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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMedical marijuana does not help with anxiety, depression, study says.
LOS ANGELES - A recent study found that medical marijuana fails to improve symptoms of pain, anxiety and depression and effectively doubles the risk of developing addictive symptoms and cannabis use disorder (CUD).
The study, published by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital on March 18, also noted that up to one in five users of cannabis may develop CUD.
"There have been many claims about the benefits of medical marijuana for treating pain, insomnia, anxiety and depression, without sound scientific evidence to support them," said Professor Jodi Gilman in a news release.
At least 1.4 million Americans are using marijuana for their health, according to an Associated Press analysis of states that track medical marijuana patients.
And while marijuana has been shown to help ease pain and a few other health problems, two-thirds of U.S. states have decided pot should be legal to treat many other conditions with little scientific backing.
https://www.ktvu.com/news/medical-marijuana-does-not-help-with-anxiety-depression-doubles-risk-of-addiction-study-says?taid=623bf4384d7bbc0001fa2a16&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter
Jacson6
(311 posts)Just that it doesn't have any discernible medical benefit for treating anxiety/depression.
dingosatemyusername
(98 posts)at least this article on "Cannabis Use Disorder" does
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538131/#article-18815.s11
Samrob
(4,298 posts)reduce anxiety or depression outside of the momentary high. When you come down, the anxiety is all about getting the nest "hit" to feel momentarily feel good. At least for me.
RobinA
(9,878 posts)of any sort work when you don't take them. So yeah, it doesn't work once it wears off.
lark
(23,003 posts)I've found some CBN patches that are best for long term pain relief, but it's hard to find good ones that work well. They are also expensive and not covered by insurance. Still, when I couldn't take any pain killers and had major neck surgery, I found some pain patches that made a big difference and got me through even though they cost $10/day.
There's also tinctures, pills and lotion.
brewens
(13,397 posts)depression and anxiety are man.
BigmanPigman
(51,430 posts)I know it doesn't help with pain. It bugs me when everyone tells me to try pot for my migraines and pancreatitis like I hadn't thought of that before. Smoking pot for pain never helped me with cramps either. It does help with sleeping, if it is strong indica.
Earth-shine
(3,852 posts)I do recommend it, for those so inclined, for muscle aches.
BigmanPigman
(51,430 posts)It has saved my life since I was ready to jump off a bridge they were so bad 24/7 for 25+ days a month.
Response to BigmanPigman (Reply #8)
pinkstarburst This message was self-deleted by its author.
GoodRaisin
(8,885 posts)as a chronic pain sufferer. When it comes to pain Im an advocate for whatever works. Government stay out of it unless its broadening my options.
MichMan
(11,787 posts)GoodRaisin
(8,885 posts)Last edited Mon Mar 28, 2022, 09:09 PM - Edit history (1)
my own damn pain because a group of ignorant 75 yo white men (who have gerrymandered our state to keep themselves in power) think they know whats better for my pain than I do and because they get money from Big Pharma to keep it that way.
lark
(23,003 posts)Sativa strains have given me headaches before so I avoid them. I always look up new strains to see their effects before I buy. If it says adverse affects are dizziness or headaches - and there's a number of those - I just pass them by since i'm sensitive to those.
wanda4rafi
(92 posts)I have used it for years to relieve arthritic pain in my ankles, knees and shoulders caused by athletic injuries. Joints for the joints.
BigmanPigman
(51,430 posts)Strelnikov_
(7,772 posts)BigmanPigman
(51,430 posts)If I were being sarcastic I would've used the "sarcasm" thing like I always do.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,816 posts)I also buy Delta 8 because it's legal here in KCMO.
GoodRaisin
(8,885 posts)while Im high. I think for a while because it makes me forget I have hands and arms.
Demsrule86
(68,351 posts)It has helped me with knee pain as well. Not all pharmaceutical drugs help everyone either. These studies are from anti-drug groups and pharmaceutical companies. But with so much money in Medical Marijuana and Recreational Marijuana, they won't be able to stop it.
GumboYaYa
(5,941 posts)She swears by it. It provides almost instant relief for her.
Demsrule86
(68,351 posts)inthewind21
(4,616 posts)the right stuff. It's literally a science now. And medical marijuana saved me from constant misery with chronic pain when I blew out my back. And was leagues better than being on opiates. Allowed me to work, not be in excruciating pain , allowed me to sleep and night and NOT be completely unconscious and useless with "traditional" pain meds.
