The Healing Properties of Pot

Cannabis has been used as a medicine throughout history, and modern science has been able to discover some of the reasons why. In this issue, I will begin to discuss some of the issues surrounding the medicinal use of this living and breathing organism that exists symbiotically with mankind. There will also be helpful tips for health and wellness.

Cannabis has been used as a medicine throughout history, and modern science has been able to discover some of the reasons why. In this issue, I will begin to discuss some of the issues surrounding the medicinal use of this living and breathing organism that exists symbiotically with mankind. There will also be helpful tips for health and wellness.

Over 120 different terpenes have been found in Cannabis, and terpenes are found throughout nature in many plants. This molecule is made of variable chains of hydrocarbon molecules that stimulate neurons in the olfactory nerves of the nose. These nerves then deliver the neurotransmitter (which is produced by stimulation from these terpenes) directly to the brain. For a scent to be detected by the olfactory nerves in the nose, 200 molecules of a substance are absorbed by these specialized nerve cells.

Unfortunately, little research has been conducted into this medicine in Cannabis, despite terpenes having a multitude of actions in animals, including humans. Their effects include analgesia, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammation, relaxation and constriction of blood vessels and sensory elevation. Cannabis users will have a preference for the taste of a certain medicine because of the individual neural pathways they were born with. Human beings have evolved with chemical 'locks' in their nervous system that are a perfect fit for the 'key' of the molecules produced by the Cannabis plant. People are instinctively drawn to particular varieties in the dispensary for this reason. This is why one person will say that one individual strain is the best medicine for them, while another will say that strain has little or no effect upon their ailment. Nature has produced these keys for our locks. (Or have humans evolved these locks for nature's key?)

Cannabis has a variety of traditional uses. The branches and leaves of the sativa plant have been used in a water-extract form (tea) for stones in the urinary tract and for venereal disease. A salve made from the leaves was applied topically for arthritic symptoms. The indica plant is said to be a mutation of the sativa plant and has been used as an analgesic and anesthetic for thousands of years. There are over 400 psychoactive compounds in Cannabis, compounds that have been shown to relieve many illnesses afflicting mankind.

Cannabis has a strong reproductive energy related to its capacity to be a prolific seed producer. This energy – when guided into resin production rather than seed production – creates cannabinoid-laden oil glands (called 'trichomes'), which produce the dreamy state that is useful medicinally and unique to the Cannabis plant in the vegetable kingdom. Herbalists in the past have said that Cannabis acts upon the higher nerve centers in the brain. Seed production from Cannabis is usually maligned and avoided, due to the decrease in resin and the psychoactive medicinal effects of the plant. Cannabis sexual activity will shorten the resin-producing phase of plant life; however, Cannabis sex is not necessarily a bad thing!

Seeds have been used throughout history for their nutritional value. Cannabis or hemp seed also has a valuable place in many systems of traditional medicine. Their high seed oil content has two medicinal uses: the essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in hemp seed are a mixture of fatty acids called omega-6 and omega-3. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a ratio of 4:1 for health and wellness. The ratio of hemp seed oil is 3.75:1! This ideal ratio is found naturally in Cannabis and is fundamental in restoring health and the function of the immune system in humans.

Hemp seed is 80% EFA – the highest concentration of any plant – and EFAs have been used in the treatment of depression. EFAs are used by the body to produce the membranes of nerve cells. These oils are used by the body's systems in supplying nutrients for healthy skin, hair and nails. EFAs have been used in the treatment of heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. They are naturally anti-inflammatory and therefore reduce inflammation throughout the body. This may be the reason they relieve the symptoms of arthritis and reduce the formation of plaque on the arterial lining.

EFAs, combined with GLA (a rare omega-6 EFA also found in hemp oil), are good for the symptoms associated with women's menstrual complaints as well as other symptoms that affect women more than men. The EFAs in hemp oil are used by the body in the production of hormonal substances, but the oils are also high in vitamin E and vitamin D.

The seeds can be used as a laxative to lubricate bowel function. Other compounds naturally occurring in the seed oil stimulate peristalsis in the bowel, and the oils lubricate passage of stool. One to two ounces a day will ease constipation – crushed or hulled seeds are easier to absorb. A basic, healthy recipe is for an avocado and hemp seed salad: toss half an avocado, sliced into pieces, with one or two tablespoons of hulled hemp seeds, then season to taste. The additional healthy oil from the avocado will keep your skin clear and radiant.

The protein content of hemp seed is very high, making Cannabis seed a well-rounded nutritional substance. This protein is 'complete', containing all ten essential amino acids. Edestin and albumin are two naturally occurring amino acid compounds in the protein of hemp; edestin is very similar to globulin, which is present in blood plasma (globulin can be used by the immune system). Albumin, also present in the human body, helps to destroy free radicals, making Cannabis seed a free radical scavenger.

Hemp seed is sold commercially by Manitoba Harvest, based in Canada, and their seeds are not genetically modified (non-GMO). Canada is one of several countries that allows cultivation of hemp plants and seeds. The seeds are without THC or any psychoactive effect. They can be made into nut milk that is creamy in texture and nutty in flavor; hemp milk is a good dairy substitute. It can be used in place of milk in cooking or in coffee.

Cannabis or hemp seed has not been genetically altered in the laboratory, but the work of seed breeders has made a dent in the natural gene pool. We do not know the number of 'heirloom' strains that have been obscured by their actions to produce a commercially feasible product. This action follows the same principle as what has been done to the soy bean plant by Monsanto. The only difference is that the DNA of the plant has not been altered in the laboratory – this is significant. Selective breeding changes the gene pool but does not create an unnatural organism.

Cannabis and hemp have had a close relationship with humanity from prehistoric times. As we have nourished and continued to provide for this plant, it has continued to bless us with its fruits. As a physician who practices natural medicine, I am continually thankful for what has been given to us to help ourselves. I will continue to discuss the ways we can completely use Cannabis and hemp, and ways we can make ourselves healthier and happier people.