In a recent webinar hosted by Dialogue4Health, Dr Robert Wallace from the University of Iowa presented on the Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Cureent State of Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research. Dr. Wallace presented on a variety of topics including therapeutics, respiratory disease, injury and death, cancer, immunity, prenatal, psychosocial, mental health, and other outcomes. With the recent legalization of cannabis in several states throughout the United States, the body of evidence for marijuana has been able to expand greatly, and better studies have been able to be produced to show its effects. This discussion is important for discussing the use of cannabis in states that are still attempting to prevent legalization.
With regards to therapeutic use of cannabis, or medical marijuana as is commonly used in the media, the systematic review showed moderate evidence in helping patients experiencing nausea from chemotherapy, reducing pain in patients with chronic pain, and decreasing self reported spasticity symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. It was also noted that all of these areas showed modest effects. However, it was noted that there were better options for some of these conditions. New studies that have been published since this review was released in 2016 have also shown some effects in children and adults with seizures, tremors, and adults with Parkinson’s, but a larger body of evidence needs to be produced before making a recommendation on those conditions.
As for the potential side effects, no evidence was shown to support the belief that cannabis smoking will lead to respiratory disease, COPD, or asthma. However there was substantial evidence with long term smoking and worse respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis. For cancer, there was moderate evidence of no statistical association between cannabis use and lung, head, neck, cervical, prostrate, penile, bladder, esophageal, lymphoma, anal, or liver cancers. With regards to injury and death, cannabis use before driving has shown to significantly increase the risk of causing a motor vehicle accident. It is unclear if it is associated with all cause mortality or occupational injury. No evidence was reported for immunity outcomes. For woman who are pregnant, moderate evidence was reported for lower weight birth in children whose mothers smoked cannabis during pregnancy. All other pregnancy related outcomes were unclear.
Psychosocial outcomes demonstrated that within 24 hours of using cannabis, there was a significant decrease in learning, memory, and attention. In addition, a limited number of studies showed long term decrease in all outcome after cessation of smoking cannabis. Those who smoked cannabis long term were also substantially more likely to develop schizophrenia and other psychoses.
Dr. Wallace discussed that all of these outcomes do not necessarily prove or disprove any causation, but rather can guide research kn which outcomes may be more affected by cannabis use. As the prevelance of cannabis use continues to grow, more research studies will be able to be conducted and better recommendations can be made on its use. Based on this body of evidence that is available, it is difficult to see why cannabis use should be continued to be outlawed, at least for therapeutic purposes in all states. There is moderate evidence of its use for medicinal purposes, with low risk for most of the outcomes that were discussed. It will be interesting to see how this field continues to expand over the course of the next decade, and what uses it may develop.
Anthony,
This is an interesting area of research , I believe one of the biggest barriers so far to accomplishing significant research on marijuana is the fact that it is still illegal at the federal level. This poses a problem not only with the legality of research being done but also the ability to procure funding for such research; I’m sure that there are exceptions but I imagine it would be hard to write a grant proposal for federal funds to research effects of an illegal drug on humans. As more states legalize marijuana for medicine/recreation I believe that the federal government will have no choice but to legalize it as well, once this occurs I believe there will be a lot more research on the plant flooding the field. In response to the comment above, I don’t believe that the plant will be legal in any national level sports until it is federally legal, it would just cause too many problems with enforcement.
Anthony,
Well put and interesting findings. Popular media does not always communicate the therapeutic and potential treatment outcomes, like with chemotherapy and with those suffering from seizures or Parkinson’s. Media plays it out to be a pain reliving, appetite stimulator that leaves you addicted and lazy. Contrary to popular belief, no evidence was found that smoking cannabis will lead to COPD, asthma, or respiratory disease, but I am sure there will be follow-up studies soon.
I bet it is difficult to find data about low birth weights related to cannabis use because most women do not want to admit to smoking while pregnant, and the significant decrease in memory and attention you mentioned that was demonstrated with using cannabis.
I wonder why findings of those who smoked cannabis long term were more likely to develop schizophrenia and other psychoses?
Maybe there is a need that is formed from repeated use, and a potential lack of ability to supply for that need (smoke more cannabis) causes the person to mentally deteriorate?
Current professional athletes; Karl-Anthony Towns (NBA, Minnesota Timberwolves), Josh Gordon (NFL, Cleveland Browns), Von Miller (NFL, Denver Broncos), J.R. Smith (NBA, Cleveland Cavilers), Carmelo Anthony (NBA, OKC Thunder), Tim Lincecum and Alex Reyes (MLB) – to name a small few.
And former professional athletes;
Warren Sapp (NFL), Jason Williams (NBA), Ricky Williams (NFL), Ronda Rousey (UFC), the greatest Olympian ever Michael Phelps, and even former bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger –
Are all pro-cannabis.
Q’s
– Do you think the country (as a whole) will ever agree on this drug/medicine? Would more concrete findings need to take place and be replicated in order validate the use of cannabis to treat disorders, diseases, and cancers or keep it as a restricted drug?
– When (if ever) do you think this will this be legalized recreationally among any of the major professional sports in the US?