10 Surprising Health Benefits of Medical Marijuana

10 Surprising Health Benefits of Medical Marijuana

Image Credit: AP

Now that Colorado and Washington have successfully legalized weed, others states are already wondering if they can do the same. But many are forgetting a crucial argument in favor of marijuana legalization: its health benefits.

Because marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance, it has to be tested under the strictest of circumstances. But the few marijuana studies that we have seen show great potential for the advancement of medicine, leading prominent experts such as CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta to change their mind regarding legalization.

If you are still on the fence about marijuana legalization, here are 10 surprising health benefits to consider.

1. It can stop HIV from spreading throughout the body

In perhaps the most unexpected news yet, scientists announced last month that THC, an active ingredient in cannabis, was effective in stopping the spread of HIV in monkeys. The monkeys that received daily THC doses had higher levels of healthy cells as well.

2. It slows the progression of Alzheimer's

During his much-lauded congressional appearance as an Alzheimer's activist, actor Seth Rogen joked, "This has nothing to do with the legalization of marijuana." Well, he might be surprised to learn that it does.

A 2006 study found that marijuana can block an enzyme that is behind the progression of Alzheimer's. It also prevents "protein clumps that can inhibit cognition and memory."

3. It slows the spread of cancer cells

A 2012 study found that a marijuana compound "can stop metastasis in some kinds of aggressive cancer." Last year, a similar study found that certain non-psychoactive cannabinoids "resulted in dramatic reductions in cell viability" and "caused a simultaneous arrest at all phases of the cell cycle" in leukemia cells.

Researchers in the U.K. have already been able to use marijuana compounds to kill cancer cells in leukemia patients.

4. It is an active pain reliever

Marijuana's anti-inflammatory pain relief has shown to be effective in treating a host of illnesses and conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and migraines. The effects "are several hundred times more powerful than that of aspirin."

5. It can prevent or help with opiate addiction

Because marijuana acts as such effective medication, it can reduce dependence on opiate-based medication, which has more addictive qualities.

6. It combats depression, anxiety and ADHD

Via: Wikimedia

A 2005 study found that "those who consume marijuana occasionally or even daily have lower levels of depressive symptoms than those who have never tried marijuana." In small doses, it relieves anxiety andsymptoms of ADHD.

7. It can treat epilepsy and Tourette's

In December, the FDA gave the go-ahead to study the efficacy of medicinal marijuana in treating pediatric epilepsy. Research has shown that it can alleviate symptoms of Tourette's in certain cases as well.

A Colorado non-profit has already developed a strain called "Charlotte's Web," which they provide for free to those who suffer from epilepsy, Parkinson's and similar conditions. The strain is named after a 6-year-old epileptic patient who inspired the move.

8. It can help with other neurological damage, such as concussions and strokes

Research indicates that marijuana has neuroprotective qualities, which can limit neurological damage after stroke or trauma. There has already been talk over where the NFL could introduce marijuana to deal with concussions.

Even NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell signaled his willingness to consider the idea: "We will follow medicine and if they determine this could be a proper usage in any context, we will consider that," he saidin January.

9. It can prevent blindness from glaucoma

By decreasing the pressure inside the eye, marijuana can prevent blindness for those who suffer from glaucoma. Research found that marijuana was effective in lowering eye pressure when ingested orally, intravenously or by inhalation.

10. It's connected to lower insulin levels in diabetics

"The most important finding is that current users of marijuana appeared to have better carbohydrate metabolism than nonusers," according to a Harvard researcher. The 2005-2010 study found that "the current marijuana users showed fasting insulin levels that were 16% lower than those of former or never users, along with a 17% reduction in another measure of insulin resistance as well."

original source viewed here : http://mic.com/articles/84675/10-surprising-health-benefits-of-medical-marijuana

Cannabis Cures Cancer and the Government Knows It

How To Make Medicinal Hemp Oil Safely

Cannabis is labeled by the US Government as a Schedule One Narcotic, meaning little to no known medical value. (Even though the US Govt holds patents that state otherwise) Marinol, which is APPROVED BY THE FDA, is synthesized THC. Millions of people are sitting in jail for using Cannabis raw, but it’s ‘perfectly fine’ to use the plant if the Government and their corporate owners take most of the medicine out of it, then get to charge you an arm and a leg for it. Why is that? I shall explain.

