The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has just produced a comprehensive report on the health effects of the recreational and therapeutic use of cannabis and cannabis-derived products based on a large body of scientific research published since 1999.
In recent decades there has been a lot of debate about whether or not cannabis use increases the risk of developing cancer, mental health disorders or other types of diseases. At the same time, a great trend has also been created in favor of its medicinal use , which has allowed its legalization for therapeutic purposes in many parts of the planet.
This macro report that we bring you today has thoroughly reviewed more than 10,000 scientific studies with the aim of reaching almost 100 conclusions about the use of cannabis. In this article we tell you some of them.
Has therapeutic effects
One of the therapeutic uses of cannabis is the treatment of chronic pain in adults, and according to the researchers who conducted this report there is evidence that patients treated with cannabis or cannabinoids were more likely to experience a significant reduction in pain .
May cause injury and death
The study notes that consuming cannabis before driving would increase the risk of being involved in a car accident . Also, in places where access to this substance is legal, there is a greater risk that children will accidentally consume it and, therefore, suffer injuries from an overdose.
It is not associated with the risk of lung cancer
Much has been made of the possible link between marijuana and cancer, but this study found evidence to suggest that smoking cannabis would not increase the risk of cancers often associated with tobacco use, such as those of the lung, head and neck . There was also no clear evidence that cannabis use by a mother or father during pregnancy will lead to an increased risk of cancer to the fetus. However, some evidence does suggest that smoking cannabis during pregnancy is related to a lower weight of the child at birth.
Heart attack, stroke, and diabetes
The study says more studies are needed to determine whether or not cannabis use can be associated – and how – with heart attacks, strokes and diabetes. However, there is some evidence to suggest that smoking cannabis could lead to a heart attack .
May cause respiratory illnesses
The studies reviewed suggest that regular cannabis smoking is associated with more frequent episodes of chronic bronchitis and with respiratory problems such as chronic cough and phlegm production, but stopping cannabis smoking is likely to reduce these symptoms. Likewise, it is not clear whether use is associated with certain respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma or worsening lung function.
It affects our mental health
The studies reviewed suggest that cannabis use is likely to increase the risk of developing schizophrenia , as well as other psychoses, social anxiety disorders and, to a lesser extent, depression. On the other hand, those who consume higher amounts are more likely to have suicidal thoughts than non-users.
Psychosocial effects
This study found that learning, memory, and attention deteriorate after immediate cannabis use . However, the evidence is limited when it comes to talking about a deterioration in the cognitive domains of learning, memory and attention in those who have left it. It is also unclear whether or not its use can be linked to problems in academic achievement or social relationships.
