Medicinal Health Benefits of THC

The cannabis plant, which is more widely known as marijuana, has had a very large controversy surrounding it. Several research studies have been done on this plant to determine whether or not its properties can be used for medicinal purposes. Much speculation has occurred over the years about whether or not the use of this drug can yield long-term results. Researchers have begun studying the benefits that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) might provide in helping individuals suffering from certain conditions within recent years. While no conclusive evidence exists, some signs point to possible benefits when using THC for medical purposes.

1) Has anti-inflammatory properties

One of the most common therapeutic uses for cannabis is for pain management. It soothes nerves and muscles, causing a decrease or elimination of inflammation, swelling, and overall discomfort. That makes it extremely useful in treating acute inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis and chronic conditions like Crohn's disease, Glaucoma, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

.

2) Appetite Stimulant

THC can increase appetite, which is beneficial for people who suffer from eating disorders such as anorexia. It also stimulates glandular activity in the stomach, which increases gastric acid secretion and gut motility – these effects cause the "munchies" effect that recreational users prize so much! Studies have found that cannabinoids promote food intake by interacting with orexin neurons in the brain's hypothalamus region. These neurons regulate hunger and food intake. When activated by cannabinoids, they induce hunger – this is partly why THC exacerbates anxiety and depression for some users (anxious or depressed people tend to experience an increase in appetite). This same interaction with the orexin neurons induces wakefulness.

3) Cancer treatment

THC has both anti-tumor and tumor-fighting properties. One study found that rats given THC selectively targeted and killed brain cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact, which could effectively treat brain tumors. Evidence suggests that cannabinoids can inhibit the growth of tumor cells by causing cell death, blocking cell growth, and blocking the development of blood vessels needed by tumors to grow. It's also believed that cannabinoids may prevent cancer from spreading by causing cell death, blocking cell growth, and blocking cancer progression in different ways. Furthermore, researchers believe cannabinoid receptors send signals that encourage cancer cells to undergo cell death.

All of this means that the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids could one day lead to treatments for many types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, colon, and brain tumors.

4) Pain Relief

Studies have shown THC is effective pain relief. It blocks nerve cells in the spinal cord from carrying pain signals to the brain. Cannabinoids also play a role in helping with muscle spasms by transmitting signals along the neurons (which are involved in body movement). THC can decrease acute and chronic pain caused by inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways; COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes increase inflammation in response to injury or illness, but THC decreases COX activity. That is why it can reduce the intensity of migraine and alleviate rheumatoid arthritis pain and other inflammatory conditions.

THC has been shown to have many medicinal benefits. It is currently used as an analgesic, antiemetic, and appetite stimulant for cancer and neuropathic pain that often comes along with such illnesses. Scientists are now testing THC on other diseases like Glaucoma and multiple sclerosis (MS).