Benefits of Marijuana Use

The recent change in marijuana laws across the world has not only increased the social acceptance of the drug but has also brought on new studies and research regarding the positive aspects of its use. Many studies are now coming out suggesting that marijuana use can benefit the average person in many ways. Many medicinal publications discuss how marijuana use can help and even cure people with certain diseases. Most people supporting recreational use argue their side by comparing marijuana with other drugs such as alcohol, prescription drugs, etc.
The fact is partaking in the natural herb is not just a fix to certain problems it can help people that do not have medical conditions as well. Anybody can benefit from the many positive effects of "cheifin' the reefer." The unique physical effects marijuana has on the body can bring about relaxation and a special stimulation of the brain creating a positive feeling. Many studies also suggest that marijuana can prevent certain ailments in the body and enhance activities people regularly perform.
Marijuana effects the brain in an unusual way causing a unique "feel good" sensation. One of marijuana's effects on the body is the increase of dopamine to the brain but in a smaller amount than other drugs such as cocaine making marijuana less addictive. Dopamine is a natural chemical in the body that goes to the brain and gives it a positive sensation during activities that prolong life such as eating and sex. This is why many people think that food tastes better and sex feels better while stoned.
According to the book "The Benefits of Marijuana: Physical, Psychological and Spiritual" by Joan Bello, marijuana effects the autonomic nervous system in a unique way that causes both sides of the brain to be enhanced simultaneously. The book describes, " More blood, and cleaner blood, is sent to the brain, as in the “fight or flight” reaction. And because of Parasympathetic dilation of capillaries, which signifies relaxation, the blood supply to the entire brain is increased. More blood means more oxygen and consequently clearer and broader thinking." This effect not only can relax the entire body but also create a special awareness and open mindedness in many people.
Since marijuana enhances both sides of the brain unlike any other drug a unique balancing of emotion can occur. The drug can naturally make someone more relaxed when they are unusually high strung and give them energy and make them more attentive when feeling too tired. There is also some evidence suggesting that marijuana keeps the brain stimulated and helps the cells stay strong in old age possibly preventing people from becoming senile.
Using marijuana can also, experts suggest, prevent a variety of medical conditions common in the human body. In a new study published called, " Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B" the publication states that "activating the brain’s cannabinoid system may trigger a sort of anti-oxidant cleanse, removing damaged cells and improving the efficiency of the mitochrondria, the energy source that powers cells, ultimately leading to a more robustly functioning brain." This means that marijuana can reverse the aging process of the brain and possibly prevent diseases such as Alzheimers and dementia.
A study that was published in a 2012 edition of "Journal of the American Medical Association" tested the lung function of over 5,000 young adults between 18 and 30 to determine marijuana's effect on lungs. After 20 years of testing, researchers found that regular marijuana smokers "had no discernable impairment in lung activity from non-smokers." Since marijuana smoke does not contain the same tar and carcinogens that are present in tobacco smoke it does not have the same effect on the lungs. Since marijuana users take large hits and hold them in longer, use of the drug actually strengthens the lungs and can prevent lung cancer.
Another study published in "Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science" found cannabinoid receptors in both the front and back of the eyes. The researchers in this study believe that cannabinoids can help the eyes reduce the pressure inside the eyeball by activating the receptors on both sides of the eye. This pressure reduction scientists think can help treat and prevent glaucoma, a disease that causes blindness.
Set aside from the positive physical effects marijuana use has on the body including disease prevention, many experts believe that use of the drug can enhance certain human activities. In many accounts of both the past and present, marijuana use has been accredited to having a positive effect on religious and spiritual ceremonies. Many people through time have insisted that marijuana can help individuals pray and better connect to their higher power. The book by Joan Bello previously mentioned accredited the drugs spiritual benefits to the way marijuana activates both sides of the brain.
Many people also believe that marijuana can enhance the feeling of sex. An article posted by the owner of "www.wearebaked.com" suggests that " Buds from Indica plants typically give the user a strong body high which increases sensitivity to touch. This increased sensitivity commonly leads to a fast paced increase in sexual desire." A study done by Michael Castlemen published on "www.psychologytoday.com" states that "67% of the readers that responded say that marijuana enhances sex." This could be largely due to the way marijuana increases the dopamine levels in the brain.
In many states in the U.S., driving under the influence of any substance is illegal due to evidence showing that marijuana impairs psychomotor skills and reduces reaction time. There are some studies conducted in other countries that suggest differently. In a study of 7,934 drivers published in "Canadian Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs. 2002. Cannabis: Summary Report: Our Position for a Canadian Public Policy." the results concluded that "crash culpability studies have failed to demonstrate that drivers with cannabinoids in the blood are significantly more likely than drug-free drivers to be culpable in road crashes." Another study conducted in a driving simulator published in "UK House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology. 1998. Ninth Report." determined that "people intoxicated by cannabis appear to compensate for their impairment by taking fewer risks and driving more slowly, whereas alcohol tends to encourage people to take great risks and drive more aggressively.” Recently a group of researchers in Germany tested marijuana's effects on driving on their autobahn highway system. They agreed that marijuana had no adverse effects on driving arguing that people that were "stoned" drove slower and more cautiously than even sober drivers. Despite these finding most of the U.S. including the state of Colorado considers driving under the influence of marijuana an offense that comes with hefty penalties including a possibly lengthy stay at the "Grey Bar Inn."
Indulging in cannabis does not only benefit cancer patients and those "experimenting,"the versatile plant has special qualities that makes its consumption beneficial to everyone. Marijuana is a "one-of-a-kind" substance that alters the human mind in a way no other substance can and instead of being classified in the stimulant or depressant category like alcohol and most prescription drugs marijuana is actually considered a hallucinogen. Therefore, comparing marijuana to alcohol and other drugs is not a fair comparison. Now that the laws and times are changing all over the globe the benefits the everyday person can experience from ingesting this natural plant out weigh the legal consequences people have faced for many decades.