Summary of Art Of Manliness Podcast Episode: The Safety of Cannabis: A Mans Perspective
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The Safety of Cannabis: A Mans Perspective
- Check out the Art Of Manliness episode page for more
Key Takeaways
- People are strong proponents of marijuana now as a panacea but it’s not benign and we’re a little too comfortable with cannabis use
- Previous research on cannabis is almost obsolete because cannabis today is much more potent than cannabis of the past
- There’s a strong association between cannabis use in youth younger than age 25 and negative effects on brain structuring and connections
- Youth might be self-medicating with cannabis but in the long run, it’ll exacerbate the problems for many
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Even non-disordered cannabis users experience significantly higher mental and behavioral problems versus non-cannabis users
- Users experience an increase in recent depressive episodes, lower GPA, school absences
- “Especially among men 18-26 cannabis use increases the likelihood of developing schizophrenia by 4 times.” – Dr. Ryan Sultan
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At a minimum, wait until after 25 when the brain is done developing to use cannabis
- Edibles are safer than smoking to avoid lung damage
- Daily use is problematic, weekly use is on the cusp, and monthly use you’re probably okay but be sure you’re consuming high-quality
- The brain does heal itself after 8 years without cannabis use
Introduction
- Dr. Ryan Sultan, MD, (@rsultanmd) is a professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University. His lab focuses on the interface of electronic databases, mental health, and substance use epidemiology, and evidence-based treatments for common mental health conditions.
- In this episode of The Art of Manliness, Brett dives into the world of cannabis with Dr. Ryan Sultan. They discuss which groups are most vulnerable, potentially negative side effects, marijuana and adolescence, mental health impacts, and what safe cannabis use looks like for adults.
- Host: Brett McKay (@brettmckay)
2:00 – Understanding Cannabis Today
- ADHD is a major risk factor for substance use
- Most people see marijuana as totally benign and harmless
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Most cannabis research is obsolete because research was done before it was federally acceptable to research cannabis and the cannabis of today is significantly more potent than in the past
- We’re not really dealing with the same substance anymore
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Medicinal marijuana: The science is weak; yes, it’s good for nausea and weight gain but that’s mostly it
- Long-term use actually increases anxiety – it’s not a permanent treatment
- The controversy: People staunchly defend marijuana use but it’s not totally benign
9:14 – Cannabis Use Among Teenagers
- Cannabis is becoming an openly used substance but we don’t know what level is problematic and what level is acceptable
- The brain is not done developing until around 25 – exposure to cannabis prior can change brain structuring
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Stats: overall, about 13% of US teens between 12-17 have had recent cannabis use; about 3% have addictive traits; the remaining use cannabis but don’t qualify as having a substance use problem
- Keep in mind this is self-reported; rates also change by location
- Cannabis use among teenagers has increased over time
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Cannabis use among youth has negative associations
- Cannabis use in young brains changes how the brain develops and connections
- Use causes cognitive impairment that persists for weeks to months
- Youth who use cannabis but don’t have a substance use problem have increases in major depressive episodes, suicidal thoughts, lower GPA – this correlation is meaningfully higher than youth without recent use
25:51 – Schizophrenia And Cannabis Use
- The association between cannabis and schizophrenia should be a big deal – treatments for schizophrenia are not great
- “Especially among men 18-26 cannabis use increases the likelihood of developing schizophrenia by 4 times.” – Dr. Ryan Sultan
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At a minimum, wait until after 25 to smoke cannabis
- The likelihood of depression, suicidal thoughts, and developing a substance use problem is reduced if you wait
30:04 – The Young Brain & Cannabis
- The cannabinoid receptors play in role in how the young brain developing
- Cannabis use shows changes in the morphology of the brain in everything from rodent models to humans
- Try alternative treatments for depression: exercise, exposure to nature, social and family connections, medications
41:28 – Consequences Of The Rising Rates Of Cannabis
- Lung disease across the board, development of youth who will not progress the same way
- When you look at large groups of kids, there’s an undeniable link to negative outcomes
- If you’re over 25 and the cannabis you’re getting is of good quality then it’s relatively safe depending on quantity and mode (edible is safer)