Marijuana and Reefer Madness

Marijuana and Reefer Madness

Forty years ago, when I was in college, I would never have believed that marijuana would ever have become legalized. Now that it appears decriminalization is inevitable, I should remind you that although it is quite safe, it is not without some issues.

Reefer Madness ( http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028346/ ) was a 1936 movie that exaggerated the dangers of marijuana. However, in a recent study that compared siblings and identical twins, one of whom was a regular marijuana user, found there was an almost double risk of psychotic events and schizophrenia. In susceptible individuals chronic use can be dangerous. As well, there are certain compounds in marijuana that can be riskier, while others that may actually help; the problem is there is no standardization among different strains.

Goldman D., JAMA Psychiatry 2015 Aug 26;

In a second study of children who were at risk for schizophrenia (based on genetics) there was also a significantly increased risk in marijuana users (French L et al., JAMA Psychiatry 2015 Aug 26).

And now E-cigarettes are being used to smoke pot. About 6% of 3800 high school students in Connecticut admitted to using hashish or other oils to smoke marijuana through and E-cigarette. The authors are concerned that this relatively ease of use may induce more adolescents to smoke pot. In previous reviews it has been shown that smoking marijuana in teens can produce permanent brain changes. (Morean ME et al., Pediatrics 2015 Sep 7)

To summarize, like other psychogenic agents (like alcohol) recreational occasional use in adults is probably safe. Any use in children and adolescents is inappropriate. Chronic use is unhealthy!