Those who suffer from chronic pain, depression, or have children with serious health problems turn to medical marijuana as their main ally to lead a normal life - at least in those places where the therapeutic use of cannabis is legal. In more restrictive areas, the struggle to access remedies based on this substance rages on, driven by the hope that social stigmas and restrictions will come to an end. And there are good reasons they should, when one looks at the benefits. Have you ever stopped to consider this plant's true potential?

In large measure marijuana's medical potential stems from CBD, a cannabinoid called cannabidiol that is found naturally in plants of the Cannabis sativa species. Unlike the well-known THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD is not psychoactive, and can have very valuable medical applications, as it features anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the transmission of signals related to pain. It is also known that THC's effects can be mitigated by CBD, decreasing its psychoactive properties.

It reduces chronic pain

Perhaps one of marijuana's best-known characteristics is the effective relief it provides from pain for a long list of diseases, although you've probably never wondered why. It's very simple. The plant boasts three benefits not shared by any known drug: its action is analgesic, as it acts on the nervous system to prevent pain, relaxing muscles and increasing the appetite and sleepiness; it induces euphoria, improves one's mood, and allows one to perceive reality from other perspectives. Finally, it promotes introspection, allowing patients to be aware of their conditions, but while being treated from a more positive and determined point of view.

This could lead to the decriminalization of recreational use

For over ten years Jason Lauve of Colorado has required medical marijuana to relieve the pain caused by an unfortunate accident. This necessary consumption, however, landed him in court years later; the authorities seized 30 cannabis plants at his home, allegedly because they exceeded the legal limits.

Lauve was ultimately acquitted after a tough battle against drug possession charges. The patient went on to became a renowned cannabis activist, almost inadvertently: he had managed to win a legal battle and, as a result of his experience, many prosecutors decided not to bother filing suits against patients using medical marijuana. Many believe this event made possible the legalization of marijuana for recreational use in the state.

It relieves the symptoms of multiple sclerosis

One of these diseases with painful side effects is multiple sclerosis. Those who suffer from this disease state that smoking marijuana helps relieve muscle cramps, a claim supported by some medical studies - such as those published by the University of California and the Canadian Medical Association, according to which the body naturally produces cannabinoids, a substance that helps to regulate muscle spasticity, so it serves to significantly reduce cramps if also ingested.

It relieves migraines

Migraine pain can also be relieved by smoking marijuana, which helps to block harmful signals and those that can cause pain. Most importantly, in addition to those who already have this disease, marijuana can prevent migraines in others that might develop them.

It helps to prevent epileptic seizures

Charlotte Figi is an American girl who suffers from Dravet Syndrome, an illness that gave her up to 300 seizures a week and kept her from speaking, eating or interrelating with others until a doctor prescribed Figi small doses of cannabis with low THC levels, but high levels of CBD, a substance devoid of psychoactive effects. Her seizures dropped to 3 per week, and the marijuana that made her recovery possible has been dubbed "Charlotte's Web." Now more than 100 families seek to follow her example.

It can halt the advance of cancer

A study published by the National Cancer Institute (USA) has determined that CBD can stop metastasis in a wide variety of aggressive cancers. According to the research, diseased cells cease to spread when they come into contact with this substance. The case of little Mike Hyde is an example.After his father treated him with marijuana oil, his tumour receded in a nearly miraculous way. Unfortunately, when they could no longer access to the amounts of marijuana necessary to keep it under control, Hyde died.

A treatment to overcome depression and anxiety

Depression, anxiety, and even the effects of more severe mental illness can also be overcome thanks to marijuana. According to a study by the University Medical Centre (Netherlands), THC affects the brain by altering the way we perceive images and negative emotions. This makes cannabis an essential resource, especially when the usual channels are not yielding results. Although some who directly endorse marijuana, as it is a natural product.

Very effective against glaucoma

The American Glaucoma Society recognizes that smoking marijuana may be a good alternative to treat glaucoma in those people who, for various reasons, do not react well to standard treatment, or cannot handle its side effects. Cannabis helps to reduce pressure in the eye, which is one of the disease's effects, thus reducing the damage that it produces on the optic nerve.

It augments the effectiveness of hepatitis C therapy

Treatments for Hepatitis C last many months and are very harsh. This is why some patients abandon it prematurely, leading to fatal outcomes, as the virus ends up destroying the liver. Researchers at UCSF (University of California at San Francisco) conducted a study in which 86% of participants who smoked marijuana successfully completed therapy. The other participants, who did not smoke cannabis, did not meet their recovery goals.

It eliminates nausea

According to a study published in the New York Medical Journal, nausea and vomiting - whether caused by chemotherapy, the treatment of AIDS, many different surgeries, or even during pregnancy - can be remedied easily using marijuana. The experts report that results can be achieved when taken orally or by smoking - although it is much more effective in the latter case