Scientists need more proof whether cannabis can treat mental illness. Have you too ever thought ever that your most favorite thing needs to be a medicine and not a drug? Read until the end of this article to know whether your lovely joint can treat you at your lowest or not!
Researches for its use
Individual case studies show whether can cannabis treat mental illness of patients who have PTSD and sleep issues. There are claims about its benefit to those suffering from social anxiety and schizophrenia. It was also described as an anti-senility agent by Shen Ching. It was indicated a drug for grief and sorrow in Assyrian culture. Don't be glad about it as there is no scientific evidence that supports their belief!
As it consists of several beneficial chemicals in it, it has been attributed to treating depression and psychosis. Further, no research shows the link between cannabis and the development of the bipolar disorder. Evidence also shows the reduction in cognitive concerns, uneasiness, and over alertness while interacting with a group. So now have you found the solution to your stage fear? Wait until you read about its side effects.
The experiments on mice also point to the decreased fear. A case study also points to the improvement in quality and quantity of sleep. It also decreases pain and reduces mania. There have also been improvements in individuals who have ADHD.
Researches against its use
As cannabis has a compound that has a sedative effect or which calms us, it has intrigued researchers as to whether this calming effect can be beneficial to those who have different anxiety disorders. However, it is possible that it lowered down the levels of anxiety and not heals it completely. Moreover, it is significant to note that it is treated by medical cannabis and not which is taken by the laymen. One study also shows that medical cannabis worsened the symptoms of psychosis. Research also shows the consumption of cannabis leads to addiction, anxiety, depression, and psychosis. No, you need not be scared but aware of the facts.
Further, they warn us about the self-medication of it as it may leave the mental illness as it was or even worsen it. It is also brought to our notice that the oil extracts of cannabis may be of different qualities concerning their availability in a medical store or a local shop. The other potential side effects of it include fatigue and disorientation.
There is also evidence regarding the impairment in psychomotor skills in workers who consume cannabis. So drop the thought of being able to function efficiently at your workplace due to cannabis and mental illness. The high doses of it are potent enough to cause paranoia and impairments in short-term memory. As mentioned by Gage et al., withdrawal symptoms and tolerance of cannabis are also a hurdle to its medicinal use well pointed out by Grotenhermen F. et al.
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Legal marijuana industry
Have you not read about it yet? A lot of individuals in Colorado encountered an increased number of individuals admitted to hospitals according to research. The cause is the products made available by the legal cannabis industry in Colorado, such as inhaled medical marijuana, candies, and gummies, among several other eatables having cannabis in it. It eventually led to the demise of three individuals. The eatables have the potential to cause panic attacks. Various users were also put in the emergency room due to constant vomiting due to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. It also has the potential to harm cardiovascular functioning, causing blood pressure and heart rate.
Should we trust the wellness industry?
The wellness industry keeps shooting us every morning with the advertisements of the positive health effects of cannabis. Have you also jumped at the thought of euphoria calming your anxiety or mood? But there is very little evidence regarding it.
We also need to ponder about its legality. There was be surely harm in it for the government to be involved in it. Certain products of cannabis are also not approved by the FDA. The wellness industry's profit-making should not prey to some unscientific ways of treating your mental issues. It is always better to crosscheck with a medical or mental health professional before consuming anything recommended by the wellness industry.
Requirement of more research
There are claims of researchers who show that there are advantages of cannabis. Wait, if your hopes are high again. Even the existing researches supporting the benefits of cannabis for our mental health had small sample sizes and other concerns. We have also seen in the pros of cannabis and mental health that the conclusions were based upon individual case studies. Hence, it is a question whether these conclusions should be applied to a larger population or not.
There is inadequate evidence about the potential benefits of cannabis on our mental health. As mentioned in the research by Jerome Sarris et al., he also further adds that it is a weak data. As the studies involved the intake of other medications and treatments, too, with the participants' cannabis, one cannot be entirely sure as to the positive effects of cannabis. However, it would be an ethical concern and a safety issue if they were not given any other treatment or medication during the experiment. Several other aspects were not assessed and needed to be evaluated as the physician guidelines point at.
Those who support cannabis claim it to be safe. But research is necessary to know about its long term use. Though you are disappointed by the findings, you need to be glad about being saved from its potential dangers. It is necessary to be mindful of the amount of consumption, quality of the edibles, and oils. It is, however, very harmful to self-medicate oneself with it. It is always better to visit a mental health professional as there is enough evidence supporting its effectiveness, unlike cannabis. After several studies, scientists need more proof whether cannabis can treat mental illness.