The Good Stuff in Marijuana

Medical marijuana has been proven effective in helping people who are suffering from debilitating illnesses. According to a survey conducted by online medical resource WebMD, 69 percent of doctors believe that marijuana offers medical benefits. Most of the respondents also said that the use of medical cannabis should be an option given to patients.

For those looking to take advantage of this option, it will be better for them if they learn about what makes marijuana a medical wonder. Here is a breakdown of the good stuff you can find in pot.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids refer to the chemical compounds released by the plant’s flowers. Cannabinoids are present in all strains of marijuana—namely sativa, indica, and hybrids–each targeted to be more effective at specific diseases. Sativa is believed to be ideal for minimizing symptoms associated with arthritis, while indica is most ideal for relieving nausea brought about by chemotherapy for cancer treatment.

The hybrids variety, meanwhile, is a mixture of both sativa and indica. Hybrids are beneficial for a number of conditions including migraines, hepatitis C, low appetite, asthma, glaucoma, back pain and muscle spasms, epilepsy, sleep disorders, and fibromyalgia.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

While cannabinoids are more apt for physical symptoms, THC is more appropriate for psychological symptoms. THC is believed to promote the release of dopamine, the hormone responsible for euphoria. As such, THC is highly recommended for patients suffering from depression.