Slows the growth of cancer cells
Research shows that cannabidiol reduces and even stops the spread of cancer cells. This occurs through the deactivation of specific genes for cancerous tumor growth.
Cannabidiol particularly has the advantage of having an anti-angiogenesis action, meaning it inhibits the creation of new blood vessels necessary for tumor growth.
Treats Glaucoma
Cannabinoids reduce eye pressure, thereby reducing the increase in intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma. This is believed to be due to the high concentration of CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the areas responsible for the production and excretion of intraocular fluid. When these receptors are activated, outflow increases and inflow decreases.
Another way marijuana can help treat glaucoma is by preventing neuronal death. Cannabis can inhibit the production of a molecule called glutamate. Glutamate influences how neurons shut down, and its accumulation can lead to neuronal damage. Patients with glaucoma often have high levels of glutamate, so cannabis could protect neurons in this case.
Reduces Parkinson's tremors
A recent study conducted in Brazil has shown that daily treatment with cannabidiol improves the well-being and quality of life of patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In the study, CBD was administered in gelatin capsules to twenty-one patients over a period of 6 weeks. The doses were divided as follows: 300mg per day, 75mg per day, and a placebo. The patients who improved the most were those who received the 300mg doses. However, it should be noted that the treatment did not affect the disease, only its symptoms, and the small sample size may have limited the findings. On the other hand, animal studies indicate that cannabis compounds could slow the progression of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Helps with the treatment of Hepatitis C
In research conducted in March 2017 by Henry I.C. Lowe's team at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, it was reported that CBD has antiviral activity in treating Hepatitis C, and even more interestingly, the interaction between CBD and the CB2 receptor of our endocannabinoid system could translate into an activation of our defense mechanisms, slowing down the infection process by this subgroup of viruses. Specifically, this study showed that patients who were given CBD were more likely to complete their hepatitis C treatment (86%) compared to those who did not use it (29%).
Treats Crohn's disease
A 2012 study examined 13 patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease. They received a three-month course of medicinal cannabis, and the results were promising. The patients improved.
A three-month treatment with inhaled cannabis improves quality of life measurements, disease activity index, and leads to weight gain and increased BMI in long-term IBD patients.
Just one year later, a group of researchers from Israel conducted a trial with 21 patients to analyze the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis. All patients, diagnosed with Crohn's disease, suffered severe symptoms and had not improved with other treatments. 11 of them were given medicinal cannabis twice a day while the rest received a placebo.
After eight weeks, 5 of the 11 patients who had been treating Crohn's disease with medicinal cannabis had experienced complete remission of symptoms, and it also generated a clinical response in 90% of cases. Meanwhile, among those who had taken a placebo, the clinical response barely reached 40% and only one case of remission occurred. At this point, it seems quite clear that cannabis can help treat Crohn's disease.
The greatest benefit offered by cannabinoid treatment for this condition is caused by CBD. When cannabidiol connects to the body's cannabinoid receptors, it helps relieve pain and discomfort. In addition, it reduces inflammation and increases appetite. This combination provides positive and effective effects when treating Crohn's disease.
Improves Epilepsy spasms
The cannabis plant was already used against epileptic seizures even before Christ, but current research is demonstrating its therapeutic properties in the treatment of this disease, which opens a door to thousands of people suffering from the ineffectiveness of traditional medicines to treat this condition.
For example, Porter and Jacobson conducted a study among 19 children (aged 2 to 16) resistant to conventional medicines. It was found that more than 50% of them reduced their seizures and had no attacks. All this without side effects after four months of daily CBD use. Other young people who participated in the study on medical cannabis and epilepsy saw a clear reduction (80%) in the frequency of attacks, which dramatically improved their daily lives due to the absence of crises but also because they felt better in mood, sleep, etc.
Helps combat obesity
Obesity is a disease that affects many citizens regardless of age, due to poor diet or uncontrolled eating. This is a very severe disease as it can even lead to death; more than 2.6 million people die annually due to obesity, which also leads to diabetes and can even cause cancer attributed to excess weight.
Thanks to the discovery of CB1 and CB2 receptors, a starting point has been provided for doctors related to obesity to carry out tests on obese and overweight patients, associating them with cannabis consumption.
According to a study, some cannabinoid-derived compounds, such as CBD, block CB1 receptors in the stomach, which is interpreted by gastric cells as a signal of satiety. This signal reaches the brain, which responds by decreasing food intake.
Relieves Arthritis symptoms
Both laboratory and human trial evidence indicate that THC, CBD, and the entire phytocomplex of cannabis exert a therapeutic action in the treatment of chronic pain and inflammation. An important scientific clue regarding marijuana and pain is found in this 2007 study. It explains that the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the joints to the brain are rich in cannabinoid receptors. The study concludes that peripheral CB1 receptors could be an important target for controlling osteoarthritis pain.
As research progresses, the endocannabinoid system is receiving increasing attention as a therapeutic target for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as confirmed in this 2008 study. Following the same trend, this 2014 study analyzed the relationship of the endocannabinoid system with osteoarthritis pain.
