Study suggests marijuana may help prevent death from TBI
When people play sports, such as football and baseball, they typically wear helmets to protect them from brain injuries. However, there are some instances where California residents do not wear a helmet to protect themselves from injury. One such instance is when individuals are within an enclosed motor vehicle on a roadway. While a car offers a certain level of protection, it cannot always protect against a traumatic brain injury, or TBI.
A recent study made some rather interesting findings. It suggests that an ingredient in marijuana may actually help one from passing away after suffering a traumatic brain injury. The ingredient is THC, which is the component in marijuana that gets people high and stays in the bloodstream for up to 30 days after marijuana is first smoked.
The participants in the study all had similar traumatic brain injuries, in terms of severity. However, their survival rates were significantly different. In fact, only 2.4 percent of the individuals who had traces of marijuana in their system died, but 11.5 percent of those who didn’t have any THC died.
At this time, there’s simply not enough data to conclude that marijuana may actually prevent head trauma, including TBI. Of course, it isn’t recommended for individuals to partake in any illegal activity, including the possession of and/or use of marijuana. For those who have been prescribed medical marijuana and suffer a brain injury, the THC component in their body may help them survive.
In the meantime, California individuals who have been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another individual still have legal rights. Those suffering a TBI or other personal injury may be able to seek compensation in the form of a civil lawsuit. Victims can seek an award of monetary damages for medical expenses, long-term care, lost wages and more. To prevail, however, they will need to document that the defendant was negligent in such a way as to cause or materially contribute to the victim’s injuries.
