Arizona Study Casts Doubt on Medical Marijuana’s Usefulness Treating Anxiety, Migraines
A slew of recent studies have boosted the medical marijuana cause, with some finding MMJ doesn’t increase crime or teen pot use and others concluding that cannabis can help patients with multiple sclerosis and even lower suicide rates.
But a new study released this week isn’t as rosy for the cannabis industry, casting serious doubts about medical marijuana’s effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety, migraines and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The study, conducted by the University of Arizona for the state’s Department of Health Services, cites a lack of concrete evidence beyond anecdotal statements that marijuana can help ease these symptoms.
One important note: Researchers didn’t actually conduct any scientific tests themselves. Rather, they poured over other studies and the methodology behind them.
The results of the university’s study could have some real-world implications, particularly in Arizona, where officials are considering expanding the list of medical conditions that qualify for a medical marijuana card. Other states could use this study as well to restrict or scale back their MMJ programs.
On the other hand, the study didn’t conduct any original research and therefore is easy to dismiss. It’s also pretty easy to find a study that backs up your position on MMJ – either for or against – so this report in itself might not have much weight.
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It’s amazing how the little information we DO have on cannabis is used as a reason for the continuation of this unjust war. Rather than utilizing 200k for a review of current research (a standard step in any study) why not preform new studies? It’s shameful when science finds itself at the mercy of politics.
Wow, I really don’t see how this study has any real significance.
cites a lack of concrete evidence beyond anecdotal statements that marijuana can help ease these symptoms.!!!
Isn’t that every FDA approved drug, I mean they know Viagra had horrible side effects, Like death, and yet it was fastest growing in sales prescription drug ever!!
Amazing, the people with the anxiety, PTSD, say it works, see commercials regarding prozac that now say it could have caused birth defects, yet a person saying it helps isn’t enough!! These politicians keep trying to TELL us what is good for us, when we can make that decision ourselves!!
Say it Loud Say it Proud Cannabis is medicine and We Need it Now!! Join Im a Patient Not a Criminal.com and let’s end this war!!
Each week, I speak with 30 – 40 new patients.
Each week, Americans from across the country are coming to Colorado in hopes of finding a natural alternative to deadly, dastardly and life-numbing pain medications.
Today, I spoke with paraplegic. His testimony is remarkable. See for yourself.
You decide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU7DpWfAAuI&feature=plcp
Keep up the good work. We read your blogs daily.
Thanks, KC | gogreencross.com