Some people believe all forms of marijuana will hurt you, while others insist they’re perfectly safe. With so much conflicting information, it’s hard to know what to believe about this increasingly available substance that, over the decades, has transitioned from its status as a common recreational drug to becoming a segment of mainstream medicine.
Increasingly, people are asking healthcare providers about the use of marijuana and its derivatives for certain health problems. However, since the research is still ongoing, getting a clear answer has been difficult. Enter
Rebecca Siegel, MD, a psychiatrist with
Amen Clinics New York, who provides clarity on the subject.
Inspired by the questions she was fielding from her own patients, Dr. Siegel began exploring the pros and cons of cannabis, along with studying its medicinal uses. She eventually earned a certification that allows her to certify her patients to obtain state-regulated marijuana for certain health conditions. Since that time, she has discovered a great deal more and recognizes how complicated, confusing—and often inaccurate—the available information can be.
Getting to Know The Brain on Cannabis
In a genuine effort to help others understand the background, uses, myths, and research about marijuana for medicinal and recreational uses, Dr. Siegel has written a fascinating new book entitled,
The Brain on Cannabis: What You Should Know about Recreational and Medical Marijuana (release date September 28, 2021). In an easy-to-understand manner, she covers both sides of the marijuana debate as well as shares factual information that can empower readers with the knowledge to make their own decisions about whether or not to choose medical marijuana—or related products for recreational use.
One of the most helpful things about this book is that Dr. Siegel begins with the basic information about marijuana, including descriptions of the terminology that so often confuses people. For example, she explains that the flowers and leaves of the plant, cannabis sativa, are what marijuana is made from. There are also varieties of the cannabis plant known as hemp, which is not taken as a drug. Instead, it has strong fibers that are used to make rope, paper, and fabrics.
What Differentiates CBD and THC?
Another piece of foundational information Dr. Siegel discusses in her book are two of the most well-known compounds—CBD and THC—that are frequently misunderstood. She explains that CBD, which stands for cannabidiol and is best known for its medicinal properties, is non-psychoactive. This means it doesn’t produce the mind-altering effects, i.e. “feeling high.” And according to a
research study in the journal,
Trends in Pharmacological Science, it is not considered to be a toxic or impairing substance.
Conversely, tetrahydrocannabinol—or THC—is the part of the cannabis plant that usually induces a mildly euphoric feeling for most users, although it can affect people in different ways—some of which are not good. Research continues to be ongoing about the adverse impacts of THC on the brain, especially for young people and those who may be genetically vulnerable to mental illness. Brain SPECT imaging studies conducted at Amen Clinics show that marijuana users have lower blood flow in areas of their brain that are associated with memory and learning.
Despite this, it may be surprising to learn that THC is not only used for recreational purposes, but it actually has medicinal properties too.
Medical Uses of Marijuana and CBD
With her extensive clinical experience and the scientific lens through which she stays current on developments about the medicinal uses of CBD and marijuana, Dr. Siegel has been able to help many patients. In an excerpt from her book, she writes:
“In my practice, I’ve seen patients with a variety of conditions— most frequently, chronic pain, PTSD, inflammatory bowel disease, and cerebral palsy—benefit from medical marijuana. Evidence has also revealed that medical marijuana has been proven to alleviate pain, discomfort, and nausea associated with the effects of some cancer treatments. And the use of medically approved CBD has had remarkable results in children suffering from countless daily epileptic seizures. Scores of other patients will testify to the ways it has benefited them.
Although most medical professionals agree that more research is needed to fully understand how marijuana in general, and THC in particular, affect the brains and bodies of users, it is already providing hope for many.”
Throughout
The Brain on Cannabis, Dr. Siegel addresses both sides of the marijuana debate, and dispels the myth that marijuana is
always harmful or
always harmless. She believes neither of these are true; that in fact, marijuana can be harmful to the brain AND it can be useful for medical purposes. This new book equips the reader with the best information available at the time of its writing so they can make smart choices about marijuana for themselves.
CTA: If you’re seeking validated information about the potential benefits and risks of marijuana, Rebecca Siegel, MD, a psychiatrist and certified prescriber of medical marijuana has written a comprehensive guide that addresses both sides of these issues. With a relatable style and easy-to-understand language, The Brain on Cannabis: What You Should Know about Recreational and Medical Marijuana, clarifies the confusion around the ever-evolving discussions on marijuana and its appropriate uses. Click here to order your copy now. 
