A major new study shows that people who abuse the drug are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder.
There was a new smell to New York City on my first visit since the pandemic. The New York I remember from 2018 was scented with subway fumes, car exhaust and pretzels. Now the air was a heady blend of forest fire, car exhaust and cannabis.
Recreational marijuana was legalized in the state of New York in 2021. But even if cannabis is easy and legal to buy in 23 states and all of Canada, the risks of chronic use aren’t talked about much.
People diagnosed with cannabis use disorder were almost twice as likely to be diagnosed later with clinical depression.
Several studies have shown that chronic cannabis use is linked to a higher incidence of schizophrenia among men in their early 20s, the age when the disease is usually diagnosed. The first paper on the topic, a Swedish study published in 1997, found that heavy cannabis use was associated with a sixfold increase in schizophrenia risk. In the decades since, social scientists have unearthed a strong link between heavy cannabis use and other severe psychological illnesses, including clinical depression and bipolar disorder.
Now a new longitudinal study has examined the medical records of all citizens of Denmark over the age of 16, some 6.5 million people in all, for patterns of diagnosis, hospitalization and treatment for substance use between 1995 and 2021. In the paper, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry in May, Dr. Oskar Hougaard Jefsen of Aarhus University and colleagues showed that people who had previously been diagnosed with cannabis use disorder were almost twice as likely to be diagnosed later with clinical depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cannabis use disorder is characterized by craving marijuana, using it more often than intended, spending a lot of time using it, and having it interfere with friends, family and work. Even more dramatically, the paper also found that people with cannabis use disorder were up to four times as likely to be diagnosed later with bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms. As is true of many psychological disorders, the increased risk was higher in men than in women, and the more a person consumed, the greater the risk. The study did not distinguish between different forms and concentrations of cannabis.
Though the association was strong, the authors note that they can’t say for certain whether chronic and heavy cannabis use induces psychosis, or whether people prone to mental illness are more likely to be heavy users. It makes sense that people who feel the symptoms of incapacitating depression or mania, or who sense apparitions or voices only they can hear, might try to self-medicate with cannabis. Without a randomized controlled trial, which would be unethical in the extreme, it’s hard to untangle these strands definitively.
But the study is still eye-opening due to its sheer magnitude. With so many people over so many years, there is very little statistical “noise.” And because the information was gathered from the national Danish Health Registry, there were few dropouts—often a big problem in longitudinal studies. As much as possible, the researchers confirmed that the symptoms of a person’s psychiatric disorder emerged after their chronic cannabis use and diagnosis, not before, and that they compared people who were alike in all ways except the frequency of their use. Like cigarettes decades ago, cannabis is now widely considered a harmless habit: easy and legal to buy in most places, socially acceptable, and pleasurable in the moment. Over the long term, it may be safer than drinking alcohol. But is it really safe for you and your teenage kids? Only time—and more research—will tell.
#1: BTP Holdings To: Ada (#0)
I knew a guy in Florida that was smoking it to treat his Glaucoma. Haven't seen him in many years since we ran the big truck to Florida 20 years ago. ;)
BTP Holdings posted on 2023-07-08 12:46:12 Reply Private Reply
#2: randge To: Ada (#0)
Most probably not.
This stuff is not good for the vulnerable, and that includes young people and the mentally ill.
I have known mentally ill adults on and off medication, and a friend could easily tell (and smell) when one of these folks had been smoking. I had a good buddy who was mostly OK when on meds, but who really went off the wire on extended oral binges talking all kinds of paranoid stuff that no one could begin to reason him out of. I also know a twenty-year- old who bought a legal bag of gummies and ate too many of them. She ended up hallucinating in the emergency room. The active agent in these candies had also begun to affect autonomous functions like balance and breathing. If toddlers get hold of this stuff, it can be dangerous for that reason.
I have heard all the libertarian arguments for removing the production, sale and use of cannabis from out the reach of law. Libertarians are experts and can argue this stuff better than I can, but as the years drag on and the anecdotes pile up, I think the outcomes will be worse rather than better. Just my five cents.
randge posted on 2023-07-08 13:19:21 Reply Private Reply
#3: Ada To: randge (#2)
Moderation, I would assume, is the key.
Ada posted on 2023-07-08 15:05:15 Reply Private Reply
#4: Esso To: Ada, Lod, 4um (#3)
Good thing I stick to Windsor Canadian and Burnett's vodka. It comes in liters, not quarts.
Too much is never enough.
Esso posted on 2023-07-08 15:16:54 Reply Private Reply
#5: Pinguinite To: Ada (#0)
That's not necessarily causation. It could be that those prone to clinical depression for whatever reason are more likely to smoke weed, perhaps for it being a form of relief for them.
