New Study Suggests Marijuana May Benefit Mental Health

Flickr @ Jordan Greentree

Many marijuana users know how beneficial cannabis use can be for their mental health. Whether we’re talking in the short-term or over a long period, marijuana has helped tens of millions of people treat their anxiety, depression and stress levels. That is why so many choose to relax after a long day with a joint or edible as opposed to a glass of wine or a beer.

For many years military veterans have used cannabis to treat their ailments, especially post-traumatic stress disorder. People all over the world swear by marijuana when it comes to improving their mental health and a new study agrees with their findings.

The report was recently published in the journal Clinical Psychology Review and in it researchers say they found evidence that cannabis can likely benefit people dealing with depression, social  and PTSD, though it may not be ideal for people with bipolar disorder.

“This is a substance that has potential use for mental health,” said Zach Walsh, an associate professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia and author of the study. “We should be looking at it in the same way [as other drugs] and be holding it up to the same standard.”

The study also highlighted the promise marijuana has shown as a way to get people off of dangerous and addictive opioids. “We are really excited about the potential substitution effect,” said Professor Walsh. “If people use cannabis as a replacement for opioid medications, or to get off of opioids or cut back, we could see some pretty dramatic public health benefits. The level of opioid overdoses is so high right now.”

The study itself was a review of some 60 different studies. “This review considers the potential influences of the use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes (CTP) on areas of interest to mental health professionals, with foci on adult psychopathology and assessment. We identified 31 articles relating to the use of CTP and mental health, and 29 review articles on cannabis use and mental health that did not focus on use for therapeutic purposes.”

Every study of this nature recommends further research and this one was no different. The complexities of the cannabis plant and all it can do will keep researchers busy for years to come. And the more that is learned, the more marijuana will be able to be used to its full potential.

Story Source: The above story is based on materials provided by MARIJUANATIMES

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