New research continues to show that marijuana isn’t medicine.
Nationwide, 24 states have legalized recreational marijuana, and some 40 states — including Arkansas — let healthcare professionals write notes authorizing people to use so-called “medical” marijuana. But a growing body of scientific evidence shows marijuana poses serious health risks.
A major study by The Lancet recently found marijuana fails to effectively treat anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
The findings raise serious concerns, because PTSD is the most common qualifying condition listed among “medical” marijuana users in Arkansas.
Some people suggest marijuana may help people quit using more serious drugs, but researchers found cannabinoids actually increased cocaine cravings among those who struggled with cocaine addiction.
Another recent study led by researchers at Johns Hopkins found young people who suffered from cannabis use disorder were at greater risk of later being diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder.
Researchers analyzing nearly 700,000 medical records found teenagers 17 and under with cannabis use disorder faced a 52% increased risk for schizophrenia and a 30% greater risk for depression, compared to teens with other substance use disorders.
Addiction experts note that marijuana can trigger mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Time and again, scientific evidence has shown that marijuana is dangerous.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge released a study this year that demonstrates marijuana use raises a person’s risk of stroke by 37%.
THC — the main psychoactive substance in marijuana — has been tied to everything from heart disease and cancer to stroke, mental illness, and birth defects. Some researchers now believe marijuana use actually doubles a person’s risk of death from heart disease.
And instead of decreasing crime, marijuana’s legalization has actually emboldened drug cartels and increased the flow of illegal drugs across America.
All of this underscores what we have said for years: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
