Throughout the nation, one of the hottest social and political discussions right now is whether or not we should legalize marijuana. I believe that when examining what is known about the utility and the importance of the marijuana plant, specifically as it relates to health, it becomes clear what a grave mistake it is to deprive ourselves of this truly nutrient rich plant. I believe that its cannabinoid compounds meet the definition of “vitamins”, not just any vitamin, but a vitamin that may be necessary for controlling our bodies ability to eliminate cancerous cells, in addition to supporting numerous bodily functions.(1)
It’s worth pointing out that this post is not about marijuana or hemp’s numerous other uses as a food, fuel, or fiber.
What is a vitamin?
What is a “non-essential” vitamin?
What is a cannabinoid?
What do cannabinoids do?
Due to the broad range of tissues which demonstrate cannabinoid receptors, cannabinoids are reported to have near panacea type benefits, both anecdotally as well as from orthodox science. Perhaps most notably, cannabinoids demonstrate broad range anti-cancer benefits at even low doses, however some experts indicate that high doses are needed in the oral form (not smoked) for anti-cancer benefits.(4)(5)(6) Also notable, are the reports of cannabinoids being effective in the treatment or management of autoimmune conditions. Given the connection between disruptions in the gut lining and virtually every autoimmune condition known to man(7), one would expect to find some sort of regulatory action of cannabinoids in maintaining gut lining integrity, and research is clearly showing that to be the case.(8)
Currently, the governmental scientific research repository, pubmed ,returns nearly 12,000 research papers on the search term “cannabinoids”. Clearly, the scientific community recognizes something very important here. It’s worth noting that the US government owns a patent on cannabinoids due to their proven anti-oxidant and neuro-protective effects, which should seem odd since one of the prime justifications for not allowing medical marijuana to be legal in every state is that our governmental overlords claim that marijuana lacks medicinal value.(9)
Should cannabinoids be considered vitamins?
Likewise, it appears that in times of stress that our bodies require an increasing amount of cannabinoids in order to regulate the “endocannabinoid” system, which either directly or indirectly influences every cell in the body.(11) It stands to reason that if the body can not produce sufficient levels of anadamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) to exert their influence within the endocannabinoid system, that an outside source would be required otherwise normal cell growth and function could not be achieved. The best source for these exogenous sources of cannabinoids appears to be compounds found within marijuana and hemp, although other sources have been identified (12).
Clearly, if it is demonstrated that cannabinoids are necessary for the “normal growth and function” of the the body, which the research appears to be showing, then by definition, cannabinoids should be classified as “non-essential” vitamins.
Taking vitamins shouldn’t be a crime.
If you’re interested in helping to end the draconian drug laws related to the prohibition of marijuana, the “National Organization for Marijuana Reform Laws” is a good organization to support. Clearly drugs laws do not prevent drug usage, their availability, or their potency. Many people within law enforcement arenow speaking out about this. The current drug laws seem even more absurd when you consider that such laws appear to be creating vitamin deficiencies that may be fueling much of our current chronic disease epidemic.
Be sure to check out these short educational videos detailing the benefits of consuming raw cannabis, as a means to supplement cannabinoids.
About the Author
Sources:
>>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24142199
>>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3763649/
>>http://kinseimindbody.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/eCBSystemLee.pdf
>>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24041928
>>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20682986
>>http://phoenixtears.ca/dosage-information/
>>http://www.cbsnews.com/news/marijuana-isnt-harmless-top-health-official-says/
>>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21745190
>>http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/biotin/
>>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2241751/
>>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18574142
**This article was originally featured at Kinsei Mind and is re-printed here with permission.**
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