THC Health Benefits
THC Health Benefits
Let’s talk about the most well-known cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.Â
Some might say that THC ran so CBD could walk…
Before people even remotely knew of CBD, THC was the only known cannabinoid in the cannabis plant.
All the rage has been about CBD in recent years. However, in this article, we want to re-examine the most popular and criminalized cannabinoid.
THC has many benefits. While the spotlight is on CBD, many have forgotten about the healing properties of THC.
What most people know about this cannabinoid is that it is responsible for the ‘high’ associated with smoking cannabis.
Because of this, it has been defamed, criminalized, and criticized for generations.
As a result of its notorious reputation, the medicinal benefits are often overlooked.
Scientific research confirms that THC has myriad medicinal benefits.
In combination with other cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients, this molecule is known to aid in a multitude of mental and physical ailments.Â
Here are 10 different ways THC can be beneficial for your health.
#1.) THC Health Benefits: Provides Pain Relief
Pain relief is one of its top medicinal applications. It’s estimated that more than 1.5 billion people are living with some sort of chronic pain. Many of which have neuropathic pain, or nerve-related discomfort.Â
Studies indicate that cannabis compounds activate pathways that block pain signals going to the brain. THC’s ability to relieve pain was demonstrated by an FDA-approved trial from 2013.
People suffering from neuropathic discomfort were given low doses (1.29%) of THC via vaporized marijuana.Â
The results?
 “A low dose of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol provided statistically significant 30% reductions in pain intensity when compared to placebo.”Â
While cannabis’s status as a Schedule I controlled substance continues to restrict any further clinical research, it is clear that there is a positive correlation between THC use and pain relief.
#2.) THC Health Benefits: Easing Nausea and Vomiting
Did you know that there is an FDA-approved THC pill?
Marinol is a treatment for nausea and vomiting in people with cancer.Â
It has been around since the 1980s. Marinol is marketed to be a pharmaceutical substitute for cannabis.Â
However, Marinol contains isolated and synthetic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
It is, therefore, not as effective as whole-plant cannabis which provides an entourage of chemical compounds that can be found in whole-plant natural cannabis.Â
Marinol is not made up of beneficial components like other cannabinoids and terpenes or flavonoids.Â
All of which are proven to be much more efficient when combined.Â
Furthermore, a Study from 1995 showed that oral THC-8 (a cannabinoid-like regular THC but with lower psychotropic side effects) was an effective treatment for children suffering from nausea as a result of chemotherapy.Â
The only side effect reported was mild irritability.
Other nausea medications like Zofran can have side effects such as diarrhea, headaches, blurred vision, muscle spasms and fevers.Â
Moreover, THC-based therapies are a much safer alternative.
#3.) THC Health Benefits: Protects Brain Cells
Once upon a time, many were under the impression that cannabis consumption could lead to brain damage.Â
This is a direct and unfortunate result of the 1930s film, Reefer madness.Â
However, this simply is not true. In fact, it’s almost the exact polar opposite. THC is a neuroprotectant, whereas most drugs can be neurotoxic. This means it protects brain cells from harm.
A stunning example from a 2014 study found that those with THC in their system were 80% less likely than those without to die from traumatic brain injuries.Â
Impressive, right?
#4.) THC Health Benefits: Effective as a Sleep Aid
Do you have trouble sleeping?Â
It is no surprise that THC can help you sleep better. Many experience extreme drowsiness or sleepiness as a side effect of THC consumption.
Furthermore, tests in the 1970s discovered that cannabinoids were effective in helping insomniacs fall asleep faster.Â
But that’s not all…
The latest research from trials done in 2013 show that it may also improve breathing and reduce the number of sleep interruptions.Â
This is absolutely fantastic news for those who are in need of a means to counteract sleep deprivation.
#5.) THC Health Benefits: Helps to Treat PTSD
According to estimates, around 8% of Americans (24.4 million) suffer from some sort of variation of PTSD.Â
For perspective, this number is approximately equal to the population of Texas.Â
Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia and nightmares can all be indicators of PTSD.Â
Thankfully, THC is a proven treatment for PTSD.
Furthermore, some psychiatrists claim that THC rich cannabis is the only treatment to aid with PTSD.Â
Studies reveal that THC reduces symptoms associated with PTSD, such as agitation, depression and triggering flashbacks.Â
This means that those suffering with this immensely difficult disorder can finally get the rest they need to heal and regain some balance in their day-to-day life.
They simply need a means of having safe access and guidance to help them implement cannabis into their lives.
While this is not a cure-all for everyone struggling with PTSD or mental illness, it is a starting point for some.
#6.) THC Health Benefits: Promotes Brain Growth
This psychoactive cannabinoid may have more benefits than we realize on the human brain.
THC not only protects brain cells but also stimulates brain development.Â
How does it all work?Â
THC activates our brains’ CB1 receptor. The CB1 receptor is connected to our endocannabinoid system which can be found all throughout the body and is essenital in managing almost every bodily function.This stimulation of the CB1 receptor is known as “long-term potentiation” which increases the brain’s ability for learning.Â
Additionally, researchers also found out that THC stimulates the growth of brain cells in your hippocampus, similar to CBD. Some research even suggest that THC can save spatial memories.
Also of note, small doses of cannabis are able to slow down or treat some types of Alzheimer’s disease.Â
Studies are currently under way as to how THC can help to prevent Alzheimer’s in other ways too.Â
#7.) THC Health Benefits: Increases Appetite
Odds are that you are aware of how consuming cannabis can give you the ‘munchies.’
