Of particular interest is the latest discovery by British scientists about the beneficial properties of the “forbidden” plant. As they found two components of cannabis leaves can increase the amount of energy that “burns” the body, accelerating metabolism, thus helping both in the fight against obesity and diabetes.
In contrast to the feeling of hunger caused by the smoking of cannabis, the substances THCV and cannabidiol contained in its leaves “cut” the appetite. As it turned out they help in the treatment of type 2 diabetes while reducing the levels of cholesterol in the blood and visceral fat in key organs such as the liver.
In the first phase the two controversial ingredients were tested in laboratory animals with encouraging results, while in the second, which is now being carried out, in 200 people.
The aim of scientists is to develop a drug to combat metabolic syndrome – a set of factors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, which together increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
In fact, because cannabis production is illegal in Britain, the company GW Pharmaceuticals, which is developing the drug, has received special permission to grow the plant in a secret location in the South of England.
