2024-08-21 15:29:34
Marijuana (cannabis) consumption, facilitated recently in some countries by the legalization of various aspects of its production and sale, has grown in recent years.
In the United States, nearly one in five Americans aged 12 and older used cannabis in 2021, and according to a recent research findings review study, more than 16 million Americans meet diagnostic criteria for marijuana use disorder, a serious mental illness.
Young adults aged 18 to 25 are disproportionately affected. The review found that more than 14% of people in this age group suffer from mental health problems that fall under marijuana use disorder.
“There is a lot of misinformation in the public sphere about cannabis and its effects on psychological health, with many assuming that this drug is safe and has no side effects,” said Dr. David A. Gorelick, professor of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) in the United States and author of the study.
The study’s results underscore the urgent need for physicians to screen and treat patients experiencing symptoms of marijuana use disorder.
Marijuana use disorder is defined as problematic marijuana use. Symptoms include a strong desire to use the drug and an inability to control use despite experiencing negative side effects such as problems at work or school. It is most common in people who use cannabis more than four days a week.
The study is titled “Cannabis-Related Disorders and Toxic Effects.” It was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. (Source: NCYT by Amazings)
By: Science News.com / Amazings.com