The use of marijuana and its derivatives has always evoked strong reactions, both for and against. While most associate marijuana with recreational use, since ancient times it has been utilized for treating a variety of ailments. In fact, when marijuana first began to be utilized by humans the prime emphasis was always given to its medicinal usage.
But what exactly makes marijuana such an effective substance? If you want to know what gives the plant so many healing qualities, then you must delve deeper and take a look at what THC is.
The Truth About THC
THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, the component of marijuana that is responsible for the majority of the plant’s potent effects. THC belongs to a family of chemicals called cannabinoids and is considered the most well-known of 113 cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant. THC is a psychoactive chemical, which is just a fancy way of saying that it is the ingredient responsible for giving you that characteristic “high”.
In recent times, THC has emerged to become synonymous with marijuana in everyday usage. And while recreational purposes do form a major part of the many uses of this complex component, the medicinal potentialities of this chemical are far-reaching and of extreme importance.
So, without further ado, let us dive into the diverse benefits of this wonderful substance.
Helps Cure Digestive Disorders
THC plays a major role in providing relief for digestive disorders. As the human digestive tract contains endocannabinoid receptors, THC works wonders for people suffering from gastrointestinal pain, nausea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other related problems of the digestive tract. Further, THC is also beneficial in the treatment of Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disorder associated with intense pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Improves Appetite
In case you feel your appetite is currently on the wane, fret not! THC can work as an appetite booster that will help you regain your lost palate and enjoy the tastes of culinary wonders. The use of THC has also shown remarkable improvements in the appetite and weight gain of patients undergoing treatment for cancer and anorexia.
Cleans The Pineal Gland
Due to its psychoactive nature, THC is known to affect our brain in beneficial ways, apart from making us high. In fact, studies suggest that THC is instrumental in cleaning the pineal gland, which is responsible for releasing melatonin and thus regulating sleep patterns.
Cures Cancer
One of the most profound uses of THC is in cancer treatment. While cannabis can obviously be used to alleviate the harsh and painful effects of conventional cancer medications and chemotherapy, multiples studies by researchers are beginning to recognize that the benefits of THC can go far beyond mere relief. THC has been recognized to actually kill the cancer cells, causing dramatic shrinkage in cancerous lesions and stopping the spread of the disease itself.
Guards Against Alzheimer’s
THC also helps to guard against Alzheimer’s disease. THC works by blocking certain enzymes in the human brain and thus slows the formation of amyloid plaques, one of the leading causes of Alzheimer’s.
Treats Psychological Disorders
The psychoactive nature of THC makes it excellent for treating a wide range of psychological disorders. THC has been proven to alleviate the effects of depression and anxiety. THC is also beneficial in treating patients with Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder (PTSD) and helping them cope with the complexities of everyday life.
Prevents Glaucoma
Glaucoma is one of the major causes of blindness worldwide. Patients suffering from the condition experience an increase in the pressure inside their eyeballs. This eventually leads to optic nerve injury and ultimately results in loss of vision. THC works by reducing the pressure inside the eyeball and hence helps to prevent the onset and progression of the disease.
Aids In Multiple Sclerosis
THC helps to reduce muscle spasms and improve muscular movements in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. THC binds to receptors in the muscles and reduces the spasticity and intense pain associated with the condition. Even patients who have not benefited from traditional treatments have reported greater relief when treated with marijuana.
Provides Relief From Chronic Pain
THC is widely recognized as an extremely effective medicine for chronic pain. Chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain, can severely affect a person’s life and leave them unable to function to their full capacity. THC works as an anti-inflammatory drug that reduces all forms of inflammation. Further, the chemical also enhances dopamine release which further contributes to alleviating symptoms. For patients suffering from conditions such as arthritis, gout, and related disorders, THC can prove to be very helpful.
Alleviates Epileptic Seizures
Patients suffering from epilepsy can also benefit from the use of THC. By binding to brain cells causing epileptic seizures, THC helps to control and promote muscular relaxation and thus decrease the intensity of seizures.
Reduces The Symptoms Of Tourette’s Syndrome
Tourette’s syndrome is a neuropsychiatric disorder that is associated with prominent physical as well as vocal tics. Currently, there are no known cures for the disease, and sufferers are faced with the extreme social stigma attached to the condition. The use of THC in patients suffering from the disorder has demonstrated a considerable reduction in the frequency and intensity of the tics.
Cures Sleep Disorders
Currently, a large portion of the population suffers from sleeping disorders in one form or the other, the most common being insomnia. While many attributes the condition to stressful lifestyles and improper diets, THC has emerged as an effective treatment for the problem. Traditional prescription drugs provide only temporary relief and may actually be harmful in the long run. However, THC in marijuana helps to calm the mind and induce a good night’s sleep.
The Way Forward
These are only some of the many benefits of THC. THC is contained in most marijuana products such as cannabis oil and concentrates, which imbues these with the helpful properties of this wonderful substance. With further research, THC is sure to emerge as one of the most beneficial compounds of the 21st century.
