Ladies who love the leaf have more reasons than ever to puff, puff and pass. Marijuana is LEGAL recreationally in Washington State and Colorado, and, as New York Times editorial board director Andrew Rosenthal mused, “The experiment is working.” It’s an amazing time in America, and women of all backgrounds are disseminating the truth about cannabis: Namely, that it’s a natural and effective remedy for several ailments, it’s a fantastic alternative to alcohol when you want to relax, and that women, and men, across the country believe it’s time to repeal marijuana prohibition entirely. Here are seven more reasons for women to smoke right now!
1. Weed helps regulate body weight
Researchers analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of over 4,600 adults. Marijuana users had significantly smaller waist circumference than participants who had never used pot. They also had higher levels of HDL (good cholesterol). Weed is calorie-free, ladies!
2. Marijuana fights aging and increases brain stamina
A 2012 study on the effect of the cannabinoid system on brain aging concluded that cannabinoids act as regulators to protect neurons on the molecular level, and show beneficial effects in pre-clinical models of neurodegenerative disorders. Because science.
3. Weed may be effective in fighting osteoarthritis
Women are more commonly affected by osteoarthritis than men. There are currently no drugs available to control the disease’s progression. Pharmacological studies have shown the analgesic effects of cannabinoids, and compelling evidence suggests an active participation of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of the disease. Because more science!
4. CNN’s chief medical officer says medical cannabis is a good thing
Dr. Sanjay Gupta has tried marijuana and recommends it. An erstwhile former candidate for Surgeon General of the United States, Gupta also apologized for dismissing the scientific value of medical marijuana use in the past.
5. Being hungover isn’t fun
Hangover symptoms may include drowsiness, concentration problems, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal complaints, fatigue, sweating, nausea, hyper-excitability, anxiety and a feeling of general discomfort that may last more than 24 hours. Smoke pot instead, and feel great the next day.
6. Weed can connect you with your spiritual side
Sects within Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Sufism and a variety of other religious groups have used cannabis for spiritual practices. Rastafarians use cannabis as a part of their worship of their king. The sacred aspect of the herb is often overlooked by people who have bought into anti-drug propaganda, but we at High Times know the truth. Marijuana can be medicinal, recreational, and spiritual. Sometimes all three at once.
7. Smoke marijuana and shoot for the moon
When your parents tell you smoking pot will hinder your future success, point them to this list. Rihanna, Madonna, Maya Angelou, even good old Sarah Palin… there are endless examples of female pot smokers who’ve achieved immense success. Go get ’em, ganja girls!
