Cannabis Risks To Medicine
Cancer professionals in the United States have recently detailed the evidence into the effects of using cannabis including-
Cannabis is associated with adverse effects on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.
Cannabis smoke has more cancer causing carcinogens than cigarette smoke which may lead to lung cancer.
Cannabis smoke is an important risk factor in the development of respiratory disease.
Cannabis use is associated with increased risk of head and neck cancer, myocardial infarction, stroke and chronic bronchitis.
The immunosuppressive properties of cannabis may be detrimental to patients with cancer.
(Source: Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network April 2012)
DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-
The links with using cannabis and developing cancer, particularly from smoking, show that cannabis should never be legalized.
Accordingly, medical professionals do not support cannabis in any form of treatment and know that cannabis use is likely to be causal in patients with cancer and other medical conditions.
Early intervention to prevent or stop cannabis use is likely to be highly beneficial to prevent future serious medical conditions in users.
As well, early intervention to prevent or stop cannabis use will be cost effective in saving health costs in the future.
As cannabis use is likely to first commence in teenage years, then early intervention programs aimed at stopping use are essential.
