Claims that cannabis use causes psychosis and other mental health problems is not a new phenomenon.
From the very beginning of the push to prohibit cannabis, opponents have tried very hard to portray cannabis use as being an extremely risky behavior.
The results of a new study were released recently in which cannabis was associated with increased chances of psychosis.
Should cannabis consumers be worried?
What did the recent study say?
Researchers conducted a case-control study across ten European and one Brazilian site which looked at whether there’s an association between high-potency cannabis and increased psychosis rates.
The researchers concluded: “Cannabis use is associated with increased risk of later psychotic disorder but whether it affects incidence of the disorder remains unclear.”
Conclusions from the study made headlines around the world and were quickly pointed to by cannabis opponents as ‘evidence’ that cannabis is bad for people.
It’s not the first study to find a data association between cannabis use and increased risk of mental disorders, but it did rekindle a well-established talking point for cannabis opponents.
Should cannabis consumers be worried?
Data does seem to indicate that some people in some situations may be at an increased risk for mental health issues if they consume cannabis. It’s a serious issue that shouldn’t be brushed aside.
However, the data and increased risk need to be put into context. Just because someone consumes cannabis doesn’t mean that they will automatically experience issues.
People that have a history of mental illness in their family and/or have been demonstrating symptoms of mental illness prior to cannabis use are the most likely to be affected.
If you fall into one of those categories, you need to make the decision that is right for you, and should probably seek medical advice prior to cannabis use.
It’s a completely personal decision that individual consumers need to make, and it’s always best to err on the side of caution when mental health is involved.
What do cannabis health experts say?
Many doctors that were quoted in stories about the results of this recent study do not specialize in medical cannabis.
It’s not surprising then to see them jumping to conclusions that are not necessarily 100% accurate or are too overly broad.
Green Flower reached out to Jordan Tishler MD who is a leading professional in the medical cannabis field to help us put the results of this study into context.
“I think this study, along with others recently, is very concerning. However, there are some major issues with interpreting this too broadly,” Dr.Tishler says.
“First, in 5 years across 11 sites, there were only 901 cases. This is not convincing for a major public health problem. Second, it’s a retrospective case-control study which means it’s not possible to show causality,” Tishler added.
“Third, and possibly most important, the quality of the data is only as good as the diagnosis and documentation that went along with it. Since any cannabis use can be construed as a first psychotic episode, and often is erroneously so construed, it’s not clear that the 901 cases were actual cases. There is no discussion of subsequent events for these patients.”
Putting the reaction from cannabis opponents in perspective
The architect of cannabis prohibition in the U.S., Harry Anslinger, often pointed to a case in Florida in which a person murdered his family due to ‘cannabis addiction.’
He left out the fact that this person already had a history of mental illness.
In the prohibition propaganda film Reefer Madness people are shown acting very crazy after consuming cannabis. Those examples are based more on political rhetoric than they are actual reality.
Cannabis opponents will likely always try hard to make it seem like cannabis use causes mental health issues in all cases. They will never directly state that but will likely always insinuate it.
Again, people that have a history of mental illness in their family and/or are exhibiting poor mental health symptoms should take the situation very seriously and possibly refrain from cannabis use.
But the risks involved need to always be put into context and the other wellness needs of the consumer need to be considered as well, and an educated decision be made from there.
– This article was originally posted at Green Flower
About CannabisNewsWire
CannabisNewsWire (CNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) CannabisNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. CNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where news, content and information converge.
To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information please visit https://www.cannabisnewswire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer
Do you have a questions or are you interested in working with CNW? Ask our Editor
CannabisNewsWire (CNW)
Denver, Colorado
www.cannabisnewswire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
This article contains Third-Party Content submitted by third parties, including articles submitted through the CNW Premium Partnership Program. All opinions, statements and representations expressed by such third parties are theirs alone and do not express or represent the views and opinions of CNW or its affiliates and owners. Content created by third parties is the sole responsibility of such third parties, and CNW does not endorse, guarantee or make representations concerning the accuracy and completeness of all third-party content. You acknowledge that by CNW providing you with this internet portal that makes accessible to you the ability to view third-party content through the CNW site, CNW does not undertake any obligation to you as a reader of such content or assume any liability relating to such third-party content. CNW expressly disclaims liability relating to such third-party content. CNW and its members, affiliates, successors, assigns, officers, directors, and partners assume no responsibility or liability that may arise from the third-party content, including, but not limited to, responsibility or liability for claims for defamation, libel, slander, infringement, invasion of privacy and publicity rights, fraud, or misrepresentation, or an private right of action under the federal securities laws of the United States or common law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, CNW reserves the right to remove third-party content at any time in its sole discretion.
