01/25/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/25/2023 10:20
As the legalization of recreational marijuana use spreads across the country, cannabis products are becoming more and more accessible. Manufacturers are incorporating cannabis into a huge variety of formulations-tinctures, edibles, topical creams, lotions and potions-for which they claim a wide range of effects.
"According to 2020 survey data, two-thirds of Michiganders believe marijuana is more accessible than it used to be and only one in five people view it as a major health risk," says Amanda Holm, MPH, who manages the Tobacco Treatment Service at Henry Ford Health. The truth: marijuana is not a harmless drug, and the degree of risk depends on many factors.
While many people use the terms "marijuana," "cannabis" and "hemp" interchangeably, they are not the same thing.
Cannabinoids are a group of more than 100 biologically active substances in the cannabis plant. Well-known cannabinoids include THC and cannabidiol (CBD).
"It's important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved cannabis or cannabinoids for any medical use," Holm says. But the agency has approved a few medicines containing cannabinoids to treat conditions such as epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea and loss of appetite related to HIV/AIDS. For example, a purified form of CBD called Epidiolex™ can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures among people with epilepsy.
Evidence is mixed on whether cannabinoids can help treat such conditions as glaucoma, chronic pain and multiple sclerosis. Studies suggest that much of the pain relief perceived by people who use cannabis may be due to the placebo effect (their positive expectations that it will help).
Unfortunately, there's no straightforward answer to that question. According to Holm, there are risks associated with cannabis and cannabinoids, particularly marijuana when it is smoked. Especially concerning is the fact that up to 30% of users develop symptoms of something called cannabis use disorder.
Like other substance use disorders, cannabis use disorder is characterized by cravings, withdrawal symptoms and loss of interest in other activities. Over time, it can interfere with a person's relationships and professional responsibilities.
Other risks include:
"Even though recreational use of cannabis in legal in Michigan, it doesn't come without risks," emphasizes Holm. "There's a lot we still don't know about these products." To find out more about whether cannabis and cannabis-containing products are appropriate for you and your specific health conditions, talk to your doctor.
To find a doctor at Henry Ford, visit henryford.com or call 1-800-436-7936.
Amanda Holm, MPH, is the project manager for the Tobacco Treatment Service in the Henry Ford Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.