UPDATED: July 12, 2025
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Summary
This comprehensive guide to understanding cannabis explores its history, botany, biochemistry, and current medical research, detailing its potential benefits and significant risks, including the impact of its use upon developing brains in adolescents and the unique considerations for elderly users. The article also discusses preparations such as edibles and topicals, examines their benefits, and offers cautions due to their unregulated nature and unpredictable effects. The article concludes that while some cannabis extracts may have medical benefits, mindfulness practices are preferable to recreational drug use when it comes to self-exploration and enhancing well-being.
Growing Your Own
Wouldn’t it be great to grow your own medicine, at least in those more enlightened states where it is legal for one’s personal use? When I first began researching this article, I expected that most of the scientific evidence regarding the health impact of this widely distributed and hardy plant would be positive, but that wasn’t the case.
As with any herbal remedy or pharmaceutical drug, there are both its desired effects, and side-effects that would rather be avoided. Consequently, one must always weigh any potential benefits against potential harms, and seek out those treatments with the most favorable benefit-to-risk ratios.
I won’t go into how to grow cannabis here, as very few of my readers would be interested. However, if you’re curious about what is involved, take a look at this beginner’s guide:
Nomenclature
Cannabis is the genus name of an annual, dioecious, flowering plant that originated in Asia. Although the number of species within this genus is disputed, three main species are generally recognized; C. sativa, C. indica, and C. ruderalis. Here’s what a mature bud looks like, in all its glory:
The term “cannabis” broadly refers to all the unprocessed parts of the plant, along with its extracts and the synthetic analogs of naturally occurring cannabinoids. In common usage, cannabis is considered to be a less pejorative term than the more familiar marijuana, maryjane, pot, weed, dope, ganja, and hemp, but call it what you want; “… a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” (from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”).
History
First domesticated about 12,000 years ago, the plant has played a role in many cultural traditions. Historically, cannabis has been used in shamanic divinations and rituals, to facilitate spiritual practices, as a religious sacrament, and as a medicinal herb. Evidence for its use to produce altered states of consciousness has been found at prehistoric archaeological sites in Eurasia and Africa. In third-century China, cannabis smoke from incense burners was inhaled by meditating Taoists. Perhaps it precipitated Lao Tzu’s pithy wisdom: “Those who speak do not know, those who know do not speak.” To that I might add, if those who are stoned do speak, it is likely to be, “Oh, wow! Far out, man!”
The plant's resinous buds and their extracts enjoy a worldwide popularity, joining ethanol, nicotine, and caffeine as yet another recreational drug with a potential for abuse. As of 2024, 24 U.S. states and all of Canada have legalized recreational cannabis. Medical cannabis is legal in an additional 13 states. Once the cannabis genie is out of the bottle, it will be very difficult to put it back, despite recent findings about the harms caused by prenatal exposure, and the increasing number of children seen in the emergency department after they discovered mommy’s stash of canna-gummies.
The chemical potency of cannabis buds has increased 10-fold over the past half century, due to genetic modification through selective breeding. Consequently, doctors have been seeing adverse health consequences unknown during its hippie heyday. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, chartered by Congress to advise government officials on pressing scientific matters, has issued a new report on the hazards of unregulated cannabis use, and calls for urgent public health actions to protect people from harm.
Botany
Some non-hybrid, “heritage” subspecies have been long established as geographic landraces, such as Hindu Kush, Kona Gold, and Panama Red. Other non-hybrids that maintain the genetic profile of the original landrace but are grown in different locales are known as heirloom varieties, such as Northern Lights and Lamb’s Bread.
Today, there are hundreds of sativa-indica hybrids, genetically manipulated strains, and cultivars that have been selectively bred in order to deliberately enhance the concentrations of their cannabinoid compounds, primarily cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In short, they bear little resemblance to what your hippie grandparents toked, and are generally far more potent.
Biochemistry
It is only recently that the plant's medicinal qualities have received serious scientific scrutiny. Unfortunately, most of the research has not been high enough quality, which would involve knowing the precise amounts of the different substances found in plants being studied for their medicinal effects. The preferred method for the quantitative analysis of cannabis compounds is high-performance liquid chromatography used in conjunction with mass spectrometry, which means that any research will need to be well funded.
