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Clinical consequences of marijuana
Jag H Khalsa1, Sander Genser, Henry Francis
1Center on AIDS and Other Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|November 5, 2002
Summary
Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug in the US, posing significant health risks. Research links its use to cognitive, developmental, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, and cancer concerns.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Substance Abuse Research
- Toxicology
Background:
- Marijuana is the most frequently abused substance in the United States, with approximately 6% of individuals aged 12 and older reporting recent use.
- Marijuana use is linked to a wide range of adverse health effects impacting nearly every organ system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the documented health hazards associated with marijuana use.
- To highlight research findings on the consequences of marijuana abuse and dependence.
Main Methods:
- Review of national survey data on drug abuse.
- Synthesis of research findings on marijuana's effects across various organ systems.
- Analysis of studies examining cognitive, developmental, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, and oncogenic outcomes.
Main Results:
- Marijuana use is associated with cognitive impairment in different age groups.
- Potential consequences include fetal and developmental issues, cardiovascular changes (heart rate, blood pressure), and respiratory complications (chronic cough, emphysema).
- Impaired immune function, increased infection vulnerability, and elevated risks for head, neck, and lung cancers are also linked to marijuana use.
Conclusions:
- Marijuana use presents substantial health risks beyond abuse and dependence.
- Further research is needed to differentiate marijuana's effects from other substances and environmental factors, especially concerning chronic use.