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The use of medical marijuana has been a controversial topic for decades. Now that several states have approved its use and many others are considering approving it in the near future, there’s no better time to learn about some surprising health benefits this drug might have.

How Marijuana Could have a Positive Impact on Your Health

Since medical marijuana in Portland became such a controversial topic on the news several years ago, Oregon deemed its use legal, and now, over half of the states in America have legalized medical marijuana because they have recognized how it can help a patient diminish their pain levels. Other states have legalized marijuana for recreational use as well. Besides the obvious good feeling a person gets when they use the drug, there are other key benefits to marijuana use that might be surprising.

It Might Reverse the Effects of Tobacco Use

Believe it or not, marijuana might increase lung longevity and reverse the long-term effects of smoking tobacco. Several different studies about inhaling marijuana have indicated that the drug does not impair lung function but that there is also a chance that it actually increases lung longevity because of a therapeutic qualities it has. It is also likely that it significantly reduces high amounts of stress that might be due to the act of deeply inhaling.

It Might Lessen the Side Effects of Patients with PTSD

While many people might feel that one of the drawbacks to using marijuana is that it temporarily impairs memory, for patients who are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, it might allow them to be able to release painful memories and lessen flashback episodes. It can also help patients who struggle with sleep disorders and insomnia to relax and sleep through the night.

Other Possible Benefits of Medical Marijuana

There are plenty of other possible health benefits of medical marijuana as well, such as nausea reduction for patients who are experiencing adverse cancer side effects or a reaction to chemotherapy. For patients who have diseases that cause them to lose their appetite such as cancer or HIV, marijuana serves as a powerful appetite stimulant that helps individuals achieve a healthier weight.