Juicing is a fast and easy way to consume your daily recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. Many people claim it’s the way to go for an energetic and healthy day. Now what would happen if you threw a couple of fresh marijuana leaves in your juicer every morning? Well, according to Dr. William Courtney, a physician with a B.S. in Microbiology, a M.D. from Wayne State University and a Post Doctorate in Forensic Examination and Forensic Medicine, it can benefit with various illnesses and prevent them as well.
Promoting cannabis juicing
Dr. Courtney’s path to promoting cannabis juicing started when his wife, Kristen, triumphantly fought symptoms of lupus with drinking the juice of fresh marijuana. The husband and wife team has since then eagerly promoted the benefits of using marijuana juicing.
Overwhelmingly positive
Although there are limited amount of research that can back up the powerful beneficial claims of juicing raw cannabis, Dr. Courtney says, “My experience day in and day out is overwhelmingly positive with patients who are using it.” Courtney has about 8,000 patients that assert that they have seen good effects from drinking or eating raw cannabis leaves.
Consumed as a leafy green vegetable
Dr. Courtney explains, “When it’s consumed as a leafy green vegetable, you get the whole profile of the plant. Raw dietary cannabis contains terpenes,flavonoids, cannabinoids, plant alkaloids, and a lot of chlorophyll. Much of these compounds would get destroyed during heating or drying of the plant. There are indications that terpenoids and flavonoids could increase blood flow to the head along with cortical activity, which is good for conditions like Alzheimer’s. These compounds may also kill respiratory pathogens and carry out an anti-inflammatory effect.
A study published
There was a study published in the journal Philosophical Transactions of The Royal Society B (a mouthful, I know) initiated that when the brain’s cannabinoid system is activated, it brings about the release of antioxidants that take away impaired cells and improve the productivity of the mitochondria that energize the cells. Thus, it boosts brain function. Dr. Courtney adds, “it’s clear that this plant is incredibly important for cell health, which at its best prevent disease.”
Difficult to create a precise dose
Marijuana leaves has a fluctuating cannabinoid acid content, so without tedious testing it remains difficult to create a precise dose. Dr. Courtney has said that a “dietary dose” of 600-1000 mg of THCA should be taken, however in reality this is a large amount of raw marijuana to consume. So, unless you are growing your own supply, it may be difficult to come by such a large amount of raw marijuana on a daily basis. If you have gall bladder, kidney problems, or are prescribed blood-thinning drugs (because of it’s high vitamin K content), you shouldn’t consume raw marijuana.
Certified surgeon and managing director
A double-board certified surgeon and managing director and co-founder of NYC Surgical Associates in New York, Dr. David Greuner, claims that juicing raw cannabis has the same therapeutic effects for some conditions and some populations that smoking medical marijuana has had. For instance, it can diminish pain and queasiness in patients that have cancer and help those that have trouble eating.
Bacteria and many other pathogens
Don’t go off and juice any ‘ol marijuana leaves. Raw cannabis can hold bacteria and many other pathogens that nobody wants. Also, some marijuana plants contain traces of poisonous chemicals and pesticides on them. Some of these are especially infamous like salmonella and E. coli. For this reason it is important to only juice organically grown cannabis (and also avoid using manure).
Stick to these few rules when juicing cannabis
It’s important to stick to these few rules when juicing cannabis. Use the most fresh cannabis leaves; avoid dried or heated leaves. If you juice buds, pick them when their trichomes are clear, instead of amber. Go ahead and throw some beets and carrots into your juicer when juicing cannabis to counter the bitter flavor. This powerful combo will not only taste good, but make you feel good too. You can store your cannabis juice in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Doesn’t appear to have serious risks
Although there isn’t much scientific studies to back up the benefits of juicing marijuana, it doesn’t appear to have serious risks in doing so. History has shown that people have been ingesting raw cannabis for hundreds of years. There must be a reason why it’s been popular for so long.