A new branch of research now focuses on CBD and its efficacy as an anti-arthritic agent without the psychotropic effects of THC. One of the first studies on the action of CBD suggests a possible oral intake of CBD as an anti-arthritic substance, while another more recent one concludes that a synthetic cannabinoid derived from CBD could be used as a new drug for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. The CB2 receptor also regulates central sensitization and pain responses associated with knee joint osteoarthritis, according to this 2013 research.
It is also worth mentioning that Sativex, the cannabis-based medicine developed by GW Pharmaceuticals, showed a significant analgesic effect in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis pain and a considerable decrease in the activity of this disease.
Alleviate chronic pain
The analgesic properties of cannabinoids are basically due to the presence of CB1 cannabinoid receptors (and to a lesser extent CB2, and TRPV) at the central and peripheral nervous system level. A pain stimulus reaches the spinal cord through nerve pathways and from there is transmitted to areas of the brain related to pain processing. The activation of cannabinoid receptors present in both the spinal cord and the brain inhibits the transmission of these painful signals. At the peripheral level, in addition to inhibiting signal transmission, CB2 activation reduces the release of pro-inflammatory mediators at the site of injury.
The endocannabinoid system is frequently located together with the more potent and better-known pain control system: the opioid system. Both are present in the main nervous structures involved in pain transmission, and a synergistic effect between both systems in pain control has been observed (Mazanares et al., 1999; Yesilyurt et al., 2003).
In a study conducted by Wilsey B., the reaction of thirty-eight patients with central and peripheral neuropathic pain who underwent cannabis treatment was observed. Here it was found that there was an analgesic response in these patients, and the psychoactive effects were minimal and well-tolerated.
Reduces symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
Recent research has found that cannabidiol, CBD, interacts with the serotonin system in a specific area of the brain in a way that disrupts the formation of negative associative memories.
The study involved an experiment using rats to measure how they associate a painful sensation with a certain smell. The administration of CBD directly into the brains of rats during the painful sensation prevented them from associating the pain with the smell. Other rats received CBD without fear of a potential electric shock and froze when the smell was detected.
Previous research in Brazil has shown that THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, the component that gives you a high, is even more potent than CBD in disrupting contextual memory and fear reconsolidation. Their experiment also showed that CBD and THC administered together could provide relief for post-traumatic stress disorder with minimal secondary psychological effects.
Acne Treatment
Several studies have shown the effects of CBD in skin care. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it reduces redness and moisturizes the skin without leaving it greasy. In this regard, researchers claim that if CBD oil is applied regularly, acne can disappear, also reducing imperfections. In addition to the benefits of CBD for treating acne, researchers have discovered that AEA, an endocannabinoid we produce, stimulates sebum production at low levels. They also highlight that CBD blocks the overproduction of sebum by AEA.
In general, medicinal cannabis seems to be very effective in treating this skin condition because it produces no side effects and shows good long-term results. In addition to cleansing and moisturizing the skin, CBD enhances the well-being of people with acne.
Asthma
A study conducted by Dr. Donald Tashkin and first published in 1975, clearly indicates the solid scientific evidence behind the use of medical marijuana for asthma patients. Dr. Tashkin is a renowned pulmonologist who dedicated a large part of his professional career to studying the effects of cannabis use to treat various physical afflictions and ailments.
The subjects of this study were 10 men and women who had similar asthma symptoms. Asthma attacks were induced in patients in a controlled manner, sometimes through exercise and other times through psychological suggestions. Some members of the control group were given medical marijuana in the form of a joint, pill, or vaporizer, while others received a marijuana placebo.
In short, the study results show that members of the group who had been provided medical cannabis experienced almost immediate relief from airway constriction and felt more relaxed and calm. Not only did they experience profound relief from their symptoms, but the medical effects of marijuana were much longer-lasting than those of an inhaler. Members of the control group who were given the placebo did not experience such relief.
Reduce anxiety
CBD, like THC, is one of the most prominent cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. However, cannabidiol (CBD) works differently from other cannabinoids. According to several experts, CBD can reduce anxiety because it helps boost signaling through serotonin receptors, promoting a positive mood and an anxiolytic and relaxing effect.
A Brazilian researcher conducted a study to test the effects of CBD on people with this disorder. The trial was completed with feedback from the participants and a brain scan they underwent. The study concluded that cerebral blood flow patterns were consistent with an anti-anxiety effect. Thus, it was also shown that anxiety levels had decreased after consuming cannabidiol.
Treatment of Alzheimer's
Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's prevent the brain from functioning properly, so it's important to maintain healthy nerve tissue throughout our lives, as it can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, as well as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's. This is achieved more effectively through regular physical and mental exercise, but research is showing that this can be enhanced with the introduction of cannabinoids that combat the proteins causing Alzheimer's, a specific type of enzyme.
The presence of these enzymes is the first symptom and a clear indicator for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's and contributes strongly to the progression of the disease.
Stimulating the endocannabinoid system with usual doses of THC and CBD in mice has been shown to be beneficial for the elasticity of existing cells, prevent neuronal inflammation, and strengthen neurogenesis. They act as resistance to the specific enzyme that allows aggressive proteins to accumulate in neurons, helping to prevent the formation of plaques and tangles.
Experiments in mice with Alzheimer's have shown that administering CBD and THC can alleviate symptoms of social isolation, improve facial recognition, and memory.
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