The nearly 500 substances produced by the flowers of female Cannabis plants include at least 144 known cannabinoids (so far), plus terpenes and terpenoids, about most of which very little is known. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive cannabinoid, produces its effects by binding to the CB1 cannabinoid receptors.
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a minor cannabinoid that serves as a chemical precursor in the biosynthesis of a number of other cannabinoids, including THC, CBD, and CBC. Extracted from hemp, CBG is non-intoxicating. A small study found that it might reduce anxiety and possibly improve memory, without causing any significant side-effects over the short term.
Cannabinol (CBN) is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that has a low affinity for both CB1 and the CB2 receptors. Cannabidiol (CBD) has little affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors, but acts as both a serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist, and as an indirect antagonist of both THC and CBN at low doses.
Animal studies suggest that CBN has potential as a non-intoxicating sleep aid, while CBD could exert a beneficial effect on mood and pain. Another cannabinoid, CBC (cannabichromene), is not psychoactive and possibly has anti-inflammatory properties, along with the ability to potentiate the effects of naturally occurring endocannabinoids such as anandamide.
Endocannabinoids are produced by the body and regulate many functions by activating cannabinoid receptors on cell membranes. CB1 receptors are primarily found in parts of the brain, while CB2 receptors are found elsewhere, mostly in tissues of the immune system and the gut.
Anandamide (arachidonoyl ethanolamine) was the first endocannabinoid identified, followed by the discovery of several others. Anandamide, found in nearly all tissues in a wide range of animals, is about as potent as THC when it binds to CB1 receptors. The pleasurable psychological effect of chocolate and the so-called “runner's high” have been attributed to endocannabinoids. According to a 2018 study, acetaminophen provides pain relief by indirectly activating CB1 receptors.
Once inside the body, most cannabinoids are metabolized in the liver. Being lipid soluble, they can also accumulate in the body’s fatty tissues and continue to produce positive “drug tests” following cessation of their consumption. Urine tests for THC do not provide evidence of a driver being “under the influence” as does an alcohol breath or blood test. However, a positive urine test, plus a failed field sobriety test, can lead to a DUI arrest.
Medical Research
Research suggests that the effects of the different cannabinoids are modulated by their interactions with each other, as well as with the terpenes. This is known as the “entourage effect,” which makes it impossible to do good research using whole buds or unassayed extracts. The relative proportions of the different phytochemicals can vary from one part of a single plant to another. So, when you buy a bud from a cannabis dispensary, any purported assay of its cannabinoids can only provide a rough estimate, at best.
Reliable medical research must involve randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) of single cannabinoids, or a very limited combination of them, in precisely known amounts. RCTs are known as the “gold standard” of medical research because they are able to establish a causal relationship between a treatment and an outcome. Since RCTs are very costly to perform, it is highly unlikely that they will ever be done with consumer-grade, over-the-counter cannabis products. There would need to be a sufficient profit incentive for a drug company to develop, patent, and test synthetic cannabinoids or specific formulations of the plant's extracts.
Current cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals include nabiximols (Sativex), which contains about a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC, along with some other cannabinoids and terpenoids, ethanol, propylene glycol, and peppermint. It is used to treat muscle spasticity and pain associated with multiple sclerosis. Epidiolex is a CBD-containing drug with FDA approval for treating two rare kinds of childhood epilepsy. Dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros) contains delta-9-THC, and Nabilone (Cesamet) is a synthetic analog of THC. Both of the THC drugs are used by cancer patients to alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
In sharp contrast to other federally regulated substances, such as opioids and alcohol, medically prescribed cannabinoids have not been associated with severe adverse effects or overdose deaths, but that doesn’t mean they should be considered harmless. A new study found that otherwise healthy patients who were prescribed medical cannabis for chronic pain had an increased risk for developing cardiac arrhythmias.
Most cannabinoid-based medicines (CBMs) lack convincing research that supports their therapeutic utility. When it comes to managing patients in acute pain with cannabinoid compounds, only two of the 11 clinical trials that evaluated the post-operative efficacy of different cannabinoid interventions showed any positive results, according to a 2024 review.
After a systematic review of 47 studies involving the management of chronic pain, including 22 RCTs, a Canadian joint task force published the following recommendations: “CBMs can be used as monotherapy, replacement, or adjunct treatment, for the management of chronic pain, including central and/or peripheral neuropathic pain. Oral products may be preferred for their longer duration of action (6 to 8 hours). The strongest evidence for reduction of chronic pain symptoms is for THC formulations, not CBD.