The US Government is well aware Cannabis has medicinal properties. How could they not? It’s been used as a medicine for at least the past 10,000 years. Even in America, Cannabis was used as a medicine for over 100 years. It was in over a hundred over the counter medicines for a wide range of reasons. Everything from pain and nausea medication to sleeping tonics.

Why did they make it illegal? It’s a long story so I won’t go into it today.. If you’d like to read about the greed and racism that caused the criminalization of the worlds most useful plant, check out this article.

Among the reasons you will learn about on the link I shared above, the US Government has even more reason to keep it illegal today. If Cannabis were to become legalized, it would eat away at TRILLIONS of pharmaceutical profits over the years. (Not including other profits like the billions they get for keeping our privately owned prisons full)

What most people don’t realize is, the Government(s) have been helping the major pharmaceutical companies stonewall natural cures for decades. (Cannabis is merely one of many they have tried to bury and discredit)

In fact, the US Government has known since 1974 that Cannabis cures Cancer. In ’72 Richard Nixon wanted a larger budget for his war on drugs. He thought that if he proved Cannabis caused lung cancer like cigarettes do, he would get the support he needed. He gave the Medical College of Virginia 2 years to do a study on the effects of THC on the body. In ’74 the study was completed.

It turns out, THC when ingested in highly concentrated forms (such as eating Cannabis oil) will attack any mutated cells in your body while strengthening and rejuvenating the healthy cells. They found the PERFECT cure for Cancer.

It worked fast, it worked well, it worked on many different forms of Cancer in ALL stages and it had ZERO harmful side effects. (Unlike Chemo which deteriorates your entire body and kills 1 in 5 patients. Not only that, but other research shows it dissolves ALL forms of tumors and can even combat super-bugs like MRSA.)

When Richard Nixon saw the results of the study he was FURIOUS. He threw the entire report in the trash and deemed the study classified. In 1976 President Gerald Ford put an end to all public cannabis research and granted exclusive research rights to major pharmaceutical companies, who set out — unsuccessfully — to develop synthetic forms of THC that would deliver all the medical benefits without the “high.”

We only found out about the study a few years ago thanks to dedicated medical and law professionals who filed Freedom of Information Requests.

The Government lied for many reasons.. One of the main reasons is Pharmaceutical Companies. They spend billions every year lobbying to keep Cannabis illegal because they make TRILLIONS off Cancer drugs and research. They are already well aware that Cannabis cures Cancer. They have a well thought out con going at the moment. Cancer patients and their loved ones will spend their entire life savings or even sell their houses and businesses in order to pay for Chemotherapy and other Cancer treatment drugs. A lot of the time they spend all that money and their loved one dies anyway. If the public found out that the Government has been lying for over 40 years, that MILLIONS of lives could have been saved and that the dying could grow the cure they so desperately need in their own backyard… The American public would be going nuts over it. This is why we need your help telling people!

Here is an article about what they did if you’d like to read more, as well as an article about more suppressed research.

Cannabis Cures Cancer- US Government has known since 197422.

U.S. Government Repressed Marijuana-Tumor Research

Keep in mind.. The US Government also holds a Patent on Cannabis and it’s medicinal properties.

US Patent 6630507 states unequivocally that cannabinoids are useful in the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of diseases including auto-immune disorders, stroke, trauma, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and HIV dementia. The patent, awarded in 2003, is based on research done by the National Institute of Health, and is assigned to the US Dept. of Health and Human Services. In the age of information, they can no longer keep their lies about Cannabis afloat.

SHARE THIS INFORMATION EVERYWHERE!!
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17952650

If you want more info about the patent, here is a link for you. 
http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6630507.html

In case you are wondering the difference between a few things like Hemp oil and Cannabis oil, I figured I’d explain that too. THC is soluble in alcohol and fats only. This is why people saute it in butter and use it in things like cakes and cookies. You can make Cannabis Ghee (which is essentially Canna-butter) and use it how you would normally use butter in a recipe.

