Examining the Connection between Medical Marijuana Use and Cannabis Use Disorder Risk

Key Findings from Recent Research Study:

• A recent study has revealed a link between medical marijuana usage for pain, anxiety, and depression and a higher risk of developing Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD).

• Specifically, marijuana use for anxiety and depression was associated with the greatest CUD risk, with limited improvements in mental health or pain alleviation.

• Given the increased CUD risk, heightened guidance and regulation may be necessary when utilizing medical marijuana for pain, anxiety, and depression management.

Detailed Research Findings:

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from 186 individuals and found an elevated incidence and severity of CUD among individuals who obtained medical marijuana cards immediately without thorough evaluation.

• Participants reported improved sleep with the usage of medical marijuana. However, additional research is warranted to determine its impact on CUD development.

• One limitation of the study was its lack of diversity in racial/ethnic backgrounds, education levels, and other factors.

Enhancing Medical Marijuana Usage Safety through Physician Guidance:

• Dr. Julian Lagoy, a psychiatrist, highlights the importance of thoughtful consideration when recommending medical marijuana for anxiety, depression, and pain management.

• Dr. Lagoy acknowledges the calming effects of cannabis and its potential to mitigate anxiety, as well as its dopamine-boosting properties, which contribute to feelings of pleasure and make it effective in addressing depression.

• To minimize CUD risk, Dr. Lagoy advocates for stricter regulations and enhanced physician supervision to ensure appropriate dosage and strain selection for medical cannabis treatment.

• He underscores the need for safe cannabis distribution, similar to other medications, to optimize benefits and reduce misuse risks.

Assessing Cannabis Therapy Appropriateness:

• Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC, a therapist, and addiction expert, stresses the significance of considering an individual's physical and mental health conditions, addiction potential, and appropriate dosage when using medical cannabis.

• Relief from symptoms without a significant euphoric effect is ideal, as cannabis can provide relaxation, reduce anxiety, stimulate appetite, and improve sleep.

• Glowiak cautions against self-medication and highlights the increased CUD risk with higher doses. Medical professionals should oversee treatment plans to ensure appropriate use.

• He recommends combining therapy with cannabis to address underlying issues since medication alone may prove insufficient.

Addiction as a Coping Strategy for Pain:

• Haily Shafir, a clinical mental health counsellor, remarks that addiction is often rooted in pain aversion rather than pleasure-seeking.

• Shafir cites research findings pointing to an increased risk of addiction for individuals using substances to cope with physical or psychological pain, as opposed to recreational use.

• Chronic physical or mental health conditions can lead to physiological and psychological drug dependency.

• Shafir acknowledges varying effects of cannabis on different users, including potential exacerbations of anxiety and greater fatigue in chronic or heavy consumers.

• She underlines the absence of a guaranteed relief from anxiety or depression with marijuana, warning against self-medication for mental health conditions. She distinguishes between CBD (a marijuana component) and cannabis and its psychoactive compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), responsible for the "high."

Drawing Conclusions:

The research study has raised concerns about the increased risk of CUD associated with medical marijuana. Experts underscore the importance of physician supervision, appropriate dosage and strain selection, and complementary treatments to minimize CUD risk. Addressing underlying pain and mental health issues, rather than solely relying on cannabis for symptom management, is of utmost importance.