MGH researchers began their trial in 2017 with 269 adults (average age of 37) from the greater Boston area who were interested in obtaining a medical marijuana card. One group was allowed to get MMCs immediately, while the second group, designed to serve as a control, was asked to wait 12 weeks before obtaining a card. Both groups were tracked over 12 weeks. The team found that the odds of developing CUD were nearly two times higher in the MMC cohort than in the wait list control group, and that by week 12, 10 percent of the MMC group had developed a CUD diagnosis, with the number rising to 20 percent in those seeking a card for anxiety or depression.
Our study underscores the need for better decision-making about whether to begin to use cannabis for specific medical complaints, particularly mood and anxiety disorders, which are associated with an increased risk of cannabis use disorder, says Gilman. Regardless of the specific health condition for which cannabis is sought, Gilman believes that regulation and distribution of cannabis to people with medical marijuana cards must be greatly improved. There needs to be better guidance to patients around a system that currently allows them to choose their own products, decide their own dosing, and often receive no professional follow-up care.
Gilman is associate professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School (HMS). Senior author A. Eden Evins, MD, is the Cox Family Professor of Psychiatry at HMS.
The study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
.the NIDA is run by a true reefer madness Dr. who has been campaigning against marijuana since she became the director ..and the study was done by an associate professor, probably by his classroom bah humbug
misanthrope
(7,405 posts)in those who used it than it was in those prevented from using it. You don't say.
RobinA
(9,878 posts)myself. I guess from this logic, I can conclude that I will never be an alcoholic since I never drink because I hate the stuff. Who knew? That's a load off my mind.
Act_of_Reparation
(9,116 posts)I don't think it means what you think it means.
RobinA
(9,878 posts)think it means?
Act_of_Reparation
(9,116 posts)I don't need to "think" what it means. What, specifically, would you like to know?
ZonkerHarris
(24,155 posts)Emile
(21,903 posts)Tanuki
(14,893 posts)...."Gilman is associate professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School (HMS). Senior author A. Eden Evins, MD, is the Cox Family Professor of Psychiatry at HMS.
The study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)."
ZonkerHarris
(24,155 posts)Calculating
(2,954 posts)It's their job to put out anti legalization propaganda. Same with the DEA.
hunter
(38,264 posts)News article:
https://www.ktvu.com/news/medical-marijuana-does-not-help-with-anxiety-depression-doubles-risk-of-addiction-study-says
Study itself:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2790261
This is a small suggestive study of 186 patients (n=105 and n=81) that probably doesn't deserve the headlines it's getting.
Too many people have an ax to grind.
Personally (n=1) I have not found cannabis helpful for anxiety, insomnia, depression, or pain.
I do think the "war on drugs" does more harm than good, largely serving as a tool for political oppression and expanding opportunities for organized crime.
CentralMass
(15,265 posts)Marijuana had just been legalized in Oregon and I thought I might try some for the anxiety and depression that I was experiencing. So I dropped into the shop around the corner. Oregon had legalized medical marijuana years earlier so there were already many existing small pot shops that were transitioning into medical/recreational shops. It was a small store with the buds of the various strains in really large Mason jars. I ended up buying. a Mango Kush ( an indica strain) with a 27% THC content. I bought a small old school pipe and the next Friday night I lit up and smoked a few hits. 27% THC is rocket fuel compared to the stuff I had last smoked nearly 3 decades earlier. I'm not sure if it really helped with the anxiety and depression but it did give me couch lock and I did sleep a bit.. Friday amd Saturday nights seemed worse. With the work week over and not having that to focus on the anxiety would hit. However smoking it also gave me dry throat and eyes. The tear ducts in my right eye don't function normally and this just aggravated it. I also remembered why I quit 3 decades earlier. Getting high is not a comfortable experience for me. Along with the dry throat/mouth and eyes it give me a tension headache. Maybe it was the very high THC content or the strain (indica) but I know it's not my thing.
It doesn't seems to help me with anything .
At some point I might yry some low THC strains or a sativa strain but I have had no motivation to do so.
Emile
(21,903 posts)sky_masterson
(413 posts)It helps me sleep, it helps me work, it helps me NOT drink (in which I haven't touched a drop in over 5 years).
I think Pot is useful in fighting and easing the pain of addiction of other harder drugs.
When I quit Drinking (Bottle of wine a night and a Large Stella Artois) several years ago after drinking for over 30 years , I just quit. Didn't need to slowly ween myself, wasn't tempted at all to drink, could pour other people drinks with zero urge to drink, didn't need A.A. , I just quit.
Lets also face the fact that life is hard, monotonous,boring at times and people like relief and calming.
