Mental Health Matters: Marijuana and mental health

By Medicine Hat News on November 3, 2018.

The recent legalization of marijuana has spiked the interest of many Albertans, and has become a popular topic of discussion within the media. Much of the information available through media has represented the rules and regulations of cannabis consumption, but has missed out on the mental health side effects.

According to the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC), the first step in understanding cannabis is the difference between tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) and their impact on the human body. Products high in THC are responsible for the mind-altering experience users have. Whereas CBD is typically used for bodily ailments such as pain, aches or chronic illnesses, and does not give the user the “high” THC does. In fact, it may block or lower some of the effects THC has on the mind. Products high in THC are more likely to result in harm and are associated with higher risks for mental health and behavioural problems. Therefore, choosing products with a higher CBD to THC ratio can reduce your risks.

In some people, particularly young people, frequent cannabis use may increase the risk for mental health problems like depression, anxiety and psychosis. This is due to the potential harm that cannabis use can have on the developing brain. Additionally, heavy cannabis users may develop substance dependence, additional mental health problems, and/or a cannabis use disorder. It may also be linked to an increase in the risk of accidents and injuries and is thought to be linked to reproductive and respiratory problems, as per Canadian Mental Health Association National (CMHA). The Government of Canada has estimated that one out of 11 (or 9 per cent) of those who use cannabis in their lifetime will become addicted to cannabis. This rate increases to 16 per cent for those who start using cannabis during adolescence and up to one out of two people who smoke cannabis daily.

While cannabis is found to be beneficial for treating some health problems like chronic illnesses and chronic pain, determining whether it is appropriate to treat your symptoms is best decided in collaboration with a health-care practitioner. As per the CMHA, there is not, at this time, enough research on the disadvantages and possible benefits of cannabis for both physical and mental health. Given the uncertainties of cannabis use on health, CMHA hopes to see considerable contributions in research to establish more conclusive evidence on the impact of cannabis on mental health for Canadians from diverse walks of life.

For more information on the legality and effects of cannabis please visit https://aglc.ca/cannabis/using-cannabis-responsibly or for any further questions regarding mental health concerns, contact Canadian Mental Health Association at 403-504-1811 or aser@cmha-aser.ca

Natonya Triolo is a practicum student from the Medicine Hat college in the Addiction and Social work program.