Hindu legend holds that Shiva, the supreme Godhead of many sects, was given the title ‘The Lord of Bhang’, because the cannabis plant was his favourite food. The ancient Hindus thought the medicinal benefits of cannabis were explained by pleasing the gods such as Shiva. Ancient Hindu texts attribute the onset of fever with the ‘hot breath of the gods’ who were angered by the afflicted person's behaviour. Using cannabis in religious rites appeased the gods and hence reduced the fever.
Recent scientific evidence provides an alternative explanation of course. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) acts on the hypothalamus to reduce body temperature.
the University of Sydney
Clinical research on the use of medical cannabis suggests it can be used in the treatment of PTSD among
army veterans. Most commonly, medical marijuana users were found to be male, white, between 25 and 44 years of age, and employed. Reportedly, the most commonly cited primary uses for medical marijuana were pain, ranging between 82.6% and 92.2% of subjects, followed by muscle spasm (21%–41.3%). Other reported primary uses included headaches, anxiety, insomnia, relaxation, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
6 Interestingly, in states that allow for use of medical marijuana for traumatic intrusions and PTSD, this was listed as the primary indication in 38.5% of registered users.
National Library of Medicine