“Can I Use Cannabis?”: Psychiatrists’ Point Of View

 539“As a psychiatrist, I’ve had patients tell me that cannabis relieves their anxiety better than any prescription medication but have also it makes some patients floridly psychotic and hospitalized. That is what I tell patients.

Clinically, I’ve observed the positives and the negatives of cannabis, but there is definitely data about the negative effects on adolescents brains and increased risk of developing psychosis. And given the severity of the negatives I’ve seen, I don’t recommend it. At the same time, if someone has an approved medical condition (I’m in Ohio, USA) and if he/she is not a high-risk patient (No history of psychosis or substance use disorder, etc.), I’d prefer he/she get a medical marijuana card than take opiates.”

— Dr. Danielle Johnson, Psychiatrist, Ohio (USA)

“Legalization has led to this perception that cannabis is safe. I have a lot of college students asking me the same thing: “Can I use it for anxiety, insomnia, depression, etc.”. What I find helpful is giving the evidence-based literature on marijuana use in teens, adolescents and young adults. I have a review article in my office and I like to read it with my patients. I feel they are ready to hear what I have to say when I support it with research and journal reviews.”

—Dr. Huzaifa Ashraf, Psychiatrist, USA