Cannabis oil is made by crushing raw Cannabis in grain alcohol (as close to 100% as possible), straining it and cooking off the alcohol VERY carefully. All you will be left with is essentially ‘pure medicine’ in highly concentrated form.

Hemp oil is made by cold-pressing the seeds of the Hemp plant and extracting the healthy oil within. It is used for things like food and fuel, but it will not cure cancer because it lacks THC. (Hence the reason it’s legal to buy at places like Trader Joe’s)

Now, I realize how badly some people are going to want to get their hands on Cannabis oil for their suffering loved ones. I’m sorry to say, the only place you can get the oil is from Cannabis dispensaries in areas where it is sold legally. Otherwise you have to make it yourself which can be highly complicated and even dangerous since you have to worry about alcohol fumes and legal repercussions if you get caught. (Here’s a video that shows you how):

Still, in my opinion it is well worth the risks since it has already saved THOUSANDS of people (and pets) from horrible deaths due to diseases like Cancer. If you would like to hear many testimonies on the subject, type ‘Cannabis cured my cancer’ or ‘Cannabis cures Cancer’ into youtube search. When you do, you will see how many people are trying to get the word out about this AMAZING cure.

If you would like info on other ways to use Cannabis, here are a few examples.

Raw Cannabis Juice, Cannabis Salve, Cannabis Ghee, Cannabis Tincture, and Grain Alcohol Extraction (aka the Cannabis oil that I mentioned above).

View original article here

Coconut Oil and Cannabis Capsule – A Medical Miracle?

Humans have cultivated and used the flowering tops of the female cannabis plant, known colloquially as marijuana, since history was recorded. Archaeologists in Central Asia even found over 2 pounds of cannabis in a 2,700 year-old grave of a shaman.

Written and pictorial evidence of cannabis use is scattered throughout numerous cultures indicating a wide acceptance and use of the plant for thousands of years.

Drug Classification Halts Use

Federal prohibitions outlawing the therapeutic and recreational use of cannabis were first imposed by Congress with the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937. Later, the plant’s organic compounds (cannabinoids) were classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970.

This classification puts the plant in the same pool as heroin and states that cannabis possesses “a high potential for abuse … no currently accepted medical use … [and] a lack of accepted safety for the use of the drug … under medical supervision.”

In contrast, cocaine and methamphetamine – illegal for recreational use, may be consumed under a doctors supervision and are classified as Schedule II drugs. Examples of Schedule III and IV drugs include anabolic steroids and Valium. Analgesics that contain codeine are defined by law as Schedule V drugs, the most lenient classification.

In Support of Therapeutic Use

Federal lawmakers continue to use the dated drug classification as a means to defend criminalization of marijuana. However, there appears to be very little scientific basis for the categorization of the plant. As its prohibition has passed 75 years, researchers continue to study the therapeutic properties of cannabis.

There are over 20,000 published reviews and studies in scientific literature that pertain to the cannabis plant and its cannabinoids, almost one-third of these have been published in the last 4 years. A keyword search on PubMed Central (the US government library of peer-reviewed scientific research) shows 2,100 studies alone since 2011.

Modern culture is now catching up on what our ancestors knew, and public opinion and relaxing state legislation are leading the way for more people to use medicinal marijuana for a wide number of medical conditions. At present, marijuana for medical purposes is legal in 20 states and the District of Columbia.

While the debate continues to boil at both state and federal levels, there has been a strong and growing trend of acceptance related to the growing body of scientific evidence indicating that marijuana may indeed contain some powerful medicinal properties that we would be foolish to overlook.

Joycelyn Elders, MD, former US Surgeon General, wrote the following in a Mar. 26, 2004 article titled “Myths About Medical Marijuana,” published in the Providence Journal:

“The evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relieve certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms caused by such illnesses as multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS — or by the harsh drugs sometimes used to treat them. And it can do so with remarkable safety. Indeed, marijuana is less toxic than many of the drugs that physicians prescribe every day.”

