Science Says: What’s known and not known about marijuana

In a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, they also rounded up what is known. Here are some of its conclusions.

There’s strong evidence that marijuana or cannabinoids:

— Can treat chronic pain in adults

— Can ease nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy

— Can treat muscle stiffness and spasms in multiple sclerosis as measured by what patients say, but less strong evidence if the changes are measured by doctors

On the other hand, it also found that pot smoking may be linked to:

— Risk of developing schizophrenia and other causes of psychosis, with the highest risk among the most frequent users

— Risk of a traffic accident

— More frequent chronic bronchitis episodes from long-term use

— Lower birthweight in offspring of female users

There’s some evidence that pot or cannabinoids may:

— Improve short-term sleep in people with some medical conditions

— Boost appetite and ease weight loss in people with HIV or AIDS

— Ease symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and improve outcomes after traumatic brain injury

Similarly, some evidence suggests pot use may be linked to:

— Triggering a heart attack

— An increased risk of developing a lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

— Pregnancy complications when used by the mother

— Impaired school achievement and outcomes

— Increased suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, especially among heavier users

— Risk of developing bipolar disorder, especially among regular users.

There’s not enough evidence to know if marijuana or cannabinoids can:

—Treat cancer

— Ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

— Help with movement problems associated with Parkinson’s disease

— Improve mental health outcomes in people with schizophrenia

Similarly, there’s not enough evidence to know if marijuana is linked to:

— Increased risk of heart attacks over time from chronic use

— Development of post-traumatic stress disorder

— Changes in the course or symptoms of depression disorders

— Development or worsening of asthma

— Accidents or injuries on the job

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Follow Malcolm Ritter on Twitter: @MalcolmRitter . His recent work can be found here .

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This Associated Press series was produced in partnership with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Malcolm Ritter, The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

Science Says: What’s known and not known about marijuana

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