuff of the street. its shit but it helps a little.

  • Please take a moment to watch my short video on the First Public Pot Club in America. Inside Dennis Peron’s Buyers Club in 1996, at the corner of Van Ness Ave. & Market Street..inside a four story building.

    It profiles a member as she makes her way to the club, using her medicine for her MS.

    Please take mote: The third Floor is for Mexican weed, and the Fourth for Californian.

    Filmed in 1996.

    Here is link to the 10 minute film at youtube.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk-DsZR6vq4&feature=channel_page

    and a link to my LSD DOCUMENTARY FILM:

    Features Groucho Marx’s Trip on LSD, CIA LSD Brothel, Ram Dass, Tim Leary’s experiments, and LSD’s effect on the anti-war movement.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZdz0G4lG6k&feature=channel_page

    spread this knowledge..post on facebook for Viral Spiral.

    Thank you

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZdz0G4lG6k&feature=channel_page

  • Paul Duggan says:

    Dear Mr. President,
    I Believe the health care system does need to be reformed.
    But, Doctors have an Oath, To care for ill people, to save lives if
    they can be, That Oath does not talk about money.
    But there are other issues, and so many of them I am sure.
    Why can’t Washington uphold the ones that are already in place.
    Such as. California has the Prop. 215 in place for the state,
    And all the Counties Regulate it how they want, since 1996; 13 yrs. ago.
    The Federal Goverment does not respect state Law, this is a shame
    that is being swept underneath the rug, But it is effecting a lot of lives.
    Charles Lynch, the proprietor of Central Coast Compassionate Caregivers, a medical marijuana dispensary in Morro Bay is now facing possible State Prison.
    And the person that made the mistake, that put Charles in this position
    was just a worker at the Morro Bay clinic.
    Patients were prevented from testifying, as soon as thier medical condition was mentioned. The judge ruled that state laws concerning medical marijuana were irrelevant in a federal court.
    There are so many others that are being prosecuted and/or Evan being discriminated
    against.
    11362.5. (a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996.
    (b)(1) The people of the State of California hereby find and declare that the purposes of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 are as follows:
    (A) To ensure that seriously ill Californians have the right to obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes where that medical use is deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician who has determined that the person’s health would benefit from the use of marijuana in the treatment of cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief.
    (B) To ensure that patients and their primary caregivers who obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes upon the recommendation of a physician are not subject to criminal prosecution or sanction.
    (C) To encourage the federal and state governments to implement a plan to provide for the safe and affordable distribution of marijuana to all patients in medical need of marijuana.
    (2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede legislation prohibiting persons from engaging in conduct that endangers others, nor to condone the diversion of marijuana for nonmedical purposes.
    (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no physician in this state shall be punished, or denied any right or privilege, for having recommended marijuana to a patient for medical purposes.
    (d) Section 11357, relating to the possession of marijuana, and Section 11358, relating to the cultivation of marijuana, shall not apply to a patient, or to a patient’s primary caregiver, who possesses or cultivates marijuana for the personal medical purposes of the patient upon the written or oral recommendation or approval of a physician.
    (e) For the purposes of this section, ”primary caregiver” means the individual designated by the person exempted under this section who has consistently assumed responsibility for the housing, health, or safety of that person.
    I urge you to please uphold our laws, And help people who are legal under the prop.215
    I can’t believe that this State Law means nothing to those that discriminate against Marijuana use. Marijuana was in our White House until the 20s. Our forefathers used it for recreational use.
    This either be a 20 million dollar fight, costing american tax payers.
    Or it can be 20 million in revenue. This is pure discrimination.
    I know my rights are being infringded upon.
    What about yours?
    Paul

  • Rob says:

    Here’s a site that looks interesting, it talks about all the medical uses and more!

    http://marijuanafacts101.comuf.com

  • Anonymous says:

    Reguarding ANNE …I agree so turn your stash into HASH or HASH OIL and avoid the smoke with baked goods or VAPORIZERS …
    This works very well and much better for a public place and better for your health.
    As for help with cronic pain …. Heck YES ! It works very well and I Highly recomend MARIJUANA as it helps me.
    I feel sick after taking morphine every day for severe back pain…. take a toke or baked goods and the bad effects of morphine are gone and helps me to eat.
    Be positive and medical marijuana can and will help YOU !

  • DruU says:

    I have found that Cooking Marijuana in Food helps more with my Chronic Pain than smoking. It does not matter how i get marijuana in my system it always helps with my Muscle Spasms.
    –Anne–
    The link you provided does not have anything to do with Marijuana or Testicles.
    But here are some links that are helpful:
    http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn14451-marijuana-takes-on-colon-cancer.html
    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071123211703.htm

    Now if you actually read the testicle cancer study it says in there that it “Appears” the “link” is there. It has not found significant proof. This was inflated by the media because it came out at the same time Phelps was caught on a camera smoking pot.

  • Anne says:

    The cannabis increases the risk of cancer of the testes to Smoke the cannabis once per week or regularly since adolescence would double the risk of cancer of the testes. In constant increase, this cancer is the most frequent at the men of 15 to 35 years.
    http://www.000health.com

  • Vaporizer says:

    If someone where to be able to be prescribed to MJ under those conditions:tetanus, rabies, delirium, tremens, infantile convulsions, nerve pain….then it would be reasonable. Then it would be more likely to be prescribed with it. However, if someone had a eating disorder, migraine and general pain, thats like 100% of the popluation….or atleast in the United States.

    That would be far more complicated to get medicinal MJ since EVERYONE would be able to get a hold of if without hesitation.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Pinterest
fb-share-icon
Instagram