For some, this might be a downfall of cannabis, however, for others who struggle with appetite disorders, this can be life-saving.
For example, loss of appetite can occur due to HIV, cancer, various eating disorders, hepatitis, and more.Â
Not eating for prolonged periods can lead to severe malnourishment if not treated promptly.
Researchers have found that THC interacts similarly with the hypothalamus to release the hormone, ghrelin.Â
This hormone stimulates hunger, in fact, THC interacting with ghrelin can even make food taste better.Â
While many may dismiss these symptoms as “munchies,” they are actually much more than that.Â
Interestingly, some cannabis cultivars can also suppress appetite as well. THC hunger-inducing properties can dramatically improve quality life if used with the right approach.Â
In some cases, THC is life-saving.Â
#8.) THC Health Benefits: A Powerful Antioxidant
There are many reasons why cannabis has been praised as a powerful anti-aging, anti-stress tool.
THC and cannabinoids in general are potent antioxidants. Because of their antioxidant nature, they are able to fight free radicals in the body.
In response to UVB light, the plant produces more THC. UVB light is the kind of light that promotes aging and causes oxidative stress in humans.
Additionally, UVB light causes cellular and DNA damage. People who suffer from this damage are more likely to get serious diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.Â
THC is a potent antioxidant that protects your body from stress-related harm.
#9.) THC Can Serve as an Antibacterial
In fact, many people do not know that the cannabis plant actually produces THC to protect the plant from pathogens.
Furthermore, THC may be able to have the same effects for animals and humans.
A rodent experiment published by the scientific journal, Plos One, revealed that THC was effective in changing the microbes in mice’s guts.Â
This case shows that cannabinoids have a positive effect on the microbes of obese mice, transforming them into a microbial population more like those of lean mice.Â
However, there’s more…
Researchers from MIT discovered in 2008 that THC was able to kill a troubling antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The bacteria in question was Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which causes serious gaping wounds when left untreated.Â
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control report that explained that antibiotic-resistant diseases are responsible for approximately 2 million illnesses and 23,000 deaths per year.
Furthermore, THC has many powerful and healing benefits that are worth looking further into.
#10.) THC Health Benefits: Anticonvulsant
CBD often takes the limelight for epilepsy treatment. CBD (Cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating relative of THC. Clinical trials show that CBD significantly reduces seizure activity.
What many people don’t realize though is that THC has anticonvulsant qualities as well.Â
Unfortunately, research has been halted on the anticonvulsant qualities of THC due to the huge interest in CBD.Â
THC is quite the miraculous compound and should not be forgotten in the shadows of CBD.
#11.) Muscle Relaxant
Ever felt heavy or particularly drowsy after ingesting THC?
Complimentary terpenes as well as other cannabinoids along with THC are the culprit of these effects.
Furthermore, it is fairly well-known that THC has relaxing effects. Not only is this plant mentally relaxing but physically as well. This is due to its muscle relaxant capabilities.
Additionally, this is why the compound is so beneficial for patients who experience multiple sclerosis, which often comes with muscle spasticity, cramping, and pain.
In fact, in over 30 countries, a cannabis medicine is often prescribed for these exact symptoms.
Sativex, contains both THC and CBD. As we mentioned earlier with the entourage effect, THC’s pain relieving effects are more effective in combination with other beneficial terpenes and cannabinoids.
Furthermore, myrcene, a musky terpene abundant in mangoes, is known to have intense muscle relaxant qualities. This is the compound known for the ‘couch lock’ effect when consuming THC.
#12.) Anti-Tumor Agent
When it comes to cancer research, cannabis is making significant waves.
Furthermore, recent research shows that the herb can kill cancer cells in multiple different ways in animal models.
Multiple cannabinoids have anti-cancer potential, however, THC is one of the main contenders.
Harvard-trained physician, Dr. Gregory Smith claims that there are three ways that cannabis can fight against cancer.
The first one is a process known as apoptosis, an immune function that triggers cells to self destruct upon damage or disease.
Dr. Smith claims, “[Cannabis] does that apoptosis, that horrible world, that tells the cancer cell to go kill itself. It’s literally a key that turns a lock and tells the cell to kill itself.”
However, that’s not all.
In some lab models, THC can block a tumor from forming blood vessels. What this does is starve the cancer cells by cutting off their food and oxygen supply.
Dr. Smith continues, “It stops the cancer cell from leaving the colony of other cancer cells and going and forming its own new metastatic area in the body.”
“All three of these things are well known,” Smith continues, “and it’s mostly THC that has the anticancer effects.”
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#13.) Enhancing Senses
You might not think of this as one of the THC health advantages but bear with me…
The psychoactive effects of THC are either sought after or avoided entirely by the majority of people.
in fact, many prohibitionists argue that the psychoactive properties of THC are what makes it so ‘dangerous.’
However, for thousands of generations, people have been enjoying the effects of cannabis plants’ psychoactive constituents.Â
A variety of cultures across the globe have used the plant for rituals and spiritual ceremonies.
While not everyone enjoys the psychoactive components of THC, this does not mean we should throw it away all together.Â
Especially because there have never been any fatal overdoses from the cannabis plant.Â
When used with intention, cannabis has many unique and healing benefits. These revelations can lead to life-changing breakthroughs and creativity that will allow you to gain deeper insights into your own personal journey.
Furthermore, THC has a psychological effect that can enhance mood and provide relief from a variety of ailments.
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We hope you enjoyed this article on all the many benefits THC has to offer.
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