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Has federal marijuana research evolved since the early days of prohibition? The legalization of marijuana by states across the country has tempered the federal government’s presentation of research on marijuana. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) acknowledges research that makes several former concerns inaccurate today.
Research Contrasts Concerns
NIDA has always expressed concern over marijuana’s effect on memory and consciousness. They act as if getting high is a negative side-effect rather than one of the reasons people use it. They continue to worry about its effect on learning and driving. On a more serious note research suggests some concern over the effect of marijuana use on the developing brains of teenagers and whether heavy use at that age harms cognitive development.
More interesting is that NIDA acknowledges that while they would like to see more research on the subject, when it comes to medical marijuana “there is mounting anecdotal evidence for the efficacy of marijuana-derived compounds.” However, there has been a subtle change in how NIDA refers to medical cannabis. It is now part of a general and recognized category of therapeutic substances known as botanicals.
Has federal marijuana research evolved since the popular gateway theory came about? NIDA acknowledges that of people who use marijuana typically do not use other, more dangerous drugs.
Loose Links Sink Ships
NIDA also clarifies the linkage between marijuana and psychiatric disorders. However, the connection was confined to people with preexisting genetic conditions or other vulnerabilities. They concluded that there was no significant risk for the general population.
While smoke is harmful to the lungs, studies have failed to associate marijuana with emphysema and lung