The United States government argues that there is no credible use for marijuana as a medicine for any kind of ailment, even though there is a mountain of evidence showing otherwise. There are a multitude of illnesses that can be treated effectively with cannabis. Here are 10 to consider.

1. Depression.

For people who are depressed, the pharmaceutical go-to is often antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft. These drugs treat depression by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. The downside of antidepressants are decreased libido, birth defects, and increased suicide particularly in young people.

2. Nausea.

When experiencing nausea, the pharmaceutical go-to is usually Anzamet or Zofran. These are drugs that block receptors associated with nausea, and they also cause constipation, nightmares, and Parkinson’s-like symptoms. This is one where the side effects of the drug are worse than the ailment. Marijuana is better because it helps ease your stomach and allows you to eat and drink fluids.

3. Glaucoma.

Usually eyedrops are administered to people with glaucoma to decrease the thick, watery substance that causes the intraocular pressure. This can cause a whole bunch of different problems like blurred vision and change in eye color to brown. I’d miss my blue eyes! Marijuana is better because it’s effective at lowering intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma. The downside is that instead of changing colors to brown, your eyes will look redder. Small price to pay, right?

4. Insomnia.

Anti-insomnia medications are terrifying. Sometimes they give you weird dreams, they can be abused, and they can cause you to sleepwalk. A good indica strain of marijuana will put you to sleep no problem, and you won’t have the medical hangover the next day.

5. Asthma.

Drugs like Salbutamol can be effective in treating asthma in the short term. One benefit of marijuana is that it opens up your lung’s airways. But with this one, do consult a physician before trying it. Everyone is a little different.

6. Heart disease.

Statins, or drugs that lower cholesterol, as well as aspirin is often prescribed to people with cardiovascular disease. Of course, there are side effects. Headaches, nausea, weakness, and infections are common. Aspirin can cause stomach bleeding too. Hey, you can smoke some pot for the nausea from the statins! OR you can just smoke marijuana. Studies in mice show that pot can reverse artery clogging and protect the heart from damage. You’ll be very aware of your heart’s good health.

7. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

There are tons of antidepressants on the market to treat PTSD. Even MDMA has been tested. But the side effects, as we mentioned before, include sexual problems, nausea, and sleep difficulties. Some side effects are worse. Marijuana is a better alternative because it relieves PTSD nightmares. Sativa strains are ideal.

8. Alzheimer’s disease.

There are not many drugs available for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Currently there are four that slow the onset of Alzheimer’s by producing acetylcholine. Some side effects include slowed heart rate and the onset of anorexia. Marijuana can reduce inflammation associated with Alzheimer’s disease and prevent cell death in the brain.

9. Sexual dysfunction.

There’s about a zillion drugs out there for erectile dysfunction. But you know what I’ve never wanted to do? Seek medical help for my erections. Pot increases blood flow to certain parts of the body and it’s also a mild aphrodisiac. Hubba hubba.

10. Short-term and chronic pain.

The medical choices for pain are numerous. You can take angelsics like aspirin or opiates for pain. You can, however, overdose on these drugs, get addicted to them, and get constipated. No thanks! Marijuana augments analgesics and helps relieve pain naturally.

Credit: higherperspectives.com