According to the University of Utah Genetics Learning Center, marijuana, also known as cannabis, was one of the top three most prescribed medicines in the U.S. until it became illegal in 1937. However, in 1970, the U.S. Congress classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug, which Congress defines as having no medical value. Despite this, as of November 2008, 13 states, including California and Oregon, legalized the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Marijuana may benefit a number of conditions, including autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders. However, there may be disadvantages associated with marijuana use.
Cancer Risk
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, or NIDA, marijuana, when administered by inhalation, may cause cancer of the respiratory tract and lungs. This is because marijuana contains a high portion of carcinogens. NIDA also cites a 1992 clinical study that showed smoking marijuana increases the likelihood of developing head or neck cancer, and that this risk increases with increased marijuana use.
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Immune Suppression
Marijuana may also suppress the immune system's ability to fight off infection, states NIDA. According to NIDA, data from experiments performed in animal and human cells found that exposure to marijuana or ingredients of marijuana inhibited disease-preventing reactions of immune cells. NIDA also highlights results of other studies, which found that mice exposed to marijuana were more likely to develop bacterial infections and tumors than mice that had not been exposed.
Mental Health
In a 2007 article published in "Acta Psychiatria Scandinavia," lead author R. Skinner reports on the results of a study designed to examine the connection between marijuana use and psychiatric disorders such as depression and panic attacks. According to the author, more frequent marijuana use was "independently associated with greater intensity of positive, negative and depressive psychotic symptoms." The author adds that more positive psychotic symptoms were reported in those who commenced marijuana use at an early age.
Other Implications
NIDA also warns that marijuana use may also cause cognitive problems such as short-term memory loss and may also impair judgment and learning ability. Marijuana use may also lead to long-term drug addiction. Evidence also suggests that marijuana users are at increased risk of suffering from heart attack.
References
- The University of Utah Genetics Learning Center: Cannabis in the Clinic?: The Medical Marijuana Debate
- NIDA: What Are the Acute Effects of Marijuana Use?
- PubMed; Acta Psychiatria Scandinavia; Cannabis Use and Non-Clinical Dimensions of Psychosis in University Students Presenting to Primary Care; R. Skinner et al; February 25, 2010
