Author:
E. Dabiri Ali,S. Kassab Ghassan
Abstract
Legalization of cannabis in the US and other countries highlight the need to understand the health consequences of this substance use. Research indicates that some cannabis ingredients may play beneficial role in treating various medical conditions while other ingredients may pose health risks. This review is focused on the brain and mental health effects of cannabis use. The rationale for examining cannabis use in behavioral and neural conditions is that these conditions are highly widespread in the US and account for high level of medical healthcare and associated cost. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the known medicinal benefits of selected cannabis cannabinoids in conditions like pediatric epilepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and the known side effects or contraindications in conditions such as addiction, cognition, and psychosis. Several recommendations are made as to studies that will help further understanding the increasing role of cannabis in neuropsychiatric health and disease.