title: The adverse health effects of chronic cannabis use.
abstract: This paper summarizes the most probable of the adverse health effects of regular cannabis use sustained over years, as indicated by epidemiological studies that have established an association between cannabis use and adverse outcomes; ruled out reverse causation; and controlled for plausible alternative explanations. We have also focused on adverse outcomes for which there is good evidence of biological plausibility. The focus is on those adverse health effects of greatest potential public health significance--those that are most likely to occur and to affect a substantial proportion of regular cannabis users. These most probable adverse effects of regular use include a dependence syndrome, impaired respiratory function, cardiovascular disease, adverse effects on adolescent psychosocial development and mental health, and residual cognitive impairment.
authors.affiliation: The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Site, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia; National Addiction Centre, Kings College London, London, WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Wayne
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Louisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Degenhardt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002188:Cannabis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000150:complications*; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D008603:Mental Health
chemical_list: D002186:Cannabinoids
keywords: cannabis; chronic use; health effects