Neurological Effects of Cannabis Use

To the Editor: In his article titled "Persistent and Long-Term Neuropsychiatric Implications of Cannabis Use in Adolescents," published in the June 2017 issue, David S. Mathai, B.S. (1), highlights some important correlations between cannabis use among adolescents and future cognitive impairments, psychosis, and addiction. A significant correlation with brain abnormalities and disproportionate rates of abuse, as noted by Mr. Mathai, warrants further discussion regarding the appropriate minimum age for legal cannabis consumption, and a more stringent set of requirements to obtain the substance in states where adolescents can legally purchase and consume cannabis may be needed.

However, there was scientific evidence missing from the discussion of the article, evidence that may contribute to the understanding of cannabis. For example, a small double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that low doses of cannabis may be as effective as higher doses for the treatment of pain (2). In regard to illicit drug use, a cross-sectional retrospective survey of persons who use medical cannabis concluded that medical cannabis use was associated with a 64% decrease in opiate use and a 45% increase in life satisfaction among 244 patients with chronic pain (3). This suggests that medical cannabis may help curb the opioid epidemic among adolescents in the United States.

The debate surrounding the efficacy of medical cannabis use will prevail in the immediate future, and it is a debate that needs to be driven by scientific evidence, medical understanding, and intellectual reason.