Protect Your Brain

The National Institute of Drug Addiction has extensive information on how marijuana usage has lasting effects on the brain.  A new book, Tell Your Children the Truth about Marijuana, Mental Health and Violence, by Alex Berenson, promises to change the discussion. It was published January 8, 2019.

We reference many articles for the marijuana – psychosis connection.  However, Dr. Thurstone’s blog has a summary of the most recent studies finding that marijuana use can trigger psychosis which can lead to mental health disorders such as bipolar and schizophrenia.   The American Society of Addiction Medicine also has a white paper on marijuana legalization.   The latest DSM-V manual for psychiatry proposes treatment for marijuana addiction and marijuana use disorders.

(Addiction rate for marijuana is estimated to be about 9% for adults, and 17% for those who begin use under age 18.)  However, these rate are outdated, based on figures from the ’90s,  when marijuana was less potent.

Bursting the Bubble of Marijuana Hype