Marijuana has gotten a bad rap. The major ingredient in marijuana, THC, does more than make you high. THC studies show eating marijuana is better than smoking it when it is part of a medical treatment. That’s right. THC is a star in the fight against several types of cancers. And recent studies show THC can prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. THC and CBD, the other main ingredient in marijuana, reduce brain inflammation. And, it helps people suffering from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, stress, and ADD. Another recent marijuana study shows cancer cells freeze, and stop spreading, thanks to one of the other compounds in marijuana.

There are several interesting facts about THC and marijuana use. George Washington grew marijuana on his farm, and several presidents were brave enough to use marijuana at some point in their lives. Lincoln, Carter, Clinton, Obama, and Reagan are just some of the politicians who took a toke or two.

And that’s not all. There’s a marijuana sugar, a marijuana avocado shake, and cheesy marijuana fries, as well as other foods like cookies and cakes that contain THC. And, when Colorado legalized pot, crime went down, and revenue went up.

Marijuana is legal in Argentina, Canada, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Spain, Uruguay, Belgium, Czech Republic, and North Korea. The United States is gradually warming up to marijuana use, but marijuana has been part of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry for more than 30 years.

Here are 6 more surprising facts about THC:

  • THC was discovered in Israel in 1964 by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam. Mechoulam was a post-doctorate student in the early 1960s. He knew the active compounds in cocaine and morphine were isolated, but no one isolated the active ingredients in marijuana, so he did.
  • There are more than 60 active ingredients in marijuana, but THC and CBD are the two cannabinoids with the highest concentrations.
  • Some FDA-approved drugs contain THC. The first THC-based pharmaceutical was Marinol. Marinol was developed by Unimed Pharmaceuticals. Funding was provided by the National Cancer Institute. Marinol received FDA approval in 1985 as a treatment for chemotherapy-related vomiting and nausea. THC is also part of the drug, Cesamet. And Sativex oral spray contains THC.
  • THC has a positive impact on brain cells. THC is a “neuroprotectant.” It helps protect brain cells from damage caused by stress and inflammation. Studies show THC also promotes the growth of new brain cells.
  • The human body produces anandamide. Anandamide is a cannabinoid just like THC. It acts like THC in the body. Both cannabinoids work the same way to regulate memory, appetite, and sleep.
  • THC doesn’t always make people high. THC is present in marijuana plants as THCA or tetrahydrocannabinol acid. THCA is not psychoactive. That’s why eating marijuana is not a popular option for recreational smokers. But people who use THC for medical reasons like to ingest it in raw preparations because THCA has some of the same therapeutic benefits as THC.

All the benefits of THC are still a mystery. But new research is proving that the ancient people who used marijuana to cure what ailed them knew what they were doing. And, LifeBoost of Boca Raton, Florida can help people today, when they want to use THC treatments to help ease what ails them.