Here’s why weed is good for you (in a controlled and regulated manner of course).

1. It helps regulate your weight

In this study, marijuana use has been shown to somehow improve insulin control, which in turn leads to good cholesterol and controlled weight. This might seem counterintuitive considering weed usually gives people the munchies, but the study proved that there is a reduced prevalence of obesity in the pot smoking community, as it also improves metablism.

2. It reduces chances of depression

A study published by USC and SUNY Albany using 4000 participants found that those who consume marijuana occasionally or even daily have lower levels of depressive symptoms than those who have never tried it. Marijuana users were found to have a less depressed mood and temper.

3. It can ease symptoms of glaucoma

One of the main causes of optic nerve damage in glaucoma is high pressure within the eye. According to proven research, marijuana helps decrease this intraocular pressure, thus relieving the symptoms.

4. It improves lung function

According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, marijuana actually improves lung function and capacity. This might seem strange but one should keep in mind that there are several other ways of using weed other than just smoking it. In fact, in the study, marijuana users were found to have increased lung capacity compared to nonsmokers.

5. It can prevent or slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease

The active component in marijuana, namely tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, has been found to slow down the production of beta-amyloid proteins, one of the key contributors to the progression of Alzheimer’s. It can also can prevent an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase from accelerating the formation of Alzheimer’s plaques in the brain.

6. It helps control epileptic seizures

A study performed by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that certain ingredients in marijuana play a critical role in controlling spontaneous seizures in epilepsy. Weed has major anticonvulsant properties in certain cases.

7. It can help with anxiety and symptoms of ADHD

It is widely known that smoking (or ingesting in any other form) marijuana in the right situation and surroundings can greatly reduce anxiety. Try to avoid getting high in situations you’re not comfortable in, it might just make the anxiety worse. Marijuana has also shown great promise in treating patients suffering from ADHD, although every case is different and it must be done in a doctor controlled environs.

8. It has numerous uses for cancer patients

Marijuana is very effective in relieving the nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. A study conducted in 2012 also found that a THC treatment can help in slowing down and in some cases even eliminating certain kinds of aggressive cancers.

9. It helps relieve chronic pain

Research into the health benefits of weed has also found that it helps people with chronic nerve pain due to injury or surgery. Clinical trials have also verified that it is an analgesic, and can help reduce pain if used in conjunction with your regular medication and on a doctor’s advice.

10. It can help with migraines

Migraines are characterised by pulsating headaches which are usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity to light, and they can be highly debilitating. Marijuana has been proven to have anti-inflammatory properties that give pain relief and can minimize the effects of a migraine headache. In fact, smoking marijuana can literally stop the migraine if taken at the onset.

11. It helps treat Hepatitis C

Using pot can help people get through the side-effects of Hep C medicines such as nausea, low appetite, aches and pains. It helps patients complete their antiviral therapy and improves their odds at successfully eliminating the Hepatitis C virus.

12. It can relieve symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

The THC in weed binds to receptors in the nerves and muscles to relieve pain, which makes it extremely beneficial to those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. It reduces pain and relieves symptoms such as an overactive bladder, nerve pain and muscle spasms.

13. It can promote brain cell growth

Research has suggested that marijuana can even limit neurological damage after a stroke or trauma. Cannabinoids found in marijuana can help improve brain function after a stroke. According to studies, chemicals in cannabis can literally repair and stimulate the growth of brain cells.