THC is the most well known compound found in marijuana and is known best for the ability to make you high. However, from a medicinal standpoint, the high is more of a drawback, especially when compared to these 7 other therapeutic properties that THC hold, as compiled by Leafscience.
7 Medical Benefits of THC Backed by Science
By The Stoner's Cookbook
THC is the most recognized ingredient in cannabis & is best known for causing the high you get. However, the high is seen as a drawback when compared to these 7 benefits as outlined by Leaf Science.
-
Pain Relief
By The Stoner's Cookbook
One of the most common uses of medical marijuana is for pain relief. The THC in marijuana activates pathways in the central nervous system that help block pain signals from being sent to the brain.
-
PTSD
By The Stoner's Cookbook
The high from THC is [associated](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17019571) with temporary impairments of memory. While this may be seen as a drawback, impaired memory can be [therapeutic](http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130514085016.htm) for those who struggle to forget painful memories.
-
Nausea and Vomiting
By The Stoner's Cookbook
Marinol, a THC pill has been used for treating nausea and vomiting in cancer patients [since](http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/healthprofessional/page5) the 1980s. Since then, other THC pills have been developed & prescribed to patients undergoing chemotherapy.
-
Appetite Stimulant
By The Stoner's Cookbook
Marijuana is a powerful appetite stimulant (munchies, anyone?) Unsurprisingly, Marinol & Cesamet are regularly [prescribed](http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/healthprofessional/page5) to boost appetite in patients with cancer and HIV-associated wasting syndrome.
-
Asthma
By The Stoner's Cookbook
Following [trials](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1099949) that showed marijuana could calm asthma attacks, [scientists](http://www.truthonpot.com/2013/05/11/medical-marijuana-and-asthma-benefits-vs-risks/) tried (and failed) to develop a THC inhaler. While the inhaler was abandoned, [some](http://www.leafscience.com/2014/02/04/study-explains-marijuana-isnt-bad-asthma/) say vaporizers might be the solution.
-
Glaucoma
By The Stoner's Cookbook
Studies in the 1970s showed that smoking marijuana could reduce symptoms in glaucoma sufferers. Some glaucoma patients still rely on medical marijuana to this day.
-
Sleep Aid
By The Stoner's Cookbook
It's no secret that marijuana helps you sleep better. Recent [studies](http://http//journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00001/abstract) suggest THC may also improve nighttime breathing and reduce sleep interruptions in those who suffer from sleep apnea.
