Marijuana and Mental Health: Unraveling the Controversy

As the debate surrounding the legalization of marijuana continues to intensify, questions arise about its potential impact on mental health. With some states having passed legislation for “medical marijuana” and others decriminalizing or legalizing recreational use, the medical community remains divided on the risks and benefits of marijuana use.

The controversy is further complicated by accumulating evidence suggesting that marijuana use, particularly during adolescence, is linked to poor educational achievement, substance use disorders, schizophrenia, and related psychotic disorders. Despite the growing body of research, there has been a lack of comprehensive information on the connection between marijuana and mental health in modern American society.

Filling the Knowledge Gap

Marijuana and Mental Health seeks to bridge this gap by providing a balanced, focused, and highly readable resource for academics, clinicians, and policymakers. This authoritative reference examines the complex relationship between marijuana use and mental health, with a particular focus on the United States.

Comprehensive Coverage of Key Topics

• The effects of marijuana on the brain and mind
• Marijuana-related legislation and its implications
• Comorbidities between marijuana misuse and mood and anxiety disorders
• The intricate link between marijuana use and psychotic disorders
• Synthetic cannabinoids: understanding the risks
• Treatment and prevention strategies for marijuana misuse

Relatable clinical vignettes contextualize these complex issues, illustrating the clinical applicability of the content. Key chapter points emphasize major takeaways, making this resource an indispensable guide for clinical and research psychiatrists, psychiatric residents and fellows, clinical psychologists, and psychiatric nurses.

Published by American Psychiatric Publishing, Marijuana and Mental Health provides an academic foundation for further study while informing clinical mental health practice and policy decisions.

Language: English

ISBN: 9781615370085, 9781615370658