2024-02-19 08:05:56
Marijuana (cannabis) consumption, recently facilitated in some countries by the legalization of various aspects of its production and sale, has grown in recent years.
In the United States, almost one in five Americans over the age of 12 used cannabis in 2021, and according to a recent research review study, more than 16 million Americans meet the diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorder. marijuana, a severe mental illness.
Young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 are disproportionately affected. The review found that more than 14% of people in this age group suffer from mental 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, and many assume that this drug is safe and has no side effects,” denounces Dr. David A. Gorelick, professor of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), United States, and author of the study.
The study 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 the inability to control its use despite experiencing negative side effects such as problems at work or school. It is more common in people who use cannabis more than four days a week.
The study is titled “Cannabis-Related Disorders and Toxic Effects.” And it has been published in the academic journal New England Journal of Medicine. (Source: NCYT from Amazings)
By: ScienceNews.com / Amazings.com