For at least 3,000 years, humans have been using the cannabis plant for a variety of reasons including for medical benefits. In recent years we have seen 30 states legalize medical marijuana, nine of which have also legalized recreational adult use, but there is one question people are somewhat unsure how to answer: Is marijuana bad for you? Or is it good for you?
With an ever-growing number of people pushing state legislatures for legalization, there is a growing demand for scientific research. The Food and Drug Administration has not yet "approved marijuana as a safe and effective drug for any indication," according to its website. Lack of research is primarily the result of federal laws which have prohibited a clear majority of researchers from properly examining marijuana and the potential impact it can have on the body. So is marijuana bad for you or is it good for you? Research can't yet say.
In addition to widespread legalization, use of marijuana is also on the rise. According to a study published in the journal Addiction, this increase in use is not directly related to legalization. One might argue that legalization has helped remove the stigma that still surrounds cannabis, and perhaps that new perspective has indirectly increased the overall use of cannabis. Regardless of why there has been an increase in marijuana usage, one thing most agree on is that further research is necessary to determine just how good, or bad, marijuana use can be for the human body.
In this article, we will look at both the health risks as well as the benefits of using marijuana based on currently available science and research. The answer to the question 'is marijuana bad for you or not' will be left up to you, and of course, your healthcare provider.
Is Marijuana Bad for You or Good for You?
What are the Medical Benefits of Marijuana?
While there is a lot of personal testimony about how people have benefited from using marijuana, there is not very much actual research available. Throughout the years, however, there have been some key studies that suggest that marijuana is, in fact, beneficial in treating certain ailments and conditions. Let's take a closer look at these, and how marijuana use may improve the quality of life for those who suffer from these conditions.
Millions of Americans suffer from chronic pain every day, and many of them find relief by using cannabis. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recently analyzed over 10,000 scientific studies, and closely considered the use of marijuana for treating chronic pain in its assessment. The results of the review suggest that products containing cannabinoids, derived from marijuana, are quite an effective treatment for chronic pain. This is partially due to how cannabinoids interact with our endocannabinoid system.
Another plague in modern America is the opioid crisis. While substance abuse can occur with cannabis, many studies have shown that those who are dependent on opiates are finding relief from their dependencies by way of cannabis. Additional studies also suggest similar results for individuals who suffer from alcoholism and other drug addictions.
What Effect does Marijuana have on Mental Illness?
When it comes to marijuana and mental illness, there are many conflicting opinions, depending on which study or review you read. The authors of one review that was published in Clinical Psychology Review did find evidence that supports marijuana as a treatment for certain ailments including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. There are concerns, however, that marijuana is not beneficial for individuals suffering from other mental health issues.
For example, a study published in 2015 concluded that some individuals with bipolar disorder were able to enhance their moods by using cannabis. Other studies have shown that marijuana could potentially trigger manic episodes and worsen symptoms of bipolar. Unfortunately, much of the research is still preliminary when it comes to marijuana use and bipolar disorder, as is true with many other medical conditions.
How Effective are Oral Cannabinoids in Treatments?
There has been some research involving oral cannabinoids reflecting that they can prove useful in fighting nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients. Additionally, evidence has been found that suggests cannabinoids may even slow down cancer growth. Individuals suffering from Multiple Sclerosis may also gain benefits from short-term use of oral cannabinoids. Positive effects in MS patients have been modest, however, one that appears promising in early research is improved spasticity.
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Oral cannabidiol has also been studied in reducing and eliminating epileptic seizures. Children suffering from Dravet syndrome, a rare type of epilepsy, can have hundreds of seizures in a month. A 2017 study found a 39 percent reduction in seizures over 14 weeks, during which children between ages 2 and 18 implemented an oral cannabidiol solution in addition to their usual daily medications. The rate of other side effects during the study was high, however, the negative side effects were minimal, these being vomiting, fatigue, and slight fever.
What are the Potential Health Risks of Marijuana?
Early research shows that there are a multitude of potential benefits to using marijuana, but the question 'is marijuana bad for you' still remains, largely because of all the risks and negative effects that we hear about. As mentioned above, some evidence suggests that cannabis can exacerbate symptoms of certain ailments like bipolar disorder. Overall, however, there is no direct correlation between cannabis use and the development of bipolar disorder without any previous history.
Marijuana may impact your mental health in other negative ways as well. There is a moderate amount of science that suggests higher rates of depression and suicidal thoughts among regular, long-term users of cannabis. Psychosis, including schizophrenia, is also a potential outcome, and according to some studies, a likely one.
How you consume cannabis may also determine what negative effects can occur. This is particularly true if you smoke marijuana. Consuming cannabis in this way is not good for your respiratory system and can lead to chronic cough. More research is needed to determine all of the effects smoking marijuana has on the lungs and respiratory system. Until that information is available, it is generally recommended that you not smoke it. According to the authors of a study published in the journal Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine, "[t]here is unequivocal evidence that habitual or regular marijuana smoking is not harmless."
Currently, there is no known increased risk for most cancers by using marijuana, including lung cancer, but again, results in many studies have proven inconclusive. Testicular cancer could potentially be one cancer that is related to using marijuana, as the National Academies of Sciences suggest an increased risk for a seminoma subtype of testicular cancer to develop.
Is More Research Needed for the Health Benefits of Marijuana?
In short, yes. Is marijuana bad for you or is it good for you is still the top question relating to cannabis use.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to marijuana, just like many things in life. Do the benefits outweigh the potential negatives? With the current state of information available on the subject, that will have to be a personal decision for each of us.
Scientists and health organizations all agree that further research is needed. As marijuana laws in the US evolve, additional research will be more easily accomplished. Until federal law changes, it may be difficult to find local guidance, especially in prohibition states. In any event, whether it is legal or not, you should always consult your personal physician and keep them informed about your use of marijuana as well.
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