lOpinions regarding marijuana consumption tend to be extremely polarized. Many people in favor often argue that marijuana is a natural product and that its benefits outweigh any negative effects. On the other hand, opponents of consumption argue that it is an addictive drug that paves the way for other heavier drugs, which can cause cancer and other health damage.
What is true in these two positions? Can we say that marijuana is totally harmful or totally beneficial? What evidence do we have?
To clarify the information, he convened a scientific committee to carry out a rigorous review of the available evidence on the health impact of the consumption of marijuana and its derived products. In total, the review considered more than 10,000 scientific investigations that had been published since 1999, and as a result the committee released a complete report last year that has more than 400 pages detailing everything we know about marijuana and that reports the limitations and barriers that researchers face when doing research related to marijuana.
This article briefly summarizes the most important conclusions, which are presented in different sections ranging from the therapeutic effects to the harmful effects of marijuana. I urge all interested parties to download the full report to review the full bibliography and details of the studies conducted. .
Therapeutic effects of marijuana
Research shows that orally administered cannabinoids are effective in reducing vomiting and nausea caused by chemotherapy treatment.
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Treatment with marijuana and/or cannabinoids is often effective in reducing clinical symptoms of pain in people diagnosed with chronic pain.
Adults with multiple sclerosis may benefit from the oral use of cannabinoids in the treatment of symptoms.
In the treatment of epilepsy, the review reports that there is insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of cannabinoids as a treatment.
Mental health
The available evidence reviewed in this study suggests that marijuana use may increase the risk of and other types of psychosis. The greater the consumption, the greater the risk.
But, on the other hand, research also found that people with schizophrenia and other types of psychosis with a history of marijuana use tend to have better results on learning and memory tests.
Marijuana users more likely to report suicidal ideation
Studies suggest that marijuana use does not increase the risk of developing depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. However, it is important to highlight that marijuana users are more likely to report compared to those who do not use it.
Regarding studies, they found that frequent marijuana use worsens the symptoms of this disorder.
Psychosocial
The review found that marijuana use immediately affects the cognitive abilities of learning, memory and attention.
Likewise, marijuana use during adolescence is related to deficiencies in academic achievement, education, employment, economic income and social relationships.
There is little evidence to suggest that the harmful effects of marijuana on cognitive areas are prolonged in those who stop using it.
Marijuana use during adolescence is related to deficiencies in academic achievement, education, employment
Use and abuse of marijuana and other substances
The committee found moderate evidence of the link between marijuana use and the risk of developing addiction to other drugs such as alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs.
Prenatal, perinatal and neonatal exposure to marijuana
Studies offer evidence of the link between marijuana use and low birth weight. However, it is still unclear whether marijuana can have harmful effects during pregnancy and childhood.
Cancer
Evidence suggests that smoking marijuana does not increase the risk of developing lung, head and neck cancer.
Evidence was found of a relationship between frequent marijuana use and a type of testicular cancer, but this evidence was considered “limited” by the scientific committee.
Smoking marijuana does not increase the risk of developing lung, head and neck cancer
When exploring the risk of cancer in the children of consumer parents, the evidence found was insufficient.
Injury and death
Marijuana use increases the risk of traffic accidents. The review also found solid evidence of an increase in injuries in children due to unintentional overdoses due to marijuana ingestion in countries where its use is legal. Marijuana ingestion represented 78% of the accidents mentioned.
Another study analyzed in this review and carried out between 2000 and 2013 found that annual poisoning due to exposure to marijuana in 6-year-old children was 2.28 times higher in countries where marijuana had been legalized.
Diabetes, strokes and heart attacks
The scientific report found some evidence that smoking marijuana increases the risk of heart attacks, but more studies are needed to confirm this relationship. Likewise, the review points out that there are not enough studies on marijuana use and its relationship with heart attacks and diabetes.
Respiratory diseases
Regularly smoking marijuana is associated with more respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis and worse respiratory symptoms (chronic cough, increased phlegm production, etc.). However, these effects can be reduced by stopping smoking.
The researchers clarify in the review that even with these data it is still not very clear whether or not marijuana use is associated with certain respiratory diseases such as asthma or deterioration in lung function.
Immune system
There are not enough studies on the therapeutic or harmful effects on the immune system. Just as there is not enough evidence to refute or support the relationship between marijuana use or cannabinoids on the immune system of people with HIV. However, there is some evidence to suggest that regular exposure to marijuana smoke may have anti-inflammatory effects.
Barriers and difficulties
The report includes a chapter in which it reports the barriers and difficulties that prevent researchers from developing rigorous research on the effects of marijuana. To this end, they recommend that extreme and outdated regulations that are not updated with research be modified, such as the inclusion of marijuana within category I of the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, which has as its principles of inclusion substances with a high risk of abuse. ; that do not have accepted medical use for the treatment of any disease; and lack of safety for use under medical supervision. This list includes drugs at the level of heroin, LSD, hallucinogenic amphetamines and other more dangerous drugs. This categorization seriously hinders randomized controlled research and limits research progress.
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