Recent research indicates that the health implications of using medical marijuana might be more severe than previously believed.
Marijuana is a widely used substance, and various US states have begun to relax their regulations regarding its medical and even recreational usage.
It is frequently recommended for chronic pain management, especially in cases where other treatments have been ineffective or to avoid prescribing opioids, which can be highly addictive.
Cannabis is also sometimes given to patients undergoing chemotherapy to help manage symptoms.
This new research, published in the medical journal JAMA, challenges the previously held views on the medicinal benefits of marijuana, suggesting they may have been exaggerated.
The review analyzed more than 2,500 clinical trials concerning marijuana use for cannabis and cannabinoids, which the Food and Drug Administration approves for ‘HIV/AIDS-related anorexia, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and certain pediatric seizure disorders’.
The study’s findings suggest that although there is some evidence of its effectiveness in certain scenarios, it might not be as beneficial as commonly assumed.
Michael Hsu, a lead author of the study and an addiction psychiatrist at the University of California in Los Angeles, stated: “While many people turn to cannabis seeking relief, our review highlights significant gaps between public perception and scientific evidence regarding its effectiveness for most medical conditions.”
He further noted, “Clear guidance from clinicians is essential to support safe, evidence-based decision-making when discussing medical cannabis with their patients.”
Dr. Hsu emphasized the importance of transparency: “Patients deserve honest conversations about what the science does and doesn’t tell us about medical cannabis.”
The study also pointed out health concerns associated with cannabis use, whether for medical or recreational purposes.
The research highlighted that approximately 29 percent of individuals using cannabis for medical purposes met the criteria for cannabis use disorder, which indicates dependency.
Daily cannabis users might also face cardiovascular risks, such as an elevated likelihood of heart attacks and strokes compared to non-users.
Despite these concerns, the study did identify a ‘small but significant reduction in nausea and vomiting’ for chemotherapy patients.
Dr. Hsu stressed the need for further investigation: “Further research is crucial to better understand the potential benefits and risks of medical cannabis. By supporting more rigorous studies, we can provide clearer guidance and improve clinical care for patients.”
In a conversation with the New York Times, Kevin Hill, another study author and addiction psychiatrist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, commented: “There are some legitimate purposes for these compounds. And there’s a whole other group of people who are saying they’re using it medically, but they’re really not. They’re just rationalizing their recreational use.”