Some marijuana advocates believe that marijuana laws are outpacing science, as several states like Massachusetts are legalizing the drug for medical use. Scientists are grappling with the lack of information on the effectiveness of using marijuana as a medicine and its effect on the brain and health in general. Legalization of marijuana is facing a disconnect against both state and federal governments as marijuana is classified as a controlled substance. This article explores medical and recreational marijuana and its effects on health. The MIND Program Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery
What scientists know about marijuana are from studies from chronic recreational users, but very little is known about the effects on casual users. There is a big difference between the medical and recreational use of marijuana, as medical users usually do not want higher levels of the THC drug found in marijuana. Recreational users are more inclined to enjoy high concentrations of the drug and concerns about the youngest users are well founded. However the potential medical effects of cannabis cannot be underestimated, but sound clinical research in this field is scarce. This has given rise to a trial called the MIND program developed at the McLean Hospital.
In the MIND program's first study, a group of patients certified for medical marijuana were put through a trial. For three months patients were tested for how marijuana affected their conditions ranging from chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Many individuals felt a relief in symptoms, better sleep, and mood levels. The researchers also found that patients performed better cognitively with improved executive functions and a reduced need for painkillers.
Youth at Risk of Serious Cognitive Impairment
In a recent study on medical marijuana, striking differences were found in recreational users, especially in cognitive performance in executive functions of the brain. The biggest differences occur with adolescents who regularly used marijuana before age 16. This can seriously and irreversibly alter the brain structure and functions in youths.
For recreational users of marijuana, the drug THC is responsible for altering individuals state of being. But for medical use, the THC is lower in dose and compounds like CBD are responsible for relief. One possible reason that medical marijuana users don't experience any cognitive impairments is due to the average age of 49, well above the more vulnerable ages from adolescence to 20.
Researchers have hope for some patients who are dependent on opioid drugs. The idea is to supplement their treatment with cannabinoid-based products while reducing or even eliminating opioids. Some people are expressing concern over the ethics of replacing one addiction for another.
More Studies Needed on Medical Marijuana Use
Experts are expressing the need for more studies on medical marijuana. Given the federal government's laws on marijuana as a controlled substance, researchers are finding it difficult to legally conduct trials of cannabinoid substances. Scientists need to understand what effects marijuana has on people's cognitive functions. Not being able to do clinical trial studies limits the researcher's abilities to find out if medical marijuana works for their patients.
As legalization looms in Massachusetts, it's important to inform the public to keep an open dialog with kids and young adults about marijuana use at a young age. Preaching abstinence may make kids more likely to try recreational marijuana the worst thing parents want to happen as young brains are neurodevelopmentally immature to the negative impact of marijuana. Providing the truth on cannabis, and letting the public make informed decisions regardless of medical or recreational use, may be the best approach.
See original here:
Has Marijuana Policy Outpaced Science? | Worldhealth.net Anti ... - Anti Aging News
- Water Test Finds Toxic Substance [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2010]
- Sunlight May Help Protect Men From Kidney Cancer [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2010]
- Sunlight May Help Protect Men From Kidney Cancer [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2010]
- Heart Disease [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 13th, 2010]
- Heart Disease [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2010]
- The pH Miracle Living Diet Can Change Your Life [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2010]
- The pH Miracle Living Diet Can Change Your Life [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2010]
- Garlic Good For Stomach and Colon Cancers [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2010]
- Garlic Good For Stomach and Colon Cancers [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2010]
- Smokeless tobacco products like snuff also cause cancer [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2010]
- Smokeless tobacco products like snuff also cause cancer [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2010]
- Prevention of Acupuncture Infection Needs More Focus [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2010]
- Prevention of Acupuncture Infection Needs More Focus [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2010]
- Squamous cell carcinoma and Epstein Bar [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2010]
- Squamous cell carcinoma and Epstein Bar [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2010]
- Prostate cancer therapy can increase risk of heart disease and death [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2010]
- Prostate cancer therapy can increase risk of heart disease and death [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2010]
- Protect Your Baby's Smile [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2010]
- Protect Your Baby's Smile [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 12th, 2010]
- Acupuncture Seminar & Workshop (May 14-16, 2010, New York, New York, USA, North America) [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2010]
- Acupuncture Seminar & Workshop (May 14-16, 2010, New York, New York, USA, North America) [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2010]
- New Insights Show Ginseng Fights Inflammation [Last Updated On: May 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 15th, 2010]
- Acupuncture Delivers Some Pain Relief [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2010]
- Natural compounds in carnivorous plants could fight human fungal infections [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2010]
