THC is one of the most widely studied cannabinoids and its medicinal properties are very real. However, the question remains, do we really need THC- even if it is the most recognized component of cannabis? This is the same compound that produces the « high » in cannabis.
As in all debates this has generated criticism and many deny its medicinal validity. However, science has shown that this is not the case. In conjunction with other cannabinoids, this molecule has been proven to help people deal with both physical and mental ailments.
Not to mention that there are countless people who find that THC-containing products (when taken in the right way, with the right doses) are an effective supplement that helps you greet her on a daily basis.
Check out these 15 benefits of THC:
#1. ) THC helps with pain
THC is a natural and infinitely safer component than a prescription for painkillers.Pain relief is one of the most important medicinal benefits of THC and I will tell you why it is so important to…
More than 1.5 billion people in the world live with chronic pain; many of these individuals suffer from neuropathic pain or nerve-related pain. Studies show that the cannibis compound activates pathways in the central nervous system that block pain signals reaching the brain.
Even a 2013 FDA-endorsed test confirmed that THC is effective for pain.
People suffering from neuropathic pain were given small doses of THC (1.29%) in vaporized form. Results?
They showed that low doses of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol reduced pain intensity by 30% when compared to placebo.
Despite this, cannabis is still a controlled substance and as such important clinical trials are restricted in its use, although it has already been shown to work against pain.
#2. ) Helps with nausea and vomiting
Since the 1980s, the FDA-approved Marinol pill has been used to treat nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. This pill has been marketed as a pharmaceutical alternative to cannabis, although it does contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) this component is both synthetic and asylee.
This means that it has no comparison with the group of chemical compounds found in a natural cannabis plant. Marinol does not contain the beneficial components such as other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, which are found in the plant and work best together.
Interestingly, a 1995 study showed that oral use of THC-8, a cannabinoid similar to regular THC but with minor psychotropic effects, was an effective treatment for children suffering from chemotherapy-induced nausea. The only side effect was a slight irritability.
Taking into account that other anti-nausea medications, such as Zofran, cause side effects such as: diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, muscle spasms, rashes, fever and constipation (just to name a few), it can be deduced that THC-based therapies are a much safer option.
#3. ) Protects brain cells
One of the biggest myths surrounding cannabis is that it kills brain cells; science knows this is not true. The madness associated with use led many people to think that cannabis generated a reduction in these cells. However, the reality is different.
While many drugs are neurotoxic, THC is considered a neuroprotector; this means that it protects the brain from damage. Many will not agree with this but here is an extraordinary example: a 2014 study found that people with THC in their system were 80% less likely to die from traumatic head injuries than those who did not have it in their system.
#4. ) Effective sleep aid
If you have trouble sleeping, research shows that THC can also help with this. Tests in the 1970s showed that oral doses of cannabinoids helped insomniacs sleep more easily.
And that’s not all. Recent research suggests that THC can help with breathing thus avoiding sleep interruptions. A breakthrough for those suffering from apnea.
#5. ) Helps treat PTSD
An estimated 8% of Americans (24.4 million people) suffer from PTSD. To put this in perspective, it is the same number as the population of Texas. PTSD symptoms include agitation, severe anxiety, depression, insomnia, nightmares, and social isolation-can be a paralyzing condition.
THC has been shown to be a very effective optional treatment against PTSD. Some psychiatrists claim that it is the only treatment against this condition. Studies show …
THC has been shown to be a very effective optional treatment against PTSD. Some psychiatrists claim that it is the only treatment against this condition. Studies show that THC relieves almost 100% of PTSD-related symptoms including agitation, depression, insomnia, flashbacks and nightmares. This could mean a change of 180º for many of those who suffer from it.
All it would take is safe access to cannabis and directional guidance on how to use it best.
#6. ) Promotes brain growth
Believe it or not, the brain benefits of THC could be more important than previously thought. It not only protects brain cells but also stimulates brain growth.
How does this work?
THC activates in our brain the « CB1 receptor »; this stimulation promotes the process known as long-term potentiation that improves our brain ability to learn. Scientists have also found that, like CBD, THC causes brain cells in the hippocampus to grow.
Some studies even say that THC can protect spatial memories. This is why small doses of cannabis can treat and even slow down diseases like Alzheimer’s.
#7. ) THC boosts appetite
Cannabis can also help improve digestion. Conditions such as HIV, eating disorders, hepatitis and dementia can lead to a loss of appetite. This leads to malnutrition and other degenerative conditions; THC is known to increase appetite.
Studies have found that THC interacts with the same receptors in the hypothalamus that release the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates hunger. What’s more, in some cases, THC has been shown to make food taste better.
While some have described this « munchies » effect, there’s actually something more scientific behind it. Under a correct direction the effects that induce hunger under THC can dramatically improve the quality of life.
Interestingly some types of cannabis can suppress appetite which is an advantage for many people.
#8. ) Improves the senses
Many may disagree with this, not see it as a health benefit but it cannot be denied that for thousands of years the psychoactive components have been enjoyed by many. Different cultures throughout the world have incorporated this plant into their spiritual ceremonies and rituals.
