Title:Cannabis: An Overview of its Adverse Acute and Chronic Effects and its Implications
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Author(s): Talitha C. Ford, Amie C. Hayley, Luke A. Downey* Andrew C. Parrott
Affiliation:
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne,Australia
Keywords:
Cannabis, cognition, psychosis, dependence, health, education.
Abstract: In many communities, cannabis is perceived as a low-risk drug, leading to political lobbying
to decriminalise its use. Acute and chronic cannabis use has been shown to be harmful to several
aspects of psychological and physical health, such as mood states, psychiatric outcomes, neurocognition,
driving and general health. Furthermore, cannabis is highly addictive, and the adverse effects
of withdrawal can lead to regular use. These in turn have adverse implications for public safety and
health expenditure. Although the cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to have positive
health outcomes with its antioxidant, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties,
high-potency cannabis is particularly damaging due to its high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC),
low CDB concentration. It is this high-potency substance that is readily available recreationally.
While pharmaceutical initiatives continue to investigate the medical benefits of CDB, “medicinal
cannabis” still contains damaging levels of THC. Altogether, we argue there is insufficient evidence
to support the safety of cannabis and its subsequent legalisation for recreational use. Furthermore, its
use for medicinal purposes should be done with care. We argue that the public conversation for the
legalisation of cannabis must include scientific evidence for its adverse effects.