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The growth of the marijuana industry is staggering. This multi-billion dollar market is attracting new states and countries in droves, all of them after lucrative profit margins. As scientists uncover new benefits almost daily, consumers are taking notice. More people than ever are consuming cannabis.
However, despite the momentum, cannabis is still federally illegal, listed as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. As a schedule I, marijuana is compared to heroin, which unlike cannabis, has no medical benefits and a high potential for abuse.
We Still Know Very Little
Much evidence exists already to support the ways that cannabis can affect the mind and body.
With legalization spreading quickly across the country and the world, scientists now have more freedom to study marijuana without restriction.
Some benefits of using marijuana regularly are widely known reported while we’re learning new information about the plant everyday.
1. Cannabis May Address Social Issues
Its widely reported that a good toke can kill the blues. many report it eases tension and eliminates anxiety. Consumers also report some cultivars increases energy and focus.
There’s even research supporting the use of cannabis, specifically CBD, to relieve social anxiety.
Anecdotally, people report feeling calmer around people after smoking a joint. Gatherings that previously caused immense stress become enjoyable, as users themselves become more extroverted. Often, cannabis patients report being able to overcome anxiety issues without the aid of something like alcohol.
2. Cannabis May Aid Weight Loss
The munchies have been historically associated with cannabis use. Many believe cannabis causes insatiable cravings that empty refrigerators in record times. For this reason, it is a difficult for some to comprehend that they can actually use cannabis to lose weight, as opposed to gaining it.
As the U.S. National Library of Medicine explains, marijuana has an enormous effect on metabolic rates. People who use cannabis on a regular basis have a significantly healthier Body Mass Index than those who do not.
Additionally, cannabis appears to stimulate insulin production, which may combat obesity and diabetes. A healthier metabolism results in a healthier weight.
3. Cannabis Makes You Drink Less Booze
More and more people are ditching alcohol for cannabis.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine conducted a study on the impact of marijuana policies on alcohol use. It found alcohol sales rapidly decline in states where cannabis is legal.
While trading one substance for another isn’t always ideal, we must point out that a 2015 comparative risk study determined alcohol was 114 times more lethal than cannabis.
4. Cannabis May Spur Productivity
Puffing may increase work performance. This may sound strange if you have ever been “couch-locked” after consuming, but it all depends on the strain. Some cultivars are energizing while others are sedating.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine tells us, after intense study of the effects of weed on motivation, regular users remain motivated, often more so than non-users.
That said, keep in mind some strains are heavily sedating. Choose the right strains for the tasks you have ahead.
5. Cannabis Makes Sex More Satisfying
Marijuana is great for your sex life. Once again, much of this depends on the strain and amount you consumed.
According to Science Direct, the effect of pot on arousal and sexual behavior, in both men and women, is highly dose-dependent.
At the right dose of the right strain, cannabis may enhance feelings of intimacy, nerve sensitivity, and sexual satisfaction. It may also give you the energy to reach greater heights with your partner in the bedroom, and there are weed-infused lubricants to increase sensitivity further.
6. Cannabis May Regulate Sleeping Patterns
Many will attest that smoking pot can put you to sleep. And that’s the reason why the herb is so popular among insomniacs worldwide.
What few realize, however, is that cannabis may regulates sleep patterns in some.
The cannabinoids in the plant, interact with your endocannabinoid system which may relieve insomnia.
As a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania reported cannabis alters irregular sleep patterns.
7. Cannabis Combats Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The effects of marijuana on PTSD are varied and many.
A study conducted at the University of Washington found the endocannabinoid system played a role in how the body responds to stress, fear and anxiety.
Preclinical studies on animals suggest that plant cannabinoids improve functioning of the endocannabinoid system. Sufferers can handle triggers better and respond more calmly to them.
8. Cannabis May Relieve ADHD
Every medical patient using cannabis to treat their illnesses knows their state’s particular list of qualifying conditions very well. However, few realize cannabis May be helpful for ADHD too.
A study published by the University of Washington suggests that cannabis has pharmacological benefits in treating anxiety, hyperactivity, and focus-related issues.
Marijuana relaxes body and mind, and may calm some of the racing thoughts and distractions associated with ADHD.
Final Thoughts
These benefits are some of the latest findings coming from the scientific teams researching cannabis. Every day, we learn new ways in which the herb affects us. As research continues and rigorous study gets underway, the federal government will soon have no choice but to decriminalize the plant, as its medical value is obvious.
Author Bio
John Levy conducts extensive research to write about cannabis for Pot Valet, a leading recreational marijuana delivery service in California. He dedicates his time to educating people about the benefits of cannabis and advocating for wider acceptance of legalization worldwide.
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