If cannabis use is controlled, it can have multiple benefits, from life-changing revelations to increased creativity to personal discoveries. For many, THC provides a very important psychological benefit and relief.
#9. ) THC is antibacterial
Did you know that one of the reasons why the cannabis plant produces THC is to protect itself from pathogens?
As a result the cannabinoid could do the same for humans and animals. A study of rodents recently published in PLOS ONE found that mice on a THC diet changed the microbes-over time-in their bellies. In this particular case the cannabinoid changed the microbes of the obese mice more similar to the more slender mice.
In 2008, at MIT, some antibiotic-resistant pathogens were found to succumb to THC.
According to the U.S Center for Disease Control, antibiotic-resistant infections contribute each year to two million diseases and 23,000 deaths each year.
Will this component in cannabis help? Definitely worth investigating
#10. ) Antioxidant
THC and other cannabinoids are powerful antioxidants; it is a rejuvenating and anti-stress tool. If a cannabis plant is exposed to UVB light, it increases its THC production. This type of light generates oxidative stress in humans, thus contributing to visible aging and other skin diseases.
#11. ) Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is a current issue in the medical world. But why?
Chronic inflammation is considered one of the main risk factors for different types of diseases.
Depression? There is an inflammatory component.
Arthritis? Inflammation contributes to pain, stiffness, and poor health over time.
Many patients opt for CBD to control inflammation, however THC has an important roll. In some instances THC may decrease the production of chemokine and cytosine in the body; these are immune compounds that can trigger inflammation. Pre-clinical studies suggest that it may also decrease inflammation by suppressing genes related to inflammatory responses.
This may explain why so many cannabis users find relief thanks to THC.
#12. ) Bronchodilator
Respiratory health is not often the first thing to think about when considering the benefits of THC, but although many do not believe it THC also opens the airways in the lungs.
A study in 1975 found the first evidence that cannabinoids have the ability to relieve asthma attacks; interestingly, the study revealed that even if smoked, it calms asthma patterns.
Many biopharmaceutical companies are experimenting with cannabis-based drugs for serious conditions such as asthma and COPD. Others delve into inhaler technologies that would allow their patients to consume doses of cannabis without combusting. However, psychoactive components may not be the only cannabis compounds that can help the lungs. Terpene and pinene particles can enhance the bronchodilator effect on HCT.
Pinene, as can be understood in its name, is a molecule of aroma that provides the smell of pine, this component at high levels, provides an improvement to bronchial lung diseases.
#13. ) Potential antitumor agent
Although cannabis is not a magic cure it could change the picture for cancer patients.
Cannabis is making the field of cancer research a turn. Recent laboratory and animal studies have found that this herb kills cancer cells in different ways.
While several cannabinoids show anti-cancer potential, THC is a major one.
Harvard graduate Dr. Gregory Smith explains why in his courses, where he discusses new evidence suggesting that cannabis and its compounds have strong anti-cancer potential.
It also mentions three different ways cannabis affects cancer.
The first is through a process called apoptosis which is an immune function that causes cells to self-destruct when they are damaged or sick. Apoptosis, signals cancer cells to self-destruct, is literally a key that opens a lock and narrates cell death, » says Dr. Smith.
But that’s not all, in laboratories, cannabinoids have been found to prevent tumors from forming blood vessels. This basically deprives cancer cells of being fed and receiving oxygen. In other words, diseased cells are self-eliminated and cannabis components stop metastasis.
These reactions are known and THC is the one that contains the greatest anti-cancer effect.
#14. ) Muscle relaxant
Have you ever tried cannabis and had a feeling of sleep and heavy body?
THC and some complementary terpenes, in certain cannabis varieties, may be responsible. It is well known that cannabinoids have relaxing properties on the muscles. This quality, perhaps, is partly the reason why the compound is so beneficial for patients with diseases such as multiple sclerosis, who often experience muscle stiffness, pains and cramps.
In fact, already in the market, in about 30 countries, there is a cannabis-based medicine that is used to stop these symptoms. This medicine, Sativex, contains both THC and CBD components.
While THC is believed to have relaxing properties, the molecule’s ability to relieve cramps and strain could be enhanced by certain aromatic compounds in the plant.
Some experts suggest that myrcene, an aromatic terpene molecule, may also contribute to the feeling of tiredness and heavy body that sometimes occurs after cannabis use.
#15. ) THC is anticonvulsant
In the world of epilepsy CBD is the one that usually gets the credits.
CBD, which is a non-intoxicating relative of THC, and this cannabinoid has managed to reduce seizure activity in clinical trials. However, many are wrong to think that THC does not also contain anticonvulsant properties.
Studies on the anti convulsive properties of THC have been partially interrupted due to high interest in CBD. Similarly, recent research on cannabinoids tells a different story.
Studies conducted in the 1970s found that psychoactive compounds successfully reduced seizures in animal models, including primates.
A small study in 1940 revealed that THC treatment reduces seizures in two out of five epileptic children who did not respond to conventional treatment.
At this early stage of research, the effectiveness of THC was 100% all the time?
Not
However, this research suggests that it is definitely worth learning more about cannabinoids.
If you agree that people deserve access to all parts of cannabis silver, please share this article with friends and followers. Together we can spread the message of cannabis education.
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