Marijuana and Mental Health

Marijuana and Mental Health is a 2016 book published by the American Psychiatric Association and edited by Michael T. Compton, M.D., M.P.H. The book is a 225-page review of the most recent data about this ubiquitous compound. Following the introductory chapter, the book’s chapters include Marijuana’s Effects on the Mind, Medical and Recreational Marijuana Policy, Medical Marijuana, Marijuana Use and Comorbidity, Marijuana Use and Psychosis, Synthetic Cannabinoids, Treatment of Marijuana Addition, and Prevention of Marijuana Misuse. The book was well written and provides a broad overview of the topics listed above. As the authors clearly and repeatedly point out, as the results of the politics behind this substance, there has been too little research done on the 400 compounds found in marijuana, including about 80 known cannabinoids. One out of 10 marijuana users is likely to become dependent on it, and the percentage is higher among adolescents on whom marijuana impinges on normal neural development. 

If you’re searching for facts to help sort through the other material that you read about marijuana, this book is an excellent place to start. The overall message is that federal policies have limited the good research until now, so it is only now that more facts are becoming known. Although the book does not specifically say this, it is clear that most "medical marijuana" programs are nothing more than a thinly disguised means of smoking recreationally. Where else can you get a "license" without a meaningful medical exam and no follow-up whatsoever by a medical practitioner. It is clear that there is a withdrawal syndrome. Also, about one in 10 adults become dependent, and the rate is higher among teenagers. Also, it is teenagers who have a still developing brain which is most negatively impacted by this substance. 

More facts will emerge in the next 10 years, but be cautious - the facts are not all favorable or even just neutral.