We all are largely aware of the fact that the health benefits of smoking dried cannabis plant are many. So these cannabis leaves relieve pain and induce relaxation. But, is it these two. Well, recent findings suggest that it’s way more than what we have been thinking all this while!
Consuming fresh cannabis leaves is certainly advantageous to our health. There are more than 100 cannabinoids present in cannabis plant. Out of these, the common ones are cannabidiol (CBD), which is non- psychoactive and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is psychoactive. Another recent addition to the list is cannabinol (CBN). One more cannabinoid, which is less discussed is tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THC-A).
THC-A has anti-inflammatory properties of CBD and THC. However, it can be extracted only through fresh cannabis leaves. When the plant is dried, or heated – usually happens when we smoke or vaporize the plant, no more THC- A remains in the leaves.
If you think it will give you a high, then you are plainly wrong! Consuming fresh cannabis leaves won’t leave you stoned. Decarboxylation is the process, which converts THC-A into THC, when the flower is heated and dried. But, when it is consumed fresh, as in salad or juice, THC-A acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. It even has the potential to cure chronic diseases too. It can be used in the treatment of Parkinson’s. A study also claims that it is highly effective in controlling the growth of prostate cancer cells.
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However, before arriving at any conclusion regarding its benefits, we need more evidence-based research on THC-A and cannabis to strongly prove their efficacy. Considering the recent legalization of cannabis in many U.S. states, more research is expected to take place on the advantages of cannabis. Nevertheless, you may still ask your local dispensary about where to get raw cannabis or you can grow it on your own if you live in a state where it has been legalized.