JAMA Review of Therapeutic Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids

JAMA conducted a review of over 2500 scientific papers on medical cannabis that included other reviews, clinic trials, and guidelines on medical marijuana. They concluded that "evidence from randomized clinical trials does not support the use of cannabis or cannabinoids for most conditions for which it is promoted, such as acute pain and insomnia.”

High potency use is associated with increased risk:

• psychotic symptoms

• generalized anxiety disorder

Daily use is associated with increased risk of:

• coronary heart disease

• heart attack

• stroke

“Evidence-based guidelines do not recommend the use of inhaled or high-potency cannabis (≥10% or 10 mg Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ9-THC]) for medical purposes.”

“The strongest evidence supports FDA-approved cannabinoid medications for treating specific conditions, including HIV/AIDS-related appetite loss, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and certain severe pediatric seizure disorders.”

View abstract / article Therapeutic Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids on JAMA Network

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