Advantages and Disadvantages of Marijuana

AlzheimersMarijuana may be able to slow the progression of Alzheimers disease, according to

research by the Scripps Research Institute and published in Molecular Pharmaceutics.
AnxietyHarvard Medical School found that marijuana may have anti-anxiety effects. Of course,
keep in mind that high doses may increase anxiety and paranoia.
ArthritisMarijuana can alleviate pain and inflammation linked to arthritis.
CancerResearch in the journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics found that cannabidiol found in
marijuana, turns off a gene called Id-1, which cancer cells use to spread.
EpilepsyMarijuana has been shown in studies by Virginia Commonwealth University, to stop
seizures in the schools animal studies.
GlaucomaResearchers are working on developing new drugs based on cannabis to treat
glaucoma pain after learning its effectiveness for treating the condition. Glaucoma is a condition that
increases pressure inside the eyeball and can lead to vision loss.
Improves Lung HealthResearch in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that
marijuana can increase lung capacity, not decrease it as many people have long believed.
Multiple SclerosisA study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that
cannabinoids found in marijuana significantly reduced multiple sclerosis pain.
NauseaMarijuana contains a minimum of 60 chemicals known as cannabinoids, of which THC is
the primary one associated with its mind-altering effects. THC has been used in the treatment
of nausea, including drug- or chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Parkinsons DiseaseResearch published in MedPage Today found that marijuana use eased
tremors and improved fine motor skills in patients with Parkinsons disease.

Problems Linked with Marijuana Use:

Addictionthats a fairly obvious one. Also, it can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms in
people who discontinue use.
Anxiety and ParanoiaIn high doses or in sensitive individuals, marijuana can cause anxiety and
paranoia.

Memory ImpairmentAs anyone whos ever talked to someone who is high knows, memory
impairment is common.
Mind-Altering EffectsThis is particularly evident among people who havent used it before as well
as many young people.
Heart AttackOne study found an increase risk of heart attack within the first hour of smoking
marijuana.