Pinguinite posted on 2023-07-08 15:44:42 Reply Private Reply
#6: BTP Holdings To: Ada (#3)
At our 10th High School reunion, one of the teachers was a bit drunk and he called Aplanalp, Applesnaps. LOL
BTP Holdings posted on 2023-07-08 16:26:13 Reply Private Reply
#7: BTP Holdings To: randge (#2)
When I lived in Chicago we took a ride to Indiana and cut some ditch weed. We stripped the leaves and buds from the plants and dried them on a board under an old storm window. I recall selling a kid an ounce for $50. He didn't know good weed either. LOL
BTP Holdings posted on 2023-07-08 16:53:55 Reply Private Reply
#8: Dakmar To: randge (#2)
May as well have force fed them 72 pounds of strawberries to prove that strawberries are dangerous.
But I do agree on the idea that children should not be allowed to consume recreational drugs, even if not terribly physically harmful there is no way such activity does not stunt their emotional growth. But it's a matter of degree, the way I see it. The stigma baggage of cannabis outweighs the reality. Kids are going to test the limits of authority, I would prefer they do so in a safe place.
Case in point: One time, I must have been about 17, a buddy (his parents) had a pop-up camper and invited us to have a sort of sleepover. We were having a good time until his Dad came out to see what we were doing. Best I remember, we had the all clear from his Mom to camp out there. Anyway, the Dad got all irate about smelling marijuana, even though he must have known we had beer. Told us to leave, so we did, lol. Went and got more beer using fake IDs. Then ended up at porn shop after hours of drunk driving, where one of the guys bought a bottle of Amyl Nitrite ("Locker Room" or "Rush" I think they called it, don't remember which brand.) That shit knocks you almost unconscious, 1980's version of date rape drug. The kid that talked us into going to porno store is dead now, by his own hand. I never knew exactly why.
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 17:59:11 Reply Private Reply
#9: Esso To: Dakmar (#8)
Isn't that the shit that was popular with the fags late 70s early 80s. I think they called it Poppers back then.
Esso posted on 2023-07-08 18:07:12 Reply Private Reply
#10: Dakmar To: Esso (#9)
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 18:51:31 Reply Private Reply
#11: BTP Holdings To: Dakmar (#8)
I think I saw that stuff in a head shop long ago. I have never tried it. Wiki says it is used for Angina attacks. ;)
BTP Holdings posted on 2023-07-08 19:05:22 Reply Private Reply
#12: Dakmar To: BTP Holdings, Esso (#11)
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 19:07:36 Reply Private Reply
#13: Dakmar To: BTP Holdings, Esso (#11)
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 19:12:32 Reply Private Reply
#14: Esso To: Dakmar (#13)
I'm probably not the guy to talk to about drugs, but I think amyl nitrate was used to treat heart attacks like ammonia ampules are used to treat unconsciousness.
Esso posted on 2023-07-08 19:18:27 Reply Private Reply
#15: Dakmar To: Esso (#14)
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 19:22:25 Reply Private Reply
#16: Dakmar To: Esso (#14)
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 19:24:32 Reply Private Reply
#17: Esso To: Dakmar (#16)
I've got some of those in my truck that were my mother's from before 2014. I wish I could get a refill now that I'm having heart problems.
Esso posted on 2023-07-08 19:28:30 Reply Private Reply
#18: Dakmar To: Esso (#17)
Sorry, was that insensitive? I'm not a therapist either. :)
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 19:32:38 Reply Private Reply
#19: BTP Holdings To: Esso (#17)
Maybe time to make appointment to see the M.D.
I have always had a heart murmur. ;)
BTP Holdings posted on 2023-07-08 19:32:45 Reply Private Reply
#20: Dakmar To: Esso (#17)
Laugther is the last step before genocide.
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 19:35:05 Reply Private Reply
#21: Esso To: Dakmar (#16)
Esso posted on 2023-07-08 19:38:04 Reply Private Reply
#22: Dakmar To: BTP Holdings, Esso (#19)
Maybe it's time you embrace multiculturalism, nazi!
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 19:40:33 Reply Private Reply
#23: Dakmar To: Esso (#21)
Is that the one with picture of rooster on label? Roosters have rights now, why you oppress roosters cracker?
Shit, how's that for getting my lawyer degree?
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 19:43:37 Reply Private Reply
#24: Esso To: BTP Holdings, 4um (#19)
No MD will see me post the 2013 accident after what shyster Blackburn did to them. Only way I'll see an MD is in the emergency room after being delivered by an ambulance.
Even then, the only "treatment" I'll get will probably be a clot-shot like they did to Ramette, RIP #3.
I'm going out on my own terms, not Fauxi's. I very well may not go alone.
Esso posted on 2023-07-08 19:44:37 Reply Private Reply
#25: Esso To: Dakmar (#23)
Jou got it, mank. Doan buy the one with the ox, it tastes like liquid dirt.
