The Truth About Marijuana: Myths, Realities, and Impact on Mental Health

What comes to mind when you think of marijuana? A calming escape or a heated dinner debate? In today’s world, marijuana occupies a complex and often controversial space in public discourse. With shifting laws, evolving social norms, and varying opinions, understanding the facts about marijuana use is more important than ever. Let’s delve into the intricate web of marijuana’s effects, debunk some common myths, and explore the realities behind this widely-used substance.

The Cannabis Debate: Myths vs. Realities

Myth 1: Marijuana is Harmless Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is not without risks. Regular use, especially of high-potency strains, can have significant impacts on mental and physical health. While some users seek its calming effects, the reality is that marijuana use can lead to cognitive impairment and other serious health issues.

Myth 2: Marijuana is Not Addictive Many believe that marijuana is not addictive. However, research indicates that approximately 9% of users become addicted, a number that rises to 17% for those who start using in their teens (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). This addiction can manifest as a dependence where users find it difficult to stop despite negative consequences.

Myth 3: Marijuana is a Gateway Drug The idea that marijuana use leads to the use of harder drugs is a topic of much debate. While not everyone who uses marijuana goes on to use other substances, studies suggest that early marijuana use can increase the likelihood of experimenting with other drugs, potentially due to the social environments and behavioral patterns associated with substance use (Kandel, 2003).

Myth 4: Marijuana Has No Medical Benefits While marijuana has risks, it also has approved medical uses. For instance, it is used to alleviate chronic pain, reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea, and manage certain types of epilepsy (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2017). However, these benefits are often overshadowed by the potential for misuse and the risks associated with recreational use.

The Darker Side: Psychosis, Depression, Anxiety, and Suicide

Psychosis Marijuana use, particularly of high-potency strains, may be linked to an increased risk of psychotic disorders. Daily use of high-potency cannabis has been associated with a fivefold increase in the risk of psychosis (Di Forti et al., 2019). The role of dopamine is crucial here—while dopamine is associated with pleasure, its dysregulation is linked to psychosis (Howes & Kapur, 2009).

Depression and Anxiety Regular marijuana use can exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety. While some use marijuana to cope with these conditions, it can create a cycle where symptoms become more severe, making it harder to manage mental health overall (Levine, 2020).

Suicide Research suggests a troubling link between marijuana use and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The risk is particularly pronounced in individuals who use marijuana frequently and those with a predisposition to mental health disorders (Wilkinson et al., 2016).

Impact on the Young Brain: Cognitive Decline and Genetics

Cognitive Decline Heavy marijuana use during adolescence can lead to long-term cognitive decline. Studies have shown that regular use can affect memory, attention, and learning capabilities, potentially lowering IQ (Meier et al., 2012).

Genetic Association: The COMT Gene The COMT gene, which affects dopamine levels in the brain, plays a significant role in how individuals react to marijuana. Those with a particular variant of this gene may be more susceptible to the negative effects of marijuana, including cognitive impairment and an increased risk of psychosis (Caspi et al., 2005).

THC Content and Consumption Methods

THC Content Increase The THC content in marijuana has significantly increased over the years. Imagine turning up the volume on your headphones—what starts as enjoyable can become overwhelming and harmful at higher levels. Higher THC concentrations can lead to more severe mental health issues and a higher risk of addiction (ElSohly et al., 2016).

Modes of Consumption Marijuana can be consumed in various ways, including smoking, vaping, edibles, and oils. Each method has different implications for health:

• Smoking and Vaping: Can lead to respiratory issues.
• Edibles: Have a delayed effect, which can result in consuming more than intended, increasing the risk of overdose.
• Oils: Often used for their perceived medicinal benefits but can vary in THC content and purity.

The Risk of Lacing

A significant danger in marijuana use is the potential for lacing with other substances. This can lead to unexpected and harmful effects, complicating the already complex risk profile of marijuana use (Blevins, 2020).

What Can We Do?

For Parents and Guardians:

• Educate: Talk to your kids about the realities of marijuana use, separating myths from facts.
• Set Boundaries: Be clear about your expectations regarding marijuana use and its potential impacts.

For Individuals:

• Stay Informed: Understand the full spectrum of risks associated with marijuana use, especially regarding high-potency strains.
• Be Mindful: Recognize that any use carries risks, particularly for those with a predisposition to mental health disorders.

For Policymakers:

• Regulate Wisely: Ensure that regulations consider both medicinal benefits and potential risks, especially for younger populations.
• Promote Research: Support scientific research to better understand the long-term effects of marijuana use.

Conclusion

Navigating the landscape of marijuana use requires a clear understanding of its potential impacts. While it offers certain medicinal benefits, the risks, particularly to mental health, cannot be ignored. By staying informed and making responsible choices, we can better manage its use and mitigate its potential harm.

Disclaimer

This blog is based on personal learning and training and may not apply to all situations or individuals. It is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. If you have concerns about marijuana use and its impact on your health, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

References

1. Di Forti, M., et al. (2019). “The contribution of cannabis use to variation in the incidence of psychotic disorder across Europe (EU-GEI): a multicentre case-control study.” The Lancet Psychiatry, 6(5), 427-436.
2. Howes, O. D., & Kapur, S. (2009). “The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia: version III–the final common pathway.” Schizophrenia Bulletin, 35(3), 549-562.
3. Meier, M. H., et al. (2012). “Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(40), E2657-E2664.
4. Caspi, A., et al. (2005). “Moderation of the effect of adolescent-onset cannabis use on adult psychosis by a functional polymorphism in the COMT gene: longitudinal evidence of a gene X environment interaction.” Biological Psychiatry, 57(10), 1117-1127.
5. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). “Is marijuana addictive?” Retrieved from NIDA.
6. Kandel, D. B. (2003). “Does marijuana use cause the use of other drugs?” JAMA, 289(4), 482-483.
7. Levine, A., et al. (2020). “Marijuana use and the developing brain.” Pediatric Clinics of North America, 67(4), 623-639.
8. Wilkinson, S. T., et al. (2016). “Marijuana use is associated with worse outcomes in symptom severity and violent behavior in patients with psychosis.” Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 77(8), e1042-e1047.
9. ElSohly, M. A., et al. (2016). “Changes in cannabis potency over the last two decades (1995–2014): Analysis of current data in the United States.” Biological Psychiatry, 79(7), 613-619.
10. Blevins, C. E., et al. (2020). “The prevalence and impact of substance use among patients with schizophrenia: A narrative review.” Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 81(2), 19r13007.
11. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). “The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids: The current state of evidence and recommendations for research.” National Academies Press.