The use of marijuana as medicine, as well as the recreational use of marijuana, has long been debated. However, unbeknownst to most people, medicinal marijuana has been used longer than the debate over its medicinal and recreational use ever came into existence.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices and techniques have been used by the Chinese for thousands and thousands of years, however, they have just now begun to gain popularity in Western societies. While TCM practices such as acupuncture have widely been accepted, and heralded as miraculous, whereas very few people are aware of the use of medical cannabis in TCM. In fact, marijuana is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used by the Chinese in traditional medicine, with it’s use dating back as far as 10,000 years ago.
Fast forward to modern times, and marijuana is still being used to treat several physical, medical, and emotional conditions. It seems that benefits of medicinal marijuana are endless. The Chinese used medical marijuana for a number of ailments, including gout, constipation, arthritis, and even absent mindedness. Now, medicinal marijuana uses include treatment for anxiety and depression disorders, chronic information and pain, and for a number of digestive conditions.
The benefits of marijuana in terms of those stricken with cancer are especially important. Several marijuana strains are used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation treatments to ease the symptoms of cancer, in addition to soothe the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Marijuana has been clinically shown to reduce nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, stress, pain, and is also used to boost the patient’s mood. Pain management is an important part of the healing process, as it improves the patient’s mental state, and reduces stress, allowing the patient to recover comfortably.
As research continues to confirm the benefits of medical marijuana, many states allowed the legalization of marijuana, both medical and recreational. Colorado being the first state to do so, has seen a significant reduction in prescription pill related overdose deaths. Additionally, “weed tourism” has improved the state’s economy, bringing in much needed revenue from tourists looking to experience a Rocky Mountain high.
The benefits of medicinal marijuana have encouraged many Americans to accept its use. While the debate over marijuana continues, it’s many health benefits simply cannot be ignored.