White MFing privilege.
Esso posted on 2023-07-08 19:47:31 Reply Private Reply
#26: Dakmar To: Esso (#24)
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 19:49:20 Reply Private Reply
#27: Dakmar To: Esso (#25)
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 19:50:41 Reply Private Reply
#28: BTP Holdings To: Esso (#24)
I wish I could get that Canadian anti-gun bastard at the workshop for stealing everything from my ammo safe. He got me over there and two cops were there. He came out with the combination and opened the safe just like he had done it before. No hesitation. The Chairman of the Board was there also. And my Conservator. The one that is now retired.
She will get hers when the Prosecuting attorney has finished his investigation for Breach of Fiduciary Duty for opening a CD for $10,000. Then a medical bill came in and there was not enough in the account to pay it. She was forced to close the CD early and take the penalty. :-/
BTP Holdings posted on 2023-07-08 20:02:54 Reply Private Reply
#29: Esso To: Dakmar (#27)
Esso posted on 2023-07-08 20:11:29 Reply Private Reply
#30: Dakmar To: Esso (#29)
They really need Crazy Jim...this is just sad.
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 20:35:54 Reply Private Reply
#31: Esso To: Dakmar, 4um (#26)
Don't feel bad, doctorin' shit's all fucked up.
Trans Woman Claims He Can’t Find Gynecologist Due to Discrimination
The Clone Song Asimov must've done that in Fortran or something.
The Clone song
By: Isaac Asimov
Tune: Home On The Range
Oh, give me a clone
Of my own flesh and bone
With its Y chromosome changed to X.
And after it's grown,
Then my own little clone
Will be of the opposite sex.
Clone, clone of my own,
With its Y chromosome changed to X.
And when I'm alone
With my own little clone
We will both think of nothing but sex.
Oh, give me a clone,
Is my sorrowful moan,
A clone that is wholly my own.
And if she's X-X,
And the feminine sex,
Oh, what fun we will have when we're prone.
Clone, clone of my own,
With its Y chromosome changed to X.
And when I'm alone
With my own little clone
We will both think of nothing but sex.
My heart's not of stone,
As I've frequently shone
When alone with my own little X.
And after we've dined,
I am sure we will find
Better incest then Oedipus Rex.
Clone, clone of my own,
With its Y chromosome changed to X.
And when I'm alone
With my own little clone
We will both think of nothing but sex.
Why should such sex vex,
Or disturb or perplex,
Or induce a disparaging tone?
After all, don't you see,
Since we're both of us me,
When we're having sex, I'm alone.
Clone, clone of my own,
With its Y chromosome changed to X.
And when I'm alone
With my own little clone
We will both think of nothing but sex.
And after I'm done
She will still have her fun,
For I'll clone myself twice ere I die.
And this time without fail,
They'll be both of them male,
And they'll each ravage her by and by.
Clone, clone of my own,
With its Y chromosome changed to X.
And when I'm alone
With my own little clone
We will both think of nothing but sex.
Esso posted on 2023-07-08 20:45:15 Reply Private Reply
#32: Dakmar To: Esso (#31)
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 20:50:20 Reply Private Reply
#33: Esso To: Dakmar (#30)
The nice negress at the SSA says I need to get my "original" (I assume she means certified copies) of my marriage and divorce certificates from the county courthouse before they'll give me my SS retirement benefits.
That fucking festival is going on downtown and I'd be lucky to get within a klik of the joint, let alone park.
WTF difference does it make if I was married or not? I WANT MY MFing MONEY! Granted, I'll be cheating some new
immigrantillegal their "fair share." FUCK 'EM!Crazy Jim, indeed.
Esso posted on 2023-07-08 21:00:41 Reply Private Reply
#34: Dakmar To: Esso (#33)
Fuck them all
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 21:08:47 Reply Private Reply
#35: Dakmar To: Esso (#33)
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 21:15:54 Reply Private Reply
#36: Esso To: Dakmar (#35)
Esso posted on 2023-07-08 21:19:14 Reply Private Reply
#37: Dakmar To: Esso (#36)
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 21:24:26 Reply Private Reply
#38: Ada To: Pinguinite (#5)
If the study is correct, heavy cannabis use precedes depression and/or bipolar disorder. Long term use is necessary.
I think that the connection between schizophrenia and cannibis is not proved as schizophrenia is thought to be a brain disfunction problem, manifesting itself too early to be ascribed to long term marijuana use.
Ada posted on 2023-07-08 21:27:27 Reply Private Reply
#39: Dakmar To: Ada (#38)
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 21:37:30 Reply Private Reply
#40: Dakmar To: All (#39)
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 21:37:58 Reply Private Reply
#41: Dakmar To: All (#40)
I'm not Herbert
Dakmar posted on 2023-07-08 21:45:54 Reply Private Reply