Use by Seniors and Children
A recent University of Michigan poll found that 21 percent of people ages 50 and older reported using some form of cannabis at least once in the last year. Increasing numbers of older adults have been trying cannabis to relax, improve sleep, alleviate pain, elevate their mood, or deal with other medical conditions. More than half of older users simply liked getting stoned.
Since its legalization in many states, cannabis use among younger people has been surging. The CDC reports that more than 30 percent of 12th-graders in 2022 said they consumed cannabis in the past year, and more than 6 percent said that they had used it daily during the past 30 days. That is truly alarming.
Parents need to be vigilant, especially those who use cannabis themselves. They need to make it perfectly clear that not only is smoking cannabis harmful for children, but that consuming it in candy, baked goods, gummies, and other edibles is also dangerous. Children can much more easily overdose on edible cannabis products.
The science is already clear about cannabis interfering with the brain development of children and young adults if used before age 25. Early life use is associated with lower IQ scores, learning delays, and higher rates of failing to graduate from high school and college. Women who use cannabis during their pregnancy are more likely to give birth to children who have difficulties with their attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities. Another study found cannabis use associated with adverse effect on brain function and working memory. These kicks are not for kids!
Curious to Try?
Raw cannabis needs to be heat activated to have a physiological effect. The cannabinoids in dried cannabis buds are in their acidic form. For example, THC is present as THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid). When THCA is heated, it loses its carboxyl group and becomes THC, its psychoactive form. Cannabis buds are typically decarboxylated at temperatures between 220-280°F before being inhaled or ingested, to ensure that the cannabinoids are active.
For those who prefer the oral route of administration, keep in mind that cannabinoids are lipid soluble. Cooking raw buds with butter or oil increases cannabinoid bioavailability. So does extracting decarboxylated cannabinoids with ethanol to make tinctures. Classic cannabis recipes include brownies and bhang. Remember, to reduce the potential for adverse effects, begin with a small amount and slowly increase it, as tolerated. More about edibles later.
The conventional wisdom about using CBD in combination with THC to attenuate its psychotropic effects has been called into question by a new double-blind, placebo-controlled, five-way crossover study using oral administration of the cannabinoids. The researchers found that a high dose of CBD significantly enhanced the psychotropic effects of THC by increasing its blood levels, without increasing its analgesic effects.
Oral CBMs containing THC might be helpful as part of an overall strategy for the management of chronic pain conditions in otherwise healthy adults, but caution is advised. The important thing is to begin with a low dose and proceed slowly when increasing the dosage. It is also important to be aware of the potential for cannabinoids, including CBD, to have adverse interactions with other medications (including anti-epileptic drugs, antidepressants, and acetaminophen), as well as with opioids and alcohol.
Be aware that there are individual differences in the ways that people respond to different cannabinoids, including the influence of a person's genetic makeup. Cannabis buds, plant extracts, and edibles are not regulated by the FDA, so purity and potency cannot be assured, despite what the label says or the salesperson at the dispensary tells you. Anecdotal information about the properties of any particular C. sativa or C. indica strain and their many hybrids does not meet the requirements for scientific evidence. Let the buyer beware that their effects are unpredictable, and can vary widely from batch to batch of the same strain.
If you’re considering trying cannabis for the first time, here is primer, written by a pro-cannabis medical doctor:
Cannabis During Pregnancy and Lactation
A recent observational study of cannabis use during pregnancy found an association with adverse outcomes for the baby, such as preterm birth, lower birth weight, and increased admissions to neonatal intensive care units. Another study found the prenatal cannabis exposure impacted children’s brains by altering the DNA of genes involved in neurodevelopment.
For the mother, there was a greater risk of gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and placental abruption. Researchers suspect that cannabinoids may bind to receptors in the placenta, disrupting estrogen signaling and affecting placental development and function.
Cannabis use during breastfeeding is strongly discouraged due to the presence of THC in breast milk and potential negative impacts on infant development. While research is ongoing, existing studies suggest potential issues with motor development and other cognitive functions. Unlike alcohol, THC is fat-soluble and can remain in the mother's system for days or weeks.