That calming/stress relief keeps me off of pharmaceutical happy pills.
Weed effects the mentality of people differently. Some function well, others talk a lot and raid the fridge.
It isn't for everyone, but I am living proof that there is a Panda sitting next to me eating a Pizza with Pineapple on it and what were we talking about man?
LiberatedUSA
(1,666 posts)Roisin Ni Fiachra
(2,574 posts)FreepFryer
(7,077 posts)This study and the publication of these results in this manner are for more political than scientific.
Hugin
(32,778 posts)marijuana fails to improve symptoms of pain and later saying that there are studies finding that it does reduce pain.
Also WTF is CUD? Other than a scary sounding acronym.
FreepFryer
(7,077 posts)Hugin
(32,778 posts)But, not to worry, we have an expensive rehab experience you can go through for 28 weeks that can rid you of that scourge of regularly smoking the demon weed. Cash, only. Up front.
FreepFryer
(7,077 posts)nolabear
(41,915 posts)My PCP gave me Tramadol, a synthetic opiate, for chronic pain. Hes a good guy and tries to help and refer me, but I wouldnt take that habitually on a bet. I use a high CBD low THC (and often negligible THC) tincture or vape and its the reason I sleep most nights and now and then get through a day.
This study is absurd. And what the hell is CUD?
sir pball
(4,726 posts)Back in my younger and more indiscreet years, I along with most of my friends had what I guess you'd call "severe CUD" - we were consuming a half to a full ounce of "dank buds", as we called them before everybody had a named strain...per week per person. When the time came for us to taper back or stop...not one of us probably 15 people all told had any significant problems. Mostly a few days of sleeplessness and irritability, the same as ditching coffee.
Now, I know anecdotes aren't data and I am personally aware of maybe two people who did have legitimate addiction problems with cannabis, but on the whole this "CUD" thing is a 0.5/10 on the compulsive use scale.
Baltimike
(4,126 posts)multigraincracker
(32,531 posts)Just makes you not give a shit about the pain.
Response to multigraincracker (Reply #23)
Mosby This message was self-deleted by its author.
Midnight Writer
(21,547 posts)She said her pain was so overwhelming that she couldn't think of anything else. She said pot didn't stop the pain, but it did stop her from concentrating on it and allowed her to function better.
PuraVidaDreamin
(4,094 posts)where the cannabis came from
The terpinoid profile.
Depressed folks should usually stay away from most Indicas
anxiety and folks with panic disorder should stay away from most Sativas
Linalool is a terpene that typically aligns with the qualities of lavender (relaxation, calming)
Many citrus terpenes align with uplifting qualities and folks with anxiety and panic disorders should
abstain from that terpene profile.
Now many strains are a hybrid of both.
Rule of thumb start low dose, go slow- try diffferent strains
kentuck
(110,950 posts)It helps me escape reality.
It is the reality that causes anxiety and depression...
AngryOldDem
(14,061 posts)could there be a correlation, or is this apples and oranges?
Brainfodder
(6,423 posts)babydollhead
(2,231 posts)It reminds me to open my heart.
It reminds me to be in the moment.
It reminds me that I am alive.
Doc Sportello
(7,455 posts)On all three. And I loved your poem.
panader0
(25,816 posts)pick up my guitar. It contributes to creativity. Started smoking in '66. At 71 years old now,
I only have a few tokes a day, usually afternoons.
I also noticed in my many years as a bricklayer, that weed can allow you to do repetitive tasks
with more fun.
It allows me to laugh as I look out the window and watch one of my roosters chase the crows trying to access the chicken feed.
fescuerescue
(4,448 posts)I'm really curious about the people that develop this disorder without using it.
Doc Sportello
(7,455 posts)Both from the anecdotal point of view and the information provided questioning the study and it's authors. My anecdotal experience is that it is a great benefit in many ways.
Suck on that Bigfoot.
Demsrule86
(68,351 posts)JanMichael
(24,846 posts)Then again I'm not diagnosed with anything just a high stress job. Delta 8 literally just takes the edge off. They should put it in drinking water. I'm kidding but not. Yes I'm kidding.
Johnny2X2X
(18,745 posts)Weed should have been legalized decades ago across the country. In an effort to make it legal (which was very successful by the way) proponents used medicinal benefits that were mostly unproven as an excuse. People starting using emotion rather than science because they just knew weed should be legal.
Well the science is coming in and weed has very limited medicinal benefits, despite anecdotal evidence miles and miles long. And that's fine, recreational marijuana is being legalized quickly across the country, so it's not going to be an issue anymore of people pretending that it's some wonder medicine. If you think it helps you as a medicine, good for you, continue to use it as such.
