Almost a Quarter of This Country's Residents Consume Cannabis (Legally)

"Still, with the recent trend of decriminalization and legalization of cannabis around the globe, doctors are rediscovering many of the health benefits associated with this plant. Some clinically proven benefits include pain management, reduced inflammation, sleep management, muscle relaxants, and effective treatment for illnesses such as epilepsy, certain mental health disorders, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, Parkinson's disease, interstitial cystitis, and other forms of chronic pain."

"The Chinese are thought to be the first growers of cannabis, with evidence of fiber and ritual/psychoactive use dating back to thousands of years BCE. Culturally, Muslim societies refer to cannabis as hashish, and the plant is called "the bush of understanding" or the "morsel of thought." But with as many cultures that value and use cannabis, an almost equal number have banned or discouraged its use at one point throughout history."

Several countries have legalized recreational marijuana on the federal level while others remain restrictive. Decriminalization and legalization trends are prompting clinicians to rediscover cannabis health benefits. Clinically proven benefits include pain management, reduced inflammation, sleep regulation, muscle relaxation, and effective treatments for epilepsy, certain mental health disorders, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, Parkinson's disease, interstitial cystitis, and other chronic pain conditions. Consumption rankings rely on public dispensary filings and exclude illegal transactions. The term 'marijuana' originates from Mexican Spanish. Cannabis fiber and ritual or psychoactive use in China date back thousands of years BCE. National stances vary, including divergent positions in the Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Australia.

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