Cannabis for Health: Evidence Lacking, Risks High

A comprehensive review published in JAMA Network has concluded that insufficient evidence supports the use of cannabis or cannabinoids for most medical purposes. Despite growing popularity for conditions like chronic pain and nausea, particularly among cancer patients, experts emphasize that evidence beyond FDA-approved indications is limited.

The review highlights significant risks associated with cannabis use, including a nearly one-third incidence of cannabis use disorder among adult users and increased risks of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke with daily inhaled use. Concerns also extend to potential negative impacts on female egg quality and embryo development, and reduced effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments.

Medical professionals are urged to engage in evidence-based conversations with patients about medical cannabis, stressing that it should be considered a third-line treatment only when conventional therapies fail. The review also points out inconsistencies in product quality and the presence of known carcinogens in cannabis smoke, further complicating its medical application.