Ray Cavanaugh, PhD, National Director of the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC), wrote the following in a 2002 article titled “The Plight of the Chronically Ill,” posted on the AAMC website:

“Many of the chronically ill have successfully sought relief with the use of medical cannabis, an age-old remedy that now shows real scientific efficacy. Hundreds of thousands of the sick have replaced disabling narcotics and other psychotropic medications with nontoxic and benign cannabis. The anecdotal evidence is overwhelming. Folks with spinal injuries able to give up their walkers, AIDS patients able to gain weight and keep their medications down, cancer patients finding relief from the terrible nausea of chemotherapy, chronic pain patients once again functional with their consciousness restored from narcotic lethargy, and folks once disabled from crippling psychiatric disorders and addictions, returned to sanity and society with the assistance of a nontoxic herb with remarkable healing powers.”

The American Nurses Association (ANA) wrote the following in its Mar. 19, 2004 “Position Statement: Providing Patients Safe Access to Therapeutic Marijuana/Cannabis,” posted on the ANA website:

“The American Nurses Association (ANA) recognizes that patients should have safe access to therapeutic marijuana/cannabis. Cannabis or marijuana has been used medicinally for centuries. It has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of symptoms and conditions.”

Researchers at the University of California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research announced findings from a number of randomized, placebo controlled clinical trials on the medical utility of inhaled cannabis in 2010.

The studies used the FDA ‘gold standard’ clinical trial design and reported that marijuana should be the “first line of treatment” for patients suffering from neuropathy and other serious illnesses.

Neuropathy is a type of pain associated with diabetes, cancer, spinal cord injuries, HIV/AIDS and other debilitating conditions. The trials indicated that marijuana controlled pain as good or better than available medications.

Scientists continue to study the effectiveness of cannabinoids all over the world. In Germany there have been over 37 controlled studies, with over 2,500 subjects, assessing the safety and efficacy of marijuana, since 2005. In contrast, most FDA-approved drugs go through far fewer trials with less subjects but are approved for use.

The research on cannabis has shifted from studying its ability to alleviate symptoms of disease such as nausea associated with chemotherapy to its potential role in modifying disease. Medical marijuana has been shown to slow the onset of Alzheimers disease and moderate autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Cannabis and Coconut Oil

Medical marijuana capsules infused in coconut oil are an alternative way to therapeutically use cannabis without having to inhale it through smoking. Infusing cannabis into coconut oil also allows for easy entry into the liver where it can be rapidly processed.

Coconut oil is used because of its high amount of essential fatty acids which makes it a good binding agent for the cannabinoids. Not to mention its amazing health properties. Half of the fat in coconut oil is comprised of a fat that is not frequently found in nature, lauric acid.

Lauric acid has been called a “miracle” ingredient due to its health promoting capabilities and is present in a mother’s milk. In fact, it can be found in only three dietary sources—small amounts in butterfat and larger amounts in palm kernel and coconut oil.

In the body, lauric acid is converted to monolaurin, which is a potent antiviral, antibacterial and antiprotozoal substance. Because monolaurin is a monoglyceride, it can destroy lipid-coated viruses including measles, influenza, HIV, herpes and a number of pathogenic bacteria.

Testimony – A Success Story

While many remain suspicious of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, Stan and Barb Rutner are convinced of its efficacy. This couple has stood in the face of cancer a number of times and survived to learn from their experiences.

Barb had two bouts of breast cancer and Stan was diagnosed 20 years ago with non-Hodgkin lymphoma which, after treatment, disappeared. However, in 2011, it returned. Cancerous nodes in his lungs were diagnosed and later he was told that the cancer was in his brain. The outlook was grim indeed.

As he went through the harsh treatment of chemotherapy and radiation, Stan and his family wanted to find a natural solution that would help improve his quality of life and even prolong it. Hearing that cannabis was effective in helping with the pain and other effects of chemotherapy for cancer patients they were more than open to give it a try. According to Stan and Barb, medical cannabis was the golden ticket.

