What are Marijuana's Long-Term Effects on the Brain?

There are lots of negative talk surrounding the long-term use of medical marijuana, particularly coming from places where its use is still considered illegal. However, it cannot be denied that it does have some positives. There might be some biases with released studies and research, there still is no clear take on the long-term positives and negatives of marijuana consumption.

However, one of the things that we can do is to connect the dots and make some sensible ideas on why and how cannabis can be positive when used in the long-term. Read on and learn some of the ways medical marijuana can be good for long-term consumption, and how it can positively affect the brain and body.

Medical Marijuana can Regrow Brain Cells

For many years, experts and users alike have thought that marijuana can kill brain cells. However, according to a published study in The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, the CBD in cannabis can help with neurogenesis or brain growth. Researchers have found that, among rats and mice, this cannabis compound can cause brain cells in the hippocampus to grow.

When it comes to mood disorders like depression and anxiety, CBD has shown to be effective as it works on the hippocampus which regulates cognitive function and emotion. According to recent research, CBD can be an effective neuroprotectant, protecting the nervous system from damage brought about by amyloid proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It also offers protection from neurotoxin damage that causes Parkinson’s disease, and oxidative stress and ATP loss associated with stroke.

Medical marijuana has shown to serve as a neuroprotectant and help regrow cells. Research has shown a theory that marijuana floods the endocannabinoid system the compound cannabinoids. With this, the body responds by creating more cannabinoid receptors to capture these.

Aside from helping those suffering from neurodegenerative disease, cannabinoids can also help those who have neurological effects caused by high contact sports like mixed martial arts, American football, boxing and many other activities that carry a risk of traumatic brain injury. CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can be an affective medicine for recovering athletes.

Medical Marijuana can Maintain Homeostasis

Cannabis can be effective in treating numerous medical conditions because of the role of the endocannabinoid in homeostasis. Researchers have posited that marijuana can help regulate a nervous system that is misfunctioning and suffering from an endocannabinoid deficiency. Cannabis has therapeutic effects on irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraine, eating disorders and other related disorders.

Maintaining the homeostasis of the body keeps the immune system healthy, which is one of the best ways to prevent any additional health issues from developing. It is a known fact that it is very challenging to keep the body healthy, especially when many of the medications available today carry lots of unpleasant side effects that make homeostasis very hard to maintain.

With this problem, doctors usually have to prescribe more pills to counteract the side effects of others, and so on. On the other hand, cannabinoids like CBD has very few side effects and has limited negative interactions with other drugs. CBD can help deal with the seemingly endless cycle of pill prescription, along with the difficulties people face with maintaining homeostasis.
Just like any kind of medication, it is important that medical marijuana be objectively and fairly treated, considering not only its negatives but also its positives as well. Its complexity warrants extensive research, considering the numerous health problems that this plant can prevent and even cure. In no time, the world will see just how beneficial this plant is, both mentally and physically in managing a host of health problems.