Medical marijuana more harmful that good - research
By Moses Ngahu
Marijuana or as some call it 'weed' is one drugs that are illegal and prohibited in Kenya. This is because the drug has been said to have negative health side effects on the body and the brain. The drug is derived from the famous cannabis plant and is used for leisure, relaxation as well partying.
Cannabis contains a component called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the main psychoactive component of cannabis. This component is just part of the 483 known compounds in the plant. In recent years, doctors have used and prescribed the drug for specific medical conditions and symptoms.
However, in Kenya, the debate has been going on regarding the legalization of the plant for medical purposes only.
Recently, there was research conducted that indicated that the side effect of the drug outweighs the perceived benefits it may have for medical conditions.
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File image of a cannabis (Marijuana) plant. |Photo| Courtesy|[/caption]
American Medical Association Journal (JAMA) Network published a study new study concerning the contribution of Marijuana to the development of harmful disorders among patients using the drug while failing to offer any relief.
This study was conducted in different states in the United States where Marijuana has been legalized for medical treatment. The study showed that patients were required to obtain a medical marijuana card allowing them to use the drug for managing and treating various ailments.
The study indicated that the card was bringing more harm to the patients than good. The study had 186 participants who all showed an increase in severity of the plant use, disorder and brought no significant reduction of pain, anxiety or even depressive disorder. The use of cannabis showed that there were both long and short-term effects such as paranoia, and memory loss which can, later on, lead to addiction.
Dr Jodi Gilman, the lead author of the study from the Center for Addiction at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) said, “There have been many claims about the benefits of medical marijuana for treating pain, insomnia, anxiety and depression without sound scientific evidence to offer any relevant support.”
Gilman continues to say that the first study of the patients was randomized to obtain medical marijuana cards, showing that there were negative side effects recorded for using cannabis.
What is more disturbing to researchers is that individuals with symptoms of anxiety or depression and the most common condition were sought to make the participants develop cannabis use disorder. The symptoms of the disorder include the need to use more and more cannabis to overcome the tolerance of the drug.
The Massachusetts General Hospital researchers commenced their trial back in 2017 with 269 adults mostly from the Boston area. One of the groups was allowed to get the medical cards immediately, while the second group, which was created as a control, we’re asked to wait for almost 12 weeks before obtaining the card. The study was conducted over a period of 12 weeks.
“Our study underscores the need for better decision-making on whether cannabis is perfect for medical use and if the drug can be used to treat anxiety, pain or even depression,” Mr Gilman started.
Either way, Gilman believes that regulation and distribution of cannabis to people with medical marijuana cards must be improved.
File image of a cannabis (Marijuana) plant. |Photo| Courtesy|[/caption]
American Medical Association Journal (JAMA) Network published a study new study concerning the contribution of Marijuana to the development of harmful disorders among patients using the drug while failing to offer any relief.
This study was conducted in different states in the United States where Marijuana has been legalized for medical treatment. The study showed that patients were required to obtain a medical marijuana card allowing them to use the drug for managing and treating various ailments.
The study indicated that the card was bringing more harm to the patients than good. The study had 186 participants who all showed an increase in severity of the plant use, disorder and brought no significant reduction of pain, anxiety or even depressive disorder. The use of cannabis showed that there were both long and short-term effects such as paranoia, and memory loss which can, later on, lead to addiction.
Dr Jodi Gilman, the lead author of the study from the Center for Addiction at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) said, “There have been many claims about the benefits of medical marijuana for treating pain, insomnia, anxiety and depression without sound scientific evidence to offer any relevant support.”
Gilman continues to say that the first study of the patients was randomized to obtain medical marijuana cards, showing that there were negative side effects recorded for using cannabis.
What is more disturbing to researchers is that individuals with symptoms of anxiety or depression and the most common condition were sought to make the participants develop cannabis use disorder. The symptoms of the disorder include the need to use more and more cannabis to overcome the tolerance of the drug.
The Massachusetts General Hospital researchers commenced their trial back in 2017 with 269 adults mostly from the Boston area. One of the groups was allowed to get the medical cards immediately, while the second group, which was created as a control, we’re asked to wait for almost 12 weeks before obtaining the card. The study was conducted over a period of 12 weeks.
“Our study underscores the need for better decision-making on whether cannabis is perfect for medical use and if the drug can be used to treat anxiety, pain or even depression,” Mr Gilman started.
Either way, Gilman believes that regulation and distribution of cannabis to people with medical marijuana cards must be improved. What's Your Reaction?
