Public Health Implications of Expanded Marijuana Programs-Recording - Public Health Implications of Expanded Marijuana Programs

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video summary, the speaker, Dr. Ken Finn, provides an overview of the relationship between cannabis and opioids as well as the public health concerns associated with increased access to marijuana. He emphasizes the need to differentiate between cannabis-based medications and medical cannabis, noting that cannabis-based medications have standardized content and are registered extracts, while medical cannabis refers to plant material used for medical purposes. Dr. Finn discusses the molecular basis for the similarities between cannabinoids and opioids in the body, highlighting their shared effects on neurotransmission and pain relief. He presents evidence from various studies to challenge the belief that cannabis can help with chronic pain or alleviate the opioid crisis. He notes that states with medical marijuana programs have higher opioid overdose deaths and that cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of opioid misuse and addiction. Dr. Finn also explores the impact of cannabis use on pregnancy, highlighting the risks to both the mother and the baby, including increased likelihood of psychopathology and cognitive deficits. He discusses the high rates of pediatric cannabis poisonings and addresses the impact of cannabis use on mental health, particularly in adolescents, such as increased risk of depression, psychosis, and suicidality. Dr. Finn also mentions the cardiovascular and memory-related effects of cannabis use, as well as the potential drug interactions and environmental impacts associated with the plant. In conclusion, he suggests a number of measures to address these concerns, including supporting the development of cannabis-based medications, implementing potency caps, and tracking public health impacts. Dr. Finn advocates for mandatory drug testing in certain cases, discouraging cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation, monitoring driving-related marijuana fatalities, and promoting education and research on the effects of cannabis.

Keywords

cannabis

opioids

public health concerns

marijuana

cannabis-based medications

medical cannabis

neurotransmission

pain relief

chronic pain

opioid crisis