Last but not least, one of the most widely documented benefits of marijuana is the way it can to some extent alleviate the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy. Melissa Etheridge spoke of using cannabis while she was being treated quite aggressively for breast cancer, insisting that it made an enormous difference and helped her get through an incredibly difficult time in her life.

“People use marijuana for different reasons, and I needed it to get me through tough times. I used it every day during chemo: It gave me an appetite so I was able to eat and keep my strength up. It also helped with the depression, and it eased the gastrointestinal pain … I have been a medicinal marijuana smoker for nine years now. I find relief from the gastrointestinal effects of the chemo even now. I find it helps with regulating my sleep. I also enjoy it before I watch Game of Thrones.” – Melissa Etheridge