The United States of America has a few bigger problems than Cannabis becoming legalized, and some of those are obesity and diabetes. With more studies proving how marijuana is actually benefiting the body, a dilatation of people are going to be looking in to broadening their workout routines and daily food intake to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Now that Cannabis has become legal in 4 states: Colorado, Washington, Alaska, and Oregon (AK and OR law to be in effect in 2015); some companies like Incredibles, in Colorado, have come up with THC infused protein bars that ultimately lead to shedding off those few extra stubborn pounds at the end of that grueling workout. Mikiba is just one example of a super-food, cannabis infused, protein bar; “full of ancient seeds and grains like Chia, Quinoa, and Hemp. Made with agave syrup, coconut oil, raspberries, and mocha.” Not only does that sound tasty, it is also vegan and gluten free for all the nutritionists, fitness personnel, and gluten allergy folk out there! By legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, some states made this endurance loaded protein bar easily available for any health enthusiast, resident, or just someone passing through on vacation.
“Marijuana smokers seem to be skinnier than those who don’t smoke. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that rates of obesity are roughly a third lower in people who smoke pot at least three times a week, compared with those who don’t use marijuana at all.” (Christensen & Wilson of CNN: “Is Marijuana As Safe”)
Medicinal marijuana needs to be one of the first medicines doctors should recommend when a patient comes in for obesity. With a strong mindset and a tiring workout routine, a well-balanced diet should be added to their daily food intake, including cannabis. For some people, they find instant gratification as their motivation. If they don’t see any weight falling off, then they’ll most likely give up, but with super-foods like the Mikiba bar and other gluten-free/vegan products, they’ll find that instant gratification and still learn about the long haul of overall weight management.
According to the American Journal of Medicine, obesity and diabetes are affecting more lives of those who have never smoked marijuana than the current recreational users and/or those who have smoked before. In a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted from 2005-2010, the data collected was used to test the cannabinoids in Marijuana with the patient’s blood sample after a 9 hour fasting from insulin. In result of the study: “We found that marijuana use was associated with lower levels of fasting insulin and insulin resistance, and smaller waist circumference.”
This is just the summit of mountainous opportunities with cannabis and its medicinal properties. With 2015 in full swing, new year resolutions being sought after, and more states beginning to legalize recreational cannabis use, this country will hopefully wake up to healthier habits.
By Alex