cannabis_leafFor over 2 decades, cannabis (marijuana) has been the most widely used illicit drug by young people in high-income countries, and has become popular on a global scale.

Researchers from the University of Queensland, in Herston, Australia reviewed the adverse effects.

Adverse health effects of greatest potential public health interest — most likely to occur and to affect a large number of cannabis users.

  • Dependence
  • Increased risk of motor vehicle crashes
  • Impaired respiratory function
  • Cardiovascular disease

Adverse effects associated with regular use

  • Adolescent psychosocial development
  • Mental health

The bottom line?
Considering the lack of benefit (somebody show me a decent study of marijuana’s benefits), is the risk of any side effect worth it?

10/20/09 20:47 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.