The human body, as well all
vertebrates and many invertebrates, produces a special group of endogenous chemicals that are so molecularly similar to each other that they are placed in a category all of their own. There are receptors located all over the body that are designed to respond only to chemicals from this specific group. These receptors are most dense in the brain and liver, but are located in
every one of the body's systems, notably the central nervous, immune, lymphatic, and endocrine. Each chemical in the group makes each receptor respond differently and has its own respective place in making the body run properly.
There is a plant in nature that within it contains at least
85 chemicals that are scientifically categorized with the similar chemicals of bodily origin whose receptors are a part of every aspect of bodily function. So far, at least 12 of these plant-derived chemicals have been shown to have a significant effect on the specific receptors they are expected to, each with its own unique effect to offer.
This special group of chemicals has been termed as
cannabinoids. Those created inside of the human body are called endocannabinoids. The plant-derived chemicals, from cannabis, are called phytocannabinoids. The whole bodily system is the
endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The over
800 peer-reviewed articles which have been piling up mainly outside of the US for the past four decades show that phytocannabinoids could be used to work with the ECS to do some absolutely remarkable things to the human body. THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana, which is only one of the 12 chemicals known to affect receptors, only impacts brain receptors when smoked. This unique use of the plant is responsible for, among other things, making
chemo patients hungry and letting them keep their food down. Different combinations of phytocannabinoids when targeted to the proper receptors have shown to have the ability to slow down or suppress hundreds of diseases and conditions including
autoimmune, neurodegenerative, inflammatory, and cardiovascular diseases. In the
lab and animals, they can hunt and kill all forms of cancer cells while simultaneously protecting healthy cells. They have also been shown to have
anti-aging effects.
Despite its markedly astonishing potential, the US government holds the staunch position that cannabis has absolutely zero medical benefit. It is listed as a Schedule 1 drug, which means that it is federally recognized as having no currently accepted medical use. Because it is a controlled substance, it is nearly impossible to conduct research on in the states. Many groups have been
petitioning and suing for the last 40 years to try to reform the law to recognize its potential and allow for higher quality research, but the government has fervently resisted any changes to the ruling.
It is hard to say why our leaders show
no interest in this fascinating plant, but one thing can be said for certain. The individuals making
billions of dollars in the booming industry of illness are perfectly content with the public's complete lack of knowledge and concern about this easy to grow plant that could treat hundreds of diseases at once.