Legalization, decriminalization & medicinal use of cannabis: a scientific and public health perspective.
Empirical and clinical studies clearly demonstrate significant adverse effects of cannabis smoking on physical and mental health as well as its interference with social and occupational functioning. These negative data far outweigh a few documented benefits for a limited set of medical indications, for which safe and effective alternative treatments are readily available. If there is any medical role for cannabinoid drugs, it lies with chemically defined compounds, not with unprocessed cannabis plant. Legalization or medical use of smoked cannabis is likely to impose significant public health risks, including an increased risk of schizophrenia, psychosis, and other forms of substance use disorders.
Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, USA. Dragan.Svrakic@va.gov
Dragan M
DM
Svrakic
Patrick J
PJ
Lustman
Ashok
A
Mallya
Taylor Andrea
TA
Lynn
Rhonda
R
Finney
Neda M
NM
Svrakic
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002188:Cannabis; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008517:Phytotherapy