The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a comprehensive overview of marijuana, addressing the various components of the cannabis plant, which include more than 100 cannabinoids. Key compounds such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has impairing effects, and cannabidiol (CBD), which does not impair cognitive functions, are highlighted to educate the public on the substance’s complexities. For further details, one can refer to the CDC’s insights on marijuana here.
The landscape of marijuana policies is analyzed through various perspectives in PubMed articles. One study discusses the health implications following the legalization of medical marijuana in the U.S., linking it with a rise in cardiac mortality rates, yet also noting a decrease in opioid prescribing, especially where cannabis dispensaries are legal. However, an increase in tobacco sales was observed concurrently. For a deeper understanding of this analysis, the full article can be read on PubMed.
International perspectives are crucial in understanding the complexity of marijuana policies. The legal status of cannabis, including recreational and medical use, varies significantly across countries and remains largely prohibited internationally. Despite this, countries such as Canada have legalized the recreational use of cannabis, a decision viewed as controversial by some. The full discourse on international marijuana policies can be explored through an article available on PubMed.
Furthermore, the current state of cannabis use policies and research is examined across various regions, highlighting the differences in the medical and recreational potency of cannabis programs. For a comprehensive review, one can consult the article on PubMed Central (PMC).
The legal, medical use of cannabis in Europe is subject to strict regulations, with pharmaceutical formulations based on detailed treatment plans being the norm. This contrasts with regions where the cultivation and consumption of cannabis for personal use remain illegal. The medicinal use of cannabis in Europe is elaborated upon in a PMC article, accessible here.
In the Arab world, Lebanon stands out as the first country to legalize cannabis for medical and industrial use as of 2020. The implications and details of this development are further discussed in a dedicated PMC article here.