Throughout the studies that have been conducted focusing on cannabis users’ health, we
have more information now than ever before. Several cannabis studies that I will mention, have
shown us the potential medicine-like effects it promotes in its users including reduced odds of
diabetes and obesity, healthier cholesterol profiles, reduced risk of cancer, cognitive decline
prevention, and the impressive anti-inflammatory effects cannabinoids can have among a broad
spectrum of diseases. (Leinow & Birnbaum).
Studies have shown that cannabis users typically consume more calories on average than
non cannabis users. This is due to THCs stimulation of the hormone ghrelin that increases
appetite, all while increasing the metabolism of carbohydrates. What was found because of this,
is that cannabis users actually have a lower body mass index, a smaller waist circumference, as
well as a reduced risk of diabetes and obesity than non cannabis users. It was concluded that
rates of diabetes and obesity are one third lower among cannabis users than non cannabis users
(Leinow & Birnbaum).
In a study conducted between regular cannabis users, non cannabis users, and former
cannabis users regarding cholesterol profiles, interesting results were found. The levels of HDL
(good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol) in each participant were measured. As it turns out,
the group of regular cannabis users had the highest HDL (good cholesterol) and the lowest levels
of LDL (bad cholesterol). Former cannabis users showed a similar profile, with less pronounced
levels of HDL and LDL indicating that beneficial effects of cannabis can fade with time. Non
cannabis users had the lowest levels of HDL and the highest levels of LDL (Leinow &
Birnbaum, 2017).
Several studies regarding THC and cancer have shown us that THC can reduce tumor
size, and even prevent cancerous tumors from forming altogether. In a 2012 study, animals were
injected with cancer causing carcinogens in a lab. The animals treated with CBD were
significantly less likely to develop certain types of cancer than the animals not treated with CBD
at all (Leinow & Birnbaum, 2017).
A 2008 study showed us that CBD and THC cannabinoids in low doses actually
encourages the creation of new cells, including within aging brains. The creation of new neurons
and cells slows down in our brains as we age, and in order to maintain brain health and prevent
neurodegenerative diseases, we need the continuous creation of new brain cells (Leinow &
Birnbaum).
Numerous studies have shown us the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD, which engages
with our endocannabinoid system in many of our organs to systematically reduce inflammation.
There are so many diseases involved with inflammation, and the therapeutic effects of CBD may
help improve the conditions of certain inflammatory diseases. Chronic inflammation is
commonly associated with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis,
autoimmune diseases, bowel diseases, allergies, asthma, and many others (Leinow & Birnbaum).
If you have health concerns related to inflammation, CBD may be very beneficial to you.
The several cannabis studies that I mentioned above, have shown us the potential
medicine-like effects it promotes in its users including reduced odds of diabetes and obesity,
healthier cholesterol profiles, reduced risk of cancer, cognitive decline prevention, and the
impressive anti-inflammatory effects cannabinoids can have among a broad spectrum of diseases
(Leinow & Birnbaum).
References
Leinow, L., & Birnbaum, J. (2017, November 7). CBD as Preventative Medicine. Project
CBD. Retrieved September 17, 2021, from
https://www.projectcbd.org/medicine/cbd-preventative-medicine.