CUD is very real, I absolutely know people who cannot go a few hours without using weed, so much so that one won't even fly because that's too long to be without and transporting their supply on a plane is not practical.
Legalize it everywhere and let people decide for themselves! But getting good information to people about its effects both negative and positive should always be a goal too.
Demsrule86
(68,351 posts)seen the medical benefits in a number of members of my family. And I took a small amount in Michigan when my knee was acting up and it sure did help.
Response to Johnny2X2X (Reply #40)
Mosby This message was self-deleted by its author.
RobinA
(9,878 posts)smoking for a lifetime and don't find it psychotropic, I think you might be doing it wrong.
Response to RobinA (Reply #70)
Mosby This message was self-deleted by its author.
Calculating
(2,954 posts)I don't need to make up some medical reason to buy a beer, and I shouldn't for weed
Demsrule86
(68,351 posts)deal of money. My husband could not get sufficient pain pills and has suffered from minor depression off and on for years. They sent him home with four days worth of pain pills after a spinal fusion with rods...this is a second operation to correct a laminectomy of the lower spine that was botched...very painful. And the doctor bitched when I insisted on another week's worth of pills said he had to be 'weaned off' them.
I sincerely hope that the doctor experiences what my husband has at some point in his life. It is just ridiculous. The lack of pain medication makes it very difficult to move sufficiently which is essential for recovery. We decided to try Medical Marijuana which is legal in Ohio...It has been so helpful for the pain and he is doing much better. And it has improved his low-level depression as a side benefit. I know kids that use medical marijuana for anxiety and it works really well...the pills are very difficult with multiple side effects.
Kid Berwyn
(14,651 posts)Trillions.
Ask your doctor.
jcgoldie
(11,584 posts)Btw do you think cops are reading this thread? Just asking for a friend, honest! 😳
Act_of_Reparation
(9,116 posts)This is a study on whether marijuana is an effective treatment of specific medical conditions, which seems to me a rather important thing for physicians to know.
This is not a study on whether pot should be legal, or whether people with these medical conditions should, on their own recognizance, use pot.
Johnny2X2X
(18,745 posts)I see a lot of people refuting evidence with anecdotes and fallacies of logic.
Attack the study based on its scientific merit if you must, but the lines of attacks based on anecdotal evidence and saying the drug companies funded this are not sincere arguments. This study was conducted by the Massachusetts General Hospital, it's got an impeccable reputation for good science. It was Federally funded, it was not funded by "Big Pharma!"
sarisataka
(18,218 posts)unless we don't like the results. Ditto with polls.
To me, it appears this study is simply saying marijuana is not a panacea for all diseases or conditions, which I believe no one has ever claimed.
FWIW I have two relatives who swear by medical marijuana for their health problems. I have a few others just just swear by marijuana.
BannonsLiver
(16,162 posts)I appreciate science. Except when its engineered to produce data those who FUNDED THE STUDY WANT.
But hey you had a nice argument going there for a second
Akoto
(4,261 posts)No single treatment will work universally for all patients. This does not mean it flat out doesn't work.
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)medication use, and claims of medicinal benefits, should be regulated as others are.
Since chronic pot use is linked to development chronic paranoia and to both anxiety and depression, this study underlines that people should use it for these conditions, or in spite of them for another condition, such as pain, under the direction of skilled and scrupulous professionals.
As for science deniers, maybe this can help them understand a bit how and why anti-vaxxers manage it.
Paranoia is known to be above significantly above average among anti-vaxxers as well, and it'd be interesting to know how their pot use compares to the general population.
Demsrule86
(68,351 posts)isn't science and is being given way more exposure then it deserves.
Act_of_Reparation
(9,116 posts)What, specifically, about the experimental design suggests it isn't science?
Ohio Joe
(21,656 posts)Well... To answer that, lets look at what the people who conducted the study say:
Obtaining a medical marijuana card (MMC) to use cannabis products to treat pain, anxiety, or depression symptoms led to the onset of cannabis use disorder (CUD) in a significant minority of individuals while failing to improve their symptoms, according to a study by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers and published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers found that individuals at greatest risk of developing the addictive symptoms of CUD were those seeking relief from anxiety and depression, suggesting the need for stronger safeguards over the dispensing, use, and professional follow-up of people who legally obtain cannabis through MMCs.
https://www.massgeneral.org/news/press-release/Marijuana-for-medical-use-may-result-in-rapid-onset-of-cannabis-use-disorder
The bolding is mine.
