Cannabis has long been known to be strongly linked to a range of related conditions including agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder. Sufferers of these conditions are demonstrated to be more likely than the general population to develop dependence on cannabis, as well as tobacco and alcohol. As with so many psychological and [...]

Recent research supports the theory that cannabis can increase the risk of schizophrenia symptoms in users, but only those with a genetic predisposition to the condition. This may imply that there is no increased risk of schizophrenia for those who lack this predisposition. However, further research must be done before firm conclusions on the precise [...]

By Paul Armentano AlterNet The government and mainstream media frequently publicise studies touting the purported dangers of cannabis, while consistently ignoring scientific evidence that demonstrates the opposite. While studies touting the purported dangers of cannabis are frequently pushed by the federal government and, therefore, all but assured mainstream media coverage, scientific conclusions rebutting pot propaganda [...]

Five Scientific Conclusions about Cannabis the Mainstream Media Doesn’t Want You to Know By Paul Armentano 1. Cannabis use is associated with lower mortality risk in patients with psychotic disorders In the years immediately prior to the passage of the federal Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, exploitation journalists routinely, yet baselessly, claimed that cannabis use [...]

Five Scientific Conclusions about Cannabis the Mainstream Media Doesn’t Want You to Know By Paul Armentano 2. The enactment of state-wide medical marijuana laws is associated with fewer incidences of suicides Can cannabis use quell thoughts of suicide? Not a chance, claim the mainstream media and the Drug Czar . But a little-noticed discussion paper [...]

Five Scientific Conclusions about Cannabis the Mainstream Media Doesn’t Want You to Know By Paul Armentano 3. The effects of cannabis smoke on the lungs are far less problematic than those associated with tobacco Inhaling any type of smoke is never particularly advisable. That said, when it comes to the purported effects of pot smoke [...]

Researchers have discovered two cannabinoids that can increase the amount of energy the body burns. Although cannabis is better known for inducing hunger in those who smoke it, known as the munchies, scientists have found that it can also have an appetite suppressing effect after examining two compounds, called tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabidiol (CBD).   [...]

By Maia Szalavitz   Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis, can treat schizophrenia as effectively as anti-psychotic medications, with far fewer side effects, according to a preliminary clinical trial. Researchers led by Markus Leweke of the University of Cologne in Germany studied 39 people with schizophrenia who were hospitalized for a psychotic episode. Nineteen [...]

By Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director May 29, 2012 The use of cannabis is associated with lower mortality risk in patients with schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, according to a forthcoming study to be published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research. An international team of investigators from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and [...]