Review of Marijuana's Effects: Relevant Findings for Neurologists

As it becomes more available, be aware of the adverse side of marijuana use.

Many states have recently passed legislation to legalize and to regulate marijuana. In addition, as research increases on the potential uses of marijuana in treating neurological conditions, the guideline development subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) recently published a paper on the state of the evidence base. Spasticity, central pain syndromes, and bladder dysfunction have all shown positive improvements in neurological symptoms. Now, Nora Volkow, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and colleagues have reviewed the potential adverse effects of marijuana use.

The authors point out that in the U.S., marijuana is the most commonly used “illicit” drug and that 12% of those aged 12 years or older have use…

Reviewing Author

Michael S. Okun, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardParkinson’s Foundation; Tourette Association of America

Speaker’s BureauMedscape/WebMD CME, Movement Disorders Society CME, American Academy of Neurology CME

RoyaltiesBooks4Patients; Demos; Cambridge; Taylor and Francis; Robert Rose; Public Affairs

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; Parkinson’s Foundation; Tourette Association of America; University of Florida Foundation

Editorial BoardsTremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements; JAMA Neurology

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesParkinson’s Foundation (Medical Advisor)