![]() Lingering stigmas around mental health make it difficult to talk about for many people. But, with no one being perfect, most humans have ailments with their bodies, and issues with their minds as well. No matter how sane you think you are, there is always something that keeps us from perfection. Those issues can range from common anxiety and depression, to deeper and less common issues such as schizophrenia. And the source of these can be geneticly inherited, or it can be caused by external issues such as experiences and trauma. Lately there have been an alarming number of headlines using cannabis and mental issues as click-bait. Titles of articles reference cannabis as the catalyst for increased mental problems for youths and adults. But on the other hand, we know that many more countless people are successfully using cannabis without a problem. So which is it? Is cannabis harmful or helpful? No substance is completely harmless. Even foods can cause allergies or problems for some people. Cannabis is no different. There is limited data that a small risk exists in people who carry a specific, rare variant of a particular gene that they are at increased risk of developing psychosis with increased cannabis use. Cannabis use has also been shown to quicken or worsen the course of illness in patients who already have schizophrenia. But psychosis and schizophrenia risks only apply to a very small minority of people based on their unique genetics. And the vast majority of the people who do suffer these issues most often have other issues involved, as well. Factors such as poverty, family history, other drug use, and even more issues can make it difficult, if not impossible, for researchers to adequately determine if any cause-and-effect relationship exists between cannabis use and mental illness. A 2006 review by Britain’s Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) previously concluded, “For individuals, the current evidence suggests, at worst, that using cannabis increases lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia by one percent.” Overall, the scientists say that data on this subject is not clear or well understood, and until this association is better understood, there may be some merit to various government warnings that adolescents and/or adults with pre-existing symptoms of mental illness refrain from using cannabis (and/or other psychoactive substances), particularly in large quantities. But on the other hand, when used in moderation by adults, scientists say that cannabis is relatively safe, and for the overwhelming majority of people, cannabis use can help reduce anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, nausea, and much more. Additionally it can create a sense of well-being, relaxation, and pleasure. And for most people, it’s a good time. Comments are closed.
|
Proudly powered by Weebly