[mjevans]

I'd be more likely to believe (at least part of) the effect is caused by giving the natural defense systems of the body something actually foreign to 'attack'. Sort of like regular training exercises and legal explosives/fireworks days give a more controlled and thus safer expression of pressure relief, training, and general readiness inspection.

PS: Related to the fireworks I mentioned, I'm for having local fire departments provide basic fire knock back training with basic safety gear (bucket of water and hose) that should be required when they're in use. We focus way too much on black and white bans rather than enforcing responsible consumption.