Fast Five Quiz: Marijuana--Medical Uses and Personal Abuses

Sage W Wiener, MD; Michael E Schatman, PhD, CPE

August 20, 2018

According to the NAS study, the data were strongest in supporting beneficial effects of marijuana in relieving chronic pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and in improving multiple sclerosis spasticity symptoms. Evidence about whether cannabis is effective for other conditions, including cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptoms, or spinal cord injury–related spasticity, was insufficient.

Moderate evidence demonstrated increased mania symptoms and hypomania in patients with bipolar disorder who regularly used marijuana. An increase in the incidence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts with heavy use was documented. Although information about causality is limited, cannabis was associated with an increased risk for schizophrenia, other psychoses, and social anxiety disorders, and, to a lesser extent, depression.

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Cite this: Sage W Wiener, Michael E Schatman. Fast Five Quiz: Marijuana--Medical Uses and Personal Abuses - Medscape - May 24, 2017.

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