Cannabis is not an effective treatment for common mental health conditions, says review | Cannabis
Cannabis is not an effective treatment for common mental health problems, despite a global increase in the number of patients using it for this purpose. a review He found it.
The researchers concluded that there was “little evidence of effectiveness” in treating anxiety, anorexia nervosa, psychotic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder or opioid use disorder.
Experts from the universities of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in Australia and Bath in England have conducted the largest and most comprehensive analysis to date of the evidence on the use of cannabinoids (cannabis-based treatments) to treat substance abuse and mental health disorders.
Their review was prompted by the legalization of cannabis as a treatment for both types of diseases by countries such as the US, UK, Australia and Canada.
Evidence from clinics distributing marijuana for medical purposes They say the top causes cited by patients are mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, followed by chronic pain, and some suffer from both.
Medical products may reduce marijuana addiction, relieve symptoms of Tourette syndrome and help insomniacs sleep better, according to some evidence analyzed by researchers. Although these findings are based on “low” quality evidence, they also appear to help reduce autistic traits exhibited by people with autism spectrum disorders.
But the researchers added that there is no reason to believe that medical marijuana helps overcome mental health problems.
“No significant effects were seen on outcomes associated with anxiety, anorexia nervosa, psychotic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and opioid use disorders,” they wrote. Lancet Psychiatry After reviewing 54 randomized controlled trials involving 2,477 participants.
There was little evidence whether cannabinoids helped combat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and tobacco use disorder, and no evidence whether they were an effective treatment for depression.
“Given the paucity of evidence, routine use of cannabinoids in the treatment of mental disorders and substance use disorders is currently rarely justified,” the researchers concluded.
Sir Robin Murray, professor of psychiatric research at King’s College London, said: “While people like me think that the therapeutic benefits of cannabis are extremely limited and its side effects are common, the world does not believe it.
“Supported by the claims of the cannabis industry and the rapidly increasing number of cannabis clinics in the UK, many people are being misled into using cannabis to treat their problems. In my view, cannabis clinics in the UK are operating as drug dealers for the middle class.”
But one trade organization insisted that marijuana alleviates symptoms of anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
Mike Morgan-Giles, CEO Cannabis Industry CouncilHe said it is vital that patients with psychiatric disorders have access to the treatment they need.
He added: “The real world Evidence including T21 findings Consistently shows that medical marijuana reduces symptoms in anxiety and post-traumatic stress patients.
“Unfortunately, this latest article adds more heat than light and does not adequately reflect how clinical prescribing is done in the UK.”
Advisory Council on Misuse of Drugs formed, briefing UK ministers to examine Information on how the 2018 legalization of marijuana-based products works, including “unintended consequences.”
Prof Owen Bowden-Jones, registrar of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said of the Lancet research: “This meticulously conducted study gives us the clearest indication that the benefits of cannabis as a medicine may be exaggerated for many conditions.
“While there is evidence that these products provide modest benefit for some addictions, they should not currently be offered for many mental illnesses for which they have no benefit.
“It is vital that patients are provided with accurate and transparent information about these products so they can make informed decisions about their care and treatment.”
