Disciple,
There are plenty of studies online concerning the medical benefits of herb. Do you think the push for medicinal marijuana is hogwash and just a way for people to smoke "freely?"

Also, herb does not have to be smoked. It can be eaten and drank.

Peace

=============

Scientists Discover Healing Chemical in Marijuana

Marijuana users have long claimed that the plant has amazing healing and medicinal properties; new scientific research shows there may be some truth to these claims. Three European universities, including ETH in Zürich Switzerland, have studied the molecular properties of cannabis and determined that a chemical contained in the plant, beta-caryophyllene, is useful in treating pain, inflammation, osteoporosis and other illnesses.

A naturally occurring molecule in marijuana, beta-caryophyllene activates a protein within the body known as cannabinoid receptor type 2, which helps boost the immune system, increases the density of bone mass, and can interfere with pain receptors, providing relief from chronic pain.

The molecular structure of marijuana was studied by Jurg Gertsch of EHT in Zürich; the findings of Gertsch and his team of researchers were revealed in the National Academy of Sciences’ June publication. The researchers tested the anti-inflammatory properties of beta-caryophyllene in mice; their results suggest that the chemical has impressive healing and pain blocking properties.

Researchers are quick to point out that one need not smoke (or ingest) marijuana in order to get the benefits of beta-caryophyllene. The organic compound can be isolated and used as a natural medication, without the hallucinogenic side effects of using marijuana. In fact, beta-caryophyllene is found naturally in many foods, though usually in only trace amounts. The chemical does not contribute to the “high” feeling associated with using marijuana.

As an organic compound, beta-caryophyllene could prove to be a near perfect medication: it is inexpensive to produce and has no known side effects. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that beta-caryophyllene will be submitted for FDA approval in the United States. Pharmaceutical companies are reluctant to invest the time and money required to secure FDA approval for naturally occurring compounds. The reason why? There’s simply no money in it.

Naturally occurring chemical compounds, such as beta-caryophyllene, cannot be patented, and may be freely produced by any company. This dramatically reduces the incentive for companies to seek FDA approval, or aggressively market the chemical to the medical community as a natural treatment.

It is more likely that the chemical compound will be marketed by the health food industry as a natural supplement. Unfortunately, this practically ensures that most doctors will never write a prescription for it — even in cases where beta-caryophyllene could be the most appropriate treatment. Medical doctors in the United States rarely prescribe drugs that are not FDA approved.

In Europe, where big business is not entwined with the medical industry to the extent seen in the United States, doctors are already expressing an interest in prescribing beta-caryophyllene for a myriad of uses, including reducing the swelling, inflammation and pain caused by arthritis.