A recent study published in The Journal of Biological Chemistry pointed to even more possible medical uses for weed. The study showed that THC is able to suppress some functions of the immune system, which could be a huge deal for treating auto-immune diseases that cause inflammation.
The group of molecules with the capacity to alter DNA and the functioning of genes it controls is collectively referred to as the epigenome. It includes a group of molecules called histones, which are responsible for inflammation, both beneficial and harmful.
The research team, led by Mitzi Nagarkatti, Prakash Nagarkatti and Xiaoming Yang, found that THC can, indeed, affect DNA expression through epigenetic pathways by altering histones.
Research into alternations of DNA expression is highly relevant today. If scientists were able to create a drug using THC that could suppress inflammation, it would be a big step towards treating people with auto-immune diseases, who currently rely on incredibly harmful drugs like Prednisone.
Though the DEA may still think weed has “no medical benefit,” their case is getting shakier by the day. Even highly respected doctors like Dr. Sanjay Gupta are finally coming around. Shocking conclusion: let people actually research allegedly “bad” “drugs” and you might just find out their non-recreational use is extensive and highly valuable. (Photo: Wikipedia)