- 12th National Conference: Parkinson's 2010: Recent clinical advances in the management of Parkinson's (Jun 23, 2010, London, United Kingdom, Europe) [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2010]
- 12th National Conference: Parkinson's 2010: Recent clinical advances in the management of Parkinson's (Jun 23, 2010, London, United Kingdom, Europe) [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2010]
- How to Treat Diabetes Without Medication [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2010]
- How to Treat Diabetes Without Medication [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2010]
- Testosterone May Make Women Less Trusting [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2010]
- Testosterone May Make Women Less Trusting [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2010]
- Brain Develops Differently in Fragile X Syndrome [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2010]
- Brain Develops Differently in Fragile X Syndrome [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2010]
- Gaia Herbs achieves industry breakthrough in herb potency, safety and traceability [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2010]
- Gaia Herbs achieves industry breakthrough in herb potency, safety and traceability [Last Updated On: June 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2010]
- Doctors are addicted to "every drug under the sun" [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2010]
- Doctors are addicted to "every drug under the sun" [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2010]
- Like Humans, Chimps Ape Their Betters [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 18th, 2010]
- Like Humans, Chimps Ape Their Betters [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2010]
- Exercise in Adolescence May Cut Risk of Deadly Brain [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2010]
- Exercise in Adolescence May Cut Risk of Deadly Brain [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2010]
- BP is burning rare sea turtles alive, blocking efforts to save them [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2010]
- BP is burning rare sea turtles alive, blocking efforts to save them [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2010]
- Exercise Helps Reduce Falls in Young and Old [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2010]
- Exercise Helps Reduce Falls in Young and Old [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2010]
- Scientists Spot Gene Variants That Predict Longevity [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2010]
- Scientists Spot Gene Variants That Predict Longevity [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2010]
- Mediterranean Diet Helps Protect Aging Brain [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2010]
- Mediterranean Diet Helps Protect Aging Brain [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2010]
- Diabetes Medicines [Last Updated On: July 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 15th, 2010]
- Diabetes Medicines [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2010]
- Cutting Calories May Boost Aging Brains [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2010]
- Meditation Appears to Boost Attention Span [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2010]
- Meditation Appears to Boost Attention Span [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2010]
- A healthy heart slows brain aging [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2010]
- Constipation May Lead to Other Problems [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2010]
- A healthy heart slows brain aging [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2010]
- 7-year-old girl dies after Botox injections [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2010]
- Infidelity Rises When She Makes More Than He Does [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Confused About Coconut Oil? [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Widely Used Plastics Chemical Linked to Testosterone Boost [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Monitoring of Kidney Health Urged for Injection Drug Users [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- A Stone-age prescription [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Researchers Reluctantly Admit Mediterranean Diet Beats Diabetes Drugs for Controlling [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Simplified Framingham Model May Miscalculate Risk for Millions [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- New and Undefined Diseases [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Infidelity Rises When She Makes More Than He Does [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Confused About Coconut Oil? [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Widely Used Plastics Chemical Linked to Testosterone Boost [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Monitoring of Kidney Health Urged for Injection Drug Users [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- A Stone-age prescription [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Researchers Reluctantly Admit Mediterranean Diet Beats Diabetes Drugs for Controlling [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Simplified Framingham Model May Miscalculate Risk for Millions [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- New and Undefined Diseases [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 7th Annual Update Symposium on Clinical Neurology & Neurophysiology (Feb. 21-22, 2011, Tel Aviv, Israel, Middle East) [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 7th Annual Update Symposium on Clinical Neurology & Neurophysiology (Feb. 21-22, 2011, Tel Aviv, Israel, Middle East) [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- The 13th National Conference Dementias 2011 (Feb. 10-11, 2011, London, United Kingdom, Europe) [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Geriatrics: A Primary Care Approach to the Aging Population (Jan. 31-Feb. 04, 2011, Sarasota, Florida, USA, North America) [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- COSMODERM XIV - The International Aesthetic Dermatology Congress of the European Society for Cosmetic & Aesthetic Dermatology (ESCAD) (Dec 09-12, 2010, Dresden, Germany, Europe) [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- COSMODERM XIV - The International Aesthetic Dermatology Congress of the European Society for Cosmetic & Aesthetic Dermatology (ESCAD) (Dec 09-12, 2010, Dresden, Germany, Europe) [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Experimental Treatment Could Fight Muscular Dystrophy [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2010]