5 Common Questions About Marijuana and Mental Health

Cannabis has become increasingly popular among Americans in the past decade. They not only use marijuana to treat their ailments but also use it for recreational purposes. Although cannabis has been a part of human civilization for at least 3,000 years, the Food and Drug Administration does not approve it for the treatment of medical conditions. Only cannabidiol, a compound from the marijuana plant, is deemed fit to use for the treatment of some types of epilepsy.

More than 30 states have legalized medical marijuana, and some have also legalized recreational use too. Furthermore, some states in the US are explicit about allowing CBD products, but not THC products. You can check this guide on the legal status of marijuana by state.

There is significant tension between the popularity of cannabis for treating many medical conditions, versus the notable lack of scientific research supporting it. This paucity of research has led many medical professionals to dismiss or disapprove of cannabis for medical use.

Amidst all the chaos, people continue to use medical cannabis. A recent study found that the use of medical cannabis is increasing throughout the US. So, the rise in the use of cannabis brings us to our main question:

Is marijuana good or bad for health?

In this article, we will take up a few questions people ask and find out if cannabis is good or bad for your mental health.

Can people overdose on cannabis?

It is not possible for beginners or regular cannabis users to overdose on marijuana. According to scientists, the lethal dose of THC, the psychoactive compound of the marijuana plant, ranges between 15-70 grams. It is not possible to dose on 156 grams or more cannabis every day. So, even the most enthusiastic canna user will not be able to dose this amount of THC regularly. You cannot overdose on cannabis, but if you still have concerns, consult with medical marijuana doctors.

Does cannabis improve memory coordination?

The effects of cannabis vary from individual to individual. For example, let us take this study analyzing the long- and short-term effects of cannabis use on mental health. The research shows that if you use cannabis for an extended period, it may decrease attentional and information processing abilities. However, the optimum use of marijuana may not necessarily affect your attention span or concentration power.

In addition to this, it also has to be noted that each individual reacts differently to various medicines. The same is true for medicinal cannabis. Its ability to directly interact with CB1 receptors of the ECS accounts for this diversity in reactions. It is best to consult a licensed doctor first and then see if your condition qualifies for cannabis use or not.

Is there any association between cannabis and the development of schizophrenia?

This association is based on multiple factors, including the dose, frequency of use, and genetics. However, it is essential to note that there are two types of medical cannabis. One is the psychoactive component called THC, and the other is the non-psychoactive compound termed CBD. So, consuming a THC rich strain may lead to psychotic incidences, whereas CBD may help in alleviating the symptoms of schizophrenia. You also have to consider the dosing guide and choose cannabis consumption methods that suit you best. Interestingly, despite cannabis legalization, incidents of schizophrenia have remained stable for quite some time now. So, taking cannabis for schizophrenia will be a choice based on medical supervision.

Are regular canna-users at risk of developing mental disorders?

Several people consume medical marijuana for the treatment of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression. PTSD, etc. But individuals who have been smoking cannabis for a more extended period may develop mental-disorders. In a review published by Bristol University, scientists show that regular cannabis use may lead to psychotic disorders. However, further studies are required to study the magnitude of the effects.

Let us take a close look at the statistics as we all know that many Americans are using cannabis for medicinal purposes, and it looks like even more individuals use it for mental health conditions. So, the dilemma of its usage lies in the fact that there are many loopholes in the studies proving its effectiveness as a therapeutic substance. And even more on its existence as a schedule-1 drug. Moreover, the good news for regular canna-users is that they have thorough experience of smoking cannabis. They can easily weigh the pros and cons of cannabis use.

How does cannabis works for mental health patients?

Cannabis or to be more precise, CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system. The interaction has many effects on human biology. Some of the results lead to euphoria, while others may treat several medical conditions. If we look at the molecular and structural similarities of cannabinoids in the human body and the phytocannabinoids of the cannabis plant, interestingly you will be surprised. Both of them have a striking resemblance, perhaps a successful interaction. So, the cannabinoids react with the receptors in the brain and the central nervous system. This reaction causes a chemical reaction to produce a specific outcome. The outcome will vary from person to person, and some might say it helped them, but others will disagree. Overall, because research on this subject is minimal, and the mainstream doctors are hesitant, the evidence remains clouded by vagueness.