Wellness Brief
In the weeds: Where marijuana is legal and for what use
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On 4/20, you might find yourself in more conversation about types of cannabis (marijuana or hemp) and cannabinoids (THC, CBD, for example).
Why it matters: It's not just the plant, itself: Wrapping your head around cannabis terminology, uses and legal status can be dizzying.
State of play: Hemp was federally legalized in 2018, and marijuana is legal for medical use in 39 states.
Zoom out: The cannabis market economics could be scrambled by President Trump's tariffs — leading to higher costs for consumers.
- And although Trump has said he wants to "unlock the medical uses of marijuana," it's unclear whether or when cannabis would be reclassified as a less dangerous drug.
Cannabinoids have a few medical benefits that are well established, said Kelly Young-Wolff, clinical psychologist and research scientist at Kaiser Permanente's Division of Research.
- The FDA has approved specific oral THC medications to treat nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy and help stimulate appetite in patients with AIDS-related weight loss.
- Also, a form of CBD was approved to treat certain forms of epilepsy in children.
Off-label, cannabis could potentially be prescribed to treat MS symptoms like chronic pain and muscle spasticity, Young-Wolff said.
- There are studies on how cannabis might help with issues including anxiety, sleep problems and opioid use — but more research is needed, she added.
The other side: Evidence points to a rise in cannabis use disorder — and serious health risks for pregnant women and teens.
- There's also evidence cannabis is associated with increased risks of car accidents, memory issues, psychotic and substance use disorders, breathing problems and even heart disease, Young-Wolff said.
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