So... What we really need is a more professional approach to determining how and when MMJ can be of medical use. That it helps some people with some things sometimes, cannot be denied. It is a lack of research that exists... That research was not permitted and would have been in fact a crime for decades and is only recently opening up. Claims of MMJ being a cure-all are nonsense, just as are the claims of MMJ being hokum.
Shellback Squid
(8,909 posts)Earth-shine
(3,852 posts)because I get anxious and depressed if I don't have any.
lark
(23,003 posts)I couldn't eat anything, my mind was racing so hard and my stomach was a rock that nothing could get in without a lot of pain. I smoked some Stardawg (good for anxiety, stress) and my brain quieted down and I could eat something. I also tried a 1:1 ration of thc/cbd concentrate and it helped so much to quiet my brain and relieve the panic enough that I could sleep and stay asleep for much longer.
I know this is just one persons' experience, but my son has anxiety far worse than mine, along with panic attacks and that strain is so helpful for him too.
Now for pain relief, it's sketchy on that for me.
Sympthsical
(8,935 posts)Zeitghost
(3,796 posts)in comparison to say, recent studies that show Ivermectin and other drugs to be ineffective at preventing and/or treating COVID19 are interesting.
Flaleftist
(3,473 posts)For everything from climate change to the health benefits of drinking coffee, you can find contradicting studies. Digging deep into the science of the studies to see if someone is muddying the waters for a profit motive requires work and can be exhausting. It's easier to just accept or reject the study according to what you believe. It's easy for me to believe there is a big pharma interest in muddying the waters concerning the effectiveness of medical marijuana, just like big tobacco and the fossil fuel industry has done as explained in Merchants of Doubt. But I can't say 100%, because I haven't really done the research. The same with Ivermectin. I understand there are also contradicting studies. It would be a negative for big pharma if it was effective. I also don't know, because I haven't carefully looked at the studies. It seems like something we are expected to dismiss and demonize because of some of the people who promote it. While a lot of pharmaceuticals are beneficial, the people who run the companies are fucking evil and can't be trusted. So everything they do should be subject to close examination. I am fully vaccinated. I believe in vaccines, but something makes my Spidey sense go off over the amount of profit these companies are making.
maxsolomon
(32,987 posts)Even keeps me awake sometimes.
Bettie
(15,998 posts)funded this study, but it sure feels like someone going to bat for pharma.
liberal_mama
(1,495 posts)I'm not a regular consumer of MJ though. The last time I had some was in 2018, I think. I should really make an effort to consume it more often, especially since it's legal in my state now.
Mr.Bill
(24,104 posts)Mostly what it does for me is makes the music sound better. This is evident if oyu look at some of the records I bought in the 70s.
It does seem to have medicinal use for my wife and many others, though.
Bettie
(15,998 posts)MGH researchers began their trial in 2017 with 269 adults (average age of 37) from the greater Boston area who were interested in obtaining a medical marijuana card. One group was allowed to get MMCs immediately, while the second group, designed to serve as a control, was asked to wait 12 weeks before obtaining a card. Both groups were tracked over 12 weeks. The team found that the odds of developing CUD were nearly two times higher in the MMC cohort than in the wait list control group, and that by week 12, 10 percent of the MMC group had developed a CUD diagnosis, with the number rising to 20 percent in those seeking a card for anxiety or depression.
Small sample, twelve weeks.
Kind of looks like the researchers were looking to get a specific result and did that.
hunter
(38,264 posts)It's advertising, not objective news or science.
It's up to reporters to ferret out the objective news, it's up to scientists to ferret out the importance of the actual research.
The sample size of this study and its methodology are not something public policy should be based on, and from my perspective, not even worthy of the press coverage its received.
At best it's suggestive of pathways for much larger, more rigorous studies.
Bettie
(15,998 posts)I was looking for: Sample size, duration, and method.
But, yes, I agree that a larger study might yield better or more useful results.
I found a longer piece about it, but it was harder to find the information I was looking for, so I went with this one.
Meowmee
(5,164 posts)It does help them so I place more weight on that than one small study by an organization that seems to be anti drug or anti pain med use. I have never tried it for pain and wont if it has the get high ingredients because it can drop my bg dangerously low I have read, maybe even without that part. I tried the otc cannabis oils my cats for various issues and it made their gastro problems worse maybe, I am not sure.
There are many approved drugs that not only do not help with mental health issues but which also cause great harm, many are being given to elderly people. Maybe they should focus on those and other issues instead. People are different and they react differently to various medications.