10 Studies from 2016 Further Confirming the Benefits of Cannabis – DEA Ignores

September 2, 2016

Phytologie

Alex Pietrowski, Staff Writer
Waking Times

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently reneged on their latest promise to reschedule cannabis and remove it from the list of schedule I drugs, which are classified as having ‘a high potential for abuse and the potential to create severe psychological and/or physical dependence.’

“Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Some examples of Schedule I drugs are: heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone, and peyote…” [Source]

Possession, production and trafficking of drugs with this classification are typically the most severely punished by federal law, and advocates of medical cannabis have been demanding for years that the DEA acknowledge the ever-growing body of legitimate scientific research and anecdotal evidence proving that cannabis does not in any way fit the description of a schedule I substance.

The long list of research studies proving the medical efficacy of cannabis even includes a number of studies demonstrating the effectiveness of cannabis in treating cancer, yet the DEA remains committed to the tyranny of prohibition even though their own definition of schedule I substances runs in direct contradiction to publicly available facts and information.

Global research into the benefits of cannabis as a natural medicine and a positive agent in society, however, continues in spite of the glaring hypocrisy of the federal government. Here are 10 more credible studies contributing to the mountain of evidence that should vindicate and liberate cannabis as a medicinal and recreational substance.

The original version of this list was compiled by Anthony Martinelli of The Weed Blog:

1 – Cannabinoids Block Inflammation of the Brain

THC Stimulates Toxic Plaque Removal in the Brain, Blocks Inflammation, Finds Study

A study published last month in Nature Partner Journals found that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) stimulates toxic plaque removal in the brain, and also blocks inflammation (which can damage neurons).

2 – Cannabis Use Improves Survival Odds for Heart-Attack Patients

Study: Heart Attack Patients with History of Cannabis Use Less Likely to Die During Hospitalization

Those with a history of cannabis use who suffer from a heart attack are less likely to die during hospitalization, according to a study presented in April at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology.

3 – Cannabis an Effective Natural Treatment for Bi-Polar Disorder

Study: Cannabis Use Can Help Treat Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Inhaling cannabis can help treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder without any negative cognitive impact, according to a study published in the journal PLoS ONE.

READ: 34 Medical Studies Proving Cannabis Cures Cancer

4 – Cannabinoids Beneficial to Those With Osteoarthritis

Study: Cannabinoids May Prevent Cartilage Breakdown in those with Osteoarthritis

A study published in the April issue of the journal Molecular Medicine Reports, and published online by the U.S. National Institute of Health, found that cannabinoids may prevent cartilage breakdown in those with osteoarthritis.

5 – Cannabis Usage Beneficial to Brain Injury Patients

Study: Recent Cannabis Use Linked to Better Outcomes for Brain Injury Patients

The recent use of cannabis is associated with improved outcomes in patients hospitalized with intracerebral hemorrhaging (ICH aka bleeding in the brain), according to data published online ahead of print in the journal Cerebrovascular Diseases.

6 – Cannabis Usage Decreases Aggression

Alcohol Use Increases Aggression, Cannabis Use Decreases It, Finds Study

A study published in the most recent issue of the journal Psychopharmacology has found that alcohol significantly increases aggression while cannabis significantly decreases it. The study was a random controlled trial, typically refereed to as the “gold standard” for research studies.

7 – Workplace Absence Decrease with Legalization

Study: Legalizing Medical Cannabis Decreases Workplace Absences

According to a study published in the journal Health Economics, the legalization of medical cannabis is associated with a decrease in the total number of workplace absences that are caused by sickness.

8 – CBD Oil Holds Promise for Epilepsy Patients

Study: CBD Oil ‘Highly Promising’ as Treatment for Pediatric Epilepsy

The administration of cannabis oil extracts high in cannabidiol reduces seizure frequency in children with intractable epilepsy, according to clinical data published by the journal Seizure.

9 – Cannabis Does Not Negatively Affect IQ or Educational Performance

Study: Cannabis Use Not Predictive Of Lower IQ, Poorer Educational Performance

Adolescent cannabis use is not associated with lower IQ or poorer educational performance – even once adjustments are made for potential confounders such as cigarette smoking -a ccording to a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

10 – Cannabinoids Effective in Treating Carcinoma

Study: Cannabinoids Can Inhibit Growth of Carcinoma Cancer Cells, Program them to Die

A study published in May by the U.S. National Institute of Health found that cannabinoids can inhibit the growth of carcinoma cancer cells, and can essentially program currently active cancer cells to die.

Final Thoughts

The end of cannabis prohibition and persecution of users is long overdue. Please share this information far and wide to assist in the effort to release the federal stranglehold on one of nature’s best medicines.