The Rutners daughter, Corinne and her husband did some research and it was decided that daytime cannabis capsule infused in coconut oil would be a good choice. After two weeks of taking the capsule, Stan was able to give up his oxygen tank that he was tied to around the clock. He began to gain weight, sleep better and get stronger overall. After several months, a brain scan revealed that Stan was completely cancer free.

The Rutners are convinced that cannabis works as an anti-cancer medicine. According to John, the Rutners son-in-law, “There is no doubt in my mind that cannabis pulled my father-in-law out of the wasting stages of cancer and enabled him to gain strength and in turn fight this horrible cell malfunction with success. While many would say that the chemo and radiation could have played apart, he would never have lived long enough to find out without cannabis oil.”

-The Alternative Daily

Sources:

http://norml.org/component/zoo/category/recent-research-on-medical-marijuana
http://www.cmcr.ucsd.edu
http://ireadculture.com/article-2940-convinced-of-the-cure.html

Proprietary Hemp Formula Helps Prevent The Flu

The worst flu season in recent memory has led many states across America to declare a public health emergency and has coincided with outbreaks of other nasty illnesses around the country. 

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says that 47 states are experiencing widespread flu activity, and the agency estimates 128 million doses of the flu vaccine have been administered this month, which constitutes 95 percent of the estimated 135 million doses manufacturers planned to make this year. To make it worse, medical advisers are stating that this virus can last up to 10 weeks.

Not the way many people wanted to start off this new year. The good news is there are ways to protect yourself naturally. 

 

The key factor in the prevention of colds and flu is overall Cellular Health.

The balance of essential fatty acids paired with the complete protein found in hemp seed promotes cellular recovery and development. 

Larken Bunce, an educator and clinical herbalist, states:

“Hemp’s unique fatty acid composition and balance can have significant impact on inflammatory processes and cell membrane activities, which are the foundation of numerous chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, hypersensitivities and auto-immune conditions.” 

The high concentration of essential fatty acids found in hemp seeds also supports the transportation of oxygen to cells throughout the body. The presence of oxygen in cell membranes helps to block viruses, fungi and bacteria in the body. 

Another major component of a cells defense is the cell membrane. Cell membranes are the gateway to a cell where nutrients move in and waste moves out. The cell membrane is also the protective envelope that is designed to identify invading bacteria and viruses for elimination. 

There are two absolutely necessary structural components of all cell membranes. These are the omega 3 essential fatty acids, called EPA and DHA. These two fatty acids cannot be made by the human body and must be consumed. Without them cells do not function properly and are susceptible to invasion by many viruses like the flu. 


In early 2011 Versativa developed a product called Inspirin that’s key component in their proprietary EFA blend is hulled hemp seed.

Inspirin is an amazing and completely unique product that combines some of the most beneficial materials found in nature.

There are thousands of testimonies of improved health from consuming Inspirin and it's really no wonder when factoring in the list of ingredients that cannot be found in any other convenient single-serving Whole Food Delivery!

• HEMP SEED 

Hemp seed is said to be the most nutritionally complete food source in the world. It is nature’s perfect high protein food. Nowhere else in nature can someone get a more complete protein source from one place. Hemp seed is gluten free. Hemp protein contains all 20 known amino acids including the 8 essential and 2 semi-essential amino acids. The protein in hemp seed is comprised of approximately 65% of Edestin, which aids digestion, is low in phosphorus, and is considered the backbone of human cellular DNA. Hemp seed is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, calcium, and iron.

• MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON 

Marine Phytoplankton is known as the first food, the best food, and the base of the food chain.  We know that many whales live on Marine Phytoplankton.  Marine Phytoplankton consists of a unique and complete composition that gives the body virtually all of the raw materials it needs, in one single source. Marine Phytoplankton produces healthy new cells and nero-chemicals for the body and the brain. Marine Phytoplankton has been called the ideal food for mankind. Eating primary producers (like Marine Phytoplankton) transfers more energy and nutrients directly to your body. Marine Phytoplankton has an alkaline pH which is ideal for combating the disease producing effects of acidity (Cancer grows in an acidic environment). 

