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piqer for: Health and Sanity Boom and bust Climate and Environment
Melissa Hutsell is an award-winning freelance journalist with a deep rooted passion for both community and international journalism. She was born and raised in Northern California, and has lived, studied, worked, and traveled in more 20 different countries. Melissa holds a Master's degree in Global Journalism from City University London, as well as degrees in Journalism and Globalization from Humboldt State University. Though she covers various topics as both a writer and editor, she specializes in business and cannabis journalism.
Bridging The Body And Mind With Cannabis
Cannabinoid-based therapy is grounded in the idea that cannabis is the bridge between body and mind. Chemical compounds in cannabis – like THC or CBD – are similar to those created by our bodies, and therefore are integrated more easily than synthetic drugs. Because our bodies are built with an endocannabinoid system, by understanding these compounds, we may “begin to see a mechanism that could connect brain activity and states of physical health and disease,” said Bradley E. Alger, leading scientist in the study of endocannabinoids. Here’s what the research has to say about the connection between cannabis and health:
Reduced risk of Obesity/Diabetes: Multiple studies have shown that obesity rates among cannabis users are one-third lower than among non-users. Research also suggests that “CBD helps the body convert white fat into weight-reducing brown fat, promoting normal insulin production and sugar metabolism,” according to the article.
Lowered Risk of Cancer: Studies show cannabis has the ability to reduce tumors. In 2015, researchers analyzed the medical records of more than 80,000 male patients and found cannabis users to have 45 percent less occurrence of bladder cancer than non-users.
Brain/Bone Health: “Cannabinoids are neuroprotective, meaning that they help maintain and regulate brain health,” states the article. They help protect cells from damage, and stimulate the growth of new nerve cells.
CBD “helps spur the process of new bone-cell formation, which is why [it’s] found to speed the healing of broken bones and, due to a stronger fracture callus, decrease the likelihood of re-fracturing the bone,” states the article.
Skin Protectant/anti-inflammatory: Cannabis (including hemp) is proven to protect against UV rays and free radicals, and has powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Cannabis is a well-known anti-inflammatory. Several studies have proven its efficacy in curbing the rates of inflammation and the wide range of diseases in which it occurs.
