Marijuana Use and its Connection to Mental Health: What Are We Learning?
Marijuana Use and its Connection to Mental Health: What Are We Learning?
Presented By
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Nora D. Volkow, M.D.More Info
Brought to You By
Dates and Times
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-In-Person
Location
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Pacific BWalt Disney World Dolphin Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, marijuana is one of the most frequently used drugs around the globe and its use is particularly widespread among young people. In 2022, marijuana was the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S., with 22.0% of people aged 12 or older (or 61.9 million people) using it in the past year. The percentage was highest among young adults aged 18 to 25 (38.2% or 13.3 million people). The amount of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, has been increasing steadily over the past few decades. For a person who’s new to marijuana use this may mean exposure to higher THC levels with a greater chance of a harmful reaction. Higher THC levels may explain the rise in emergency room visits involving marijuana use we have seen in recent years. Long-term marijuana use has been linked to mental illness symptoms in some people, including temporary hallucinations and/or paranoia; and worsening symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Marijuana use has also been linked to other mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among teens. This presentation will review current epidemiological trends in marijuana use, the short and long-term effects cannabinoids have on the brain and body and recent studies that have begun to shed light on populations that may be most at risk for serious negative consequences.
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Appreciate the widespread use of marijuana and other cannabinoids across the globe.
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Describe increasing trends in marijuana potency in the U.S. over the past several decades.
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Describe some of the acute and long-term effects of using marijuana.
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Describe some of the studies linking heavy marijuana use to such mental disorders as anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.