Lucy Devine
An expert has discussed the dangers of medical marijuana, revealing that many people using the drug are experiencing Cannabis Use Disorder.
In a 2024 study from Carnegie Mellon University, 18 million Americans were found to use marijuana daily and in 2022, there were more daily users of cannabis than alcohol.
Over 24 states in the US allow recreational use, while 40 states permit legalized medical cannabis.
Margaret Haney, Professor of Neurobiology at Columbia University Medical Center, has explained some of the concerns around medical marijuana and the dangers of developing Cannabis Use Disorder.
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Speaking to Amanpour & Co., Haney explained: "People who start using cannabis for therapeutical reasons are developing a use disorder.
"If you're using cannabis for pain, you're going to use as soon as you wake up, as soon as it wears off, repeatedly throughout the day.
"... The defining feature of use disorder, not only is it impeding various aspects of your life, but quitting or reining it in is enormously difficult. That's what people seeking treatment come in for."
Haney also spoke about the 'disconnect' between what professionals are noticing in the health field and the public narrative about cannabis.
Haney explained that it's especially concerning for young people, adding: "We have this part of our brain where THC binds and it goes under tremendous development in the adolescent years. To be exposing it to high levels of THC on a daily basis is a risk factor.
"There's consequences for educational achievements, psychiatric outcomes, a range of things. There's a big difference between smoking every day when you're 14 to when you're 34.
"The younger you start the more vulnerable you are to Cannabis Use Disorder but also psychiatric and other outcomes."
Haney cited a study in which looked at six million people in Denmark.
It found that up to 30 percent of schizophrenia cases in men aged 21 to 30 might not have occurred without heavy cannabis use.
"There's a strong association between cannabis use and psychotic symptoms including psychotic disorders. We know there's a link," she said.
Haney also discussed the correlation between cannabis and the risk of heart attack and stroke, adding: "One of its very reliable effects is to increase heart rate and I think if there's underlying vulnerability that could be one consequence."
Haney warned against some of the more modern cannabis products, which contain much higher percentages of THC, such as THC oils and pens, which can have up to 90 percent THC, compared to the plant, which usually contains around 20 percent.