• Black Raspberry SEED / Essential OIL 

Black Raspberry seed oil contains 85% essential fatty acids of which 30% are Omega 3. Black Raspberry Seed Oil is one of nature’s most potent antioxidants, including both tocopherols and tocotrienols. Tocopherols are primarily the gamma and alphatocopherol type which are superior free radical scavengers.  The oil of black raspberry seeds supports a healthy immune system and has antiinflammatory and anti-microbial properties. • Black raspberry seed oil is low in saturated fat.

 • D-Ribose 

 D-ribose is a simple, five-carbon sugar that is found naturally in the human body. D-ribose has been used to improve symptoms of chronic fatiguesyndrome, fibromyalgia, and coronary artery disease. The body recognizes that d-ribose is different from other sugars and preserves it for the creating the energy molecules that power our hearts, muscles, brains, and every other tissue in the body. D-ribose has been used to prevent symptoms such as cramping, pain, and stiffness after exercise. D-ribose has been used to improve athletic performance.

 • Resveratrol 

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring phytoalexin found in grape skins, berries, and other plants.  It is anti-infective, contains antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Resveratrol can fight cancer initiation, promotion, and progression by blocking free radicals. Resveratrol is said to have weight loss effects, mimicking the benefits of a calorie-restricted diet. Resveratrol may help lower cholesterol. Resveratrol can act as an anti-aging assistant. Resveratrol helps support brain function. It also protects the heart and increases athletic endurance. Resveratrol can reduce the incidence of skin cancer and rejuvenate connective tissues. 

• BLACKBERRY 

The beneficial properties of the blackberry have been recognized as early as Ancient Greece. Blackberries are especially beneficial for women, due to their high concentrations of phytoestrogens. The blackberry is high in fiber and vitamin C. Blackberries are considered to be an astringent.  Blackberries are high inantioxidants.

 • Malic acid 

Malic acid is a natural substance that is commonly found in plants and is also produced naturally in the body.  Malic acid is used to treat individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.  Malic Acid reduces bacteria in the mouth, which promotes healthier teeth and gums. Malic acid promotes softer, firmer, smoother, and younger-looking skin. Malic acid is most popularly known for its affect on metabolism and energy production. 

• RASPBERRY 

Raspberries are high in Elagic acid. Elagic acid can help to boost the immune system by combating bad bacteria and killing viruses.  Elagic acid contains anti-cancer properties and can slow tumor growth. Elagic acid is a powerful anti-oxidant. Elagic acid improves skin elasticity, which reduces the effects of aging and speeds the healing of wounds. Elagic acid reduces inflammation.

 • BLACK CUMIN SEED / ESSENTIAL OIL 

Black cumin seed has been used for centuries to promote health and fight disease.  Black cumin seed has been revered as a medicinal herb for over 3000 years. Medical studies around the world have shown that black cumin seed has immune strengthening, anti-histamine, antitumor, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil found in black cumin seed is exceptionally high in antioxidants.  Black cumin seed oil is primarily composed of more than 80% unsaturated fatty acids. 

• Magnesium Malate 

Magnesium malate may have an effect in reducing the pain of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  It has been documented that most diabetics have low levels of Magnesium malate. Taking it can improve insulin production. Magnesium is an essential mineral that the body requires for muscle relaxation. It has been shown to be very useful in all types of headaches and migraines. Magnesium malate has the ability remove toxic metals from the blood stream that would otherwise cause harm to the body.

If it's prevention that you're after, then we highly recommend using Inspirin once a day. We have a specific pack for this called a "One-A-Day" Pack. Consumers are glad to make this a part of their daily health regimen and have had nothing but great results!

In extreme cases of flu and other illness, it might be wise to consider 2-3 a day to fight off the virus and other free radical onslaught that is preventing you from getting well.

To learn more and view Inspirin's Nutrional Facts, Click Here for an online brochure.