Limited Evidence for the Effectiveness of Medical Marijuana
Two studies published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on 15 August, 2017 found little evidence that marijuana is effective in treating chronic pain or symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). The first article by Nugent, Morasco, O’Neil, et al, included patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis and other pain conditions. They concluded that the medical harms of marijuana use in the general population may include adverse effects on lung function, increased risk of ‘adverse mental health effects’ and increased risk for motor vehicle accidents. In the same issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, the same authors, O’Neil, Nugent, Morasco, et al, published a study concluding that there is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about potential benefits and harms of cannabis use in patients with PTSD.
Editorial Note
The Annals of Internal Medicine is published by the American College of Physicians, a national medical organization of internal medicine specialists. Both the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics are generally opposed to the legalization of marijuana. This is significant because both of these medical organizations are decidedly liberal on most other social issues. It continues to be my opinion that ‘medical marijuana’ has been used as a way to bypass the law and as a stepping stone to the eventual full legalization of marijuana, including for recreational use. I continue to oppose the legalization of marijuana for any purpose.
Links to the Articles
Cannabis and Chronic Pain
Cannabis and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder