Legalizing Cannabis could Curb Obesity, Study says

The Independent reported that a new study by Californian researchers suggests that legalizing cannabis would aid in the fight against obesity. The study, conducted by scientists from Cornell and San Diego Universities found that obesity rates in the states where cannabis was legal saw obesity levels drop between 2 and 6 percent.
According to the Independent:

Among younger cannabis users, the researchers found that many substituted large amounts of alcoholic drinks for cannabis, meaning they consumed less calories.
And among older people, medical cannabis helped alleviate common ailments like joint and chronic pain, allowing them to be more active and letting them burn more calories.

As noted in the study:

These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that medical marijuana laws may be more likely to induce marijuana use for health-related reasons amongst older individuals, and cause substitution towards lower-calorie recreational ‘highs’ among younger individuals.

Click here to view the full article on the Independent.