AHS Views

The dangers associated with marijuana have been debated for years. Some say it’s the least harmful of illegal drugs and in California it is even legally prescribed for people with a variety of conditions including anxiety, cancer and multiple sclerosis. But a recent study may cause medical marijuana users as well as those who abuse it to head straight for drug rehab. 

The study, conducted by the University of Bristol, Imperial College and Cambridge University and reported in Lancet (registration required, but it’s free, and they also have a podcast for the study, or read an article about it), or  showed that marijuana may increase the risk of psychosis by 40 percent. Researchers analyzed 35 studies that tracked tens of thousands of people for one to 27 years to examine the relationship between marijuana use and psychosis, depression, anxiety, delusions and a number of other conditions. In addition to the alarming data on the risk of psychosis for anyone using the drug, researchers found that, for heavy users, the risk of jumps to 200 percent.
 
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), marijuana is still considered a Schedule I drug because of its high potential for abuse. Also, per the DEA, it has no currently accepted medical use.

This study should end the debate. Let’s hope people take it to heart, get off the drug, and get into a successful drug rehab program.