From a nutritional perspective, marijuana should be included in the list of superfoods along with spinach, kale, and broccoli.

Normally, it’s dried and cured marijuana that is consumed. But have you ever thought of consuming raw cannabis? Its taste? Its benefits?

Many research experiments have already demonstrated the health benefits of marijuana, but very few speak about the health benefits of raw cannabis. From a nutritional perspective, marijuana should be included in the list of superfoods along with spinach, kale, and broccoli.

Dr. William Courtney, MD, a member of International Cannabinoid Research Society, the International Association of Cannabis as Medicine, and the Society of Clinical Cannabis and the American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine, says that he doesn’t want to refer to marijuana as a medicine, but as a dietary essential.

Here are Dr. Courtney’s reasons, why raw cannabis is good:

• One can make the best use of the therapeutic properties of marijuana, through ingestion.
• Raw cannabis activates the brain’s cannabinoid system, more effectively, which in turn, triggers the release of antioxidants. These antioxidants will effectively get rid of the damaged cells in the body, and this is something that dried cannabis, can do.
• Raw cannabis consumption makes the cells in the body, more efficient.

Raw Cannabis Consumption: A Better Step Towards Health

Loaded with proteins, minerals, vitamins, fibers, and antioxidants,  raw cannabis is rich in digestible globular proteins, and the balanced proportions of essential amino acids (the amino acids that cannot be synthesized in our body).  Raw marijuana has an ideal ratio of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids, with  antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are very much important for the overall well-being, as these preserve health, boost the immune system, reduce the risk of heart diseases, address diabetes complications, and most importantly, lower the risk of cancer development.

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During the normal drying and curing process of marijuana, the chlorophyll pigment from the herb is lost; however, it is this component that has loads of dietary benefits. Chlorophyll has the ability to rejuvenate the body, at the cellular level. With its structure similar to that of hemoglobin, chlorophyll has plenty of benefits such as it prevents DNA damage, promotes overall cleansing or detoxification within the body, encourages healing, treats inflammation, improves the iron content absorption, etc.

And, when you consume raw marijuana, you will not be consuming THC or CBD; instead, you will be consuming the acid forms of these components- Cannabidolic Acid (CBD-A) and Tetrahydrocannabonolic Acid (THC-A). Just like other components of raw cannabis, CBD-A and THC-A are also very good antioxidants. Recent research experiments show that these components can be powerful healers of serious medical condition, like cancer. In latest study conducted at Hiroshima International University, and published in 2017 January, the researchers discovered a possible way through which, CBD-A inhibits the COX-2 enzyme in aggressive breast cancer tumors. The study further talks about CBD-A’s ability to inhibit a proto-oncogene, c-Fos, which is an element involved in the cancer metastasis.On the other hand, THC-A is known to be neuroprotective, antispasmodic, and an excellent pain-reliever.

Raw Cannabis will also hold most of its terpenes. Terpenes not only decide the aroma and taste of the buds but also have their own medicinal properties, such as anti-fungal, antibacterial and anticancer properties.

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The cleansing properties of raw cannabis, cannot be emphasized enough. Like any other raw herb, cannabis is also rich in fibers and foliates. Toxic accumulation in the body may happen for different reasons; it might be either due to your poor diet habits, or your body’s inability to fight against the free-radicals. In either condition, your body will need fiber content, which kicks out the toxic substances, from your body.

To make the best use of all the above-said benefits, you should be using the raw leaves and buds from live cannabis plants.

Best Methods To Consume Raw Marijuana

• Smoothies: Weeds are usually bitter, so, mixing it up with other fruits or veggies, can make it taste, better.
• Salad:  Just the chopped fresh marijuana and some dressing, can make a delicious salad.
• Juicing: Fresh marijuana with some spices, if you wish, can make your morning, a refreshing one.

Stephen Charbonneau is the owner of Stone-Tool-Seed and is a firm believer in the herbal use and an advocate for recreational marijuana. He and his wife of over forty years live on a farm and believe in organic farming and cultural practices that are eco-friendly and safe for people.