Cannabis and the Heart
A recent retrospective study of 4.6 million patients hit the mass media with headlines about the cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use. Using the TriNetX Research Network, the study seemed to suggest that cannabis users had a six times greater risk for heart attacks, four-fold risk for ischemic strokes, double the risk for heart failure, and three times the risk for cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke, compared with non-users. Scary news indeed. However there were some serious flaws.
Studies of the health effects of cannabis use that fail to distinguish between dose, frequency, and route of administration can result in a great deal of confusion. Dr. Springer does an excellent job of taking the aforementioned study apart:
Dr. Caplan also takes issue with the study:
Cannabis and the Lungs
There is no doubt that inhaling particulate matter is unhealthy, regardless of its source. Combustion of plant matter produces toxic chemicals that can have adverse health consequences when inhaled. Even second-hand cigarette smoke has been shown to be carcinogenic, and people who live in areas of poor air quality also tend to have worse health.
Research comparing smoking versus ingesting cannabis shows several key differences in their health effects, the most significant of which are the respiratory impacts. Smoking marijuana clearly damages the human lung, and regular use can leads to chronic bronchitis and increase the risk of lung infections. Cannabis smoke contains similar toxins to tobacco smoke. A 1988 study comparing marijuana and tobacco smoking found that smoking marijuana, regardless of THC content, produced a significantly higher intake of carbon monoxide and tar than smoking a similar quantity of tobacco.
Cannabis and the Liver
While THC has received most of the bad press due to its psychoactive effects, the daily ingestion of CBD at doses commonly reported by consumers was associated with potentially dangerous increases in liver enzymes, according to a new randomized clinical trial. Among 201 healthy adult participants followed for 28 days, eight (5.6%) of those randomized to receive Epidiolex, the FDA-approved CBD medication had their liver enzyme levels increase to greater than three times the upper limit of normal. No elevations were found among those in the placebo group. The researchers suggest that patients with existing liver dysfunction or those taking medications metabolized by the liver should be routinely screened for CBD use.
Cannabis Risks for Younger Users
A person's age also influences how they will be affected by cannabinoids. Healthy brain development is crucial during adolescence, more so than at any other stage. During this period of brain growth the endocannabinoid system plays a critical role. I don’t want this to sound like the hyped-up claims made in the 1936 film, “Reefer Madness,” but the dangerous effects of THC on brains that have not yet matured should be taken very seriously.
The brains of teenagers have many more CB1 receptors than the adult brain, and irreversible damage to learning mechanisms and memory functions can occur when THC binds with the brain’s CB1 receptors, blocking their normal activity in neurodevelopment. This can cause psychological and behavioral problems in adulthood, according to a study published in 2014. A 2021 clinical review summarized some potential pharmacological interventions for these psychiatric consequences.
A new study found that teens who use cannabis have an 11 times greater risk of developing a psychotic disorder. According to a recent review, the effects of CBD on teenagers’ brain development has not been studied. However, a new study of the acute effects of different cannabinoids on the brains of young adults and adolescents found that CBD did not counteract THC’s disruptive effects on brain connectivity. In some cases CBD further reduced connectivity, both within specific neural networks the brain as a whole.
These results challenge the assumption that CBD can make cannabis use safer for developing brains. Unless there is a compelling reason for its use, such as last resort treatment for a seizure disorder that fails to respond to conventional medications, both CBD and THC avoidance is advised.
Following legalization, there has been a dramatic increase in direct-to-consumer marketing of cannabis products, specifically CBD. Most of the medical marijuana research has been done on synthetic oral cannabinoids that do not translate to the real-world use by patients purchasing products from pharmacies and cannabis dispensaries, and the FDA has repeatedly issued warnings to companies about unsubstantiated claims.
A recent review highlighted a disturbing connection between cannabis use and chromosomal damage that appears to be related to rising rates of some cancers, birth defects, and accelerated aging. For example, testicular cancer risk was 2.6 times higher among cannabis users. Even more alarming was the suggestion that the DNA damage could be passed on to future generations, but the evidence seems weak. While a causal relationship has not been established, new and updated epidemiological studies are warranted.
Cannabis Risks for the Elderly
Age-related mental, physical, and physiological changes in older adults can result in much different effects in this population, compared to those seen in younger individuals. If you’re a senior, you may be less resilient to the potential adverse effects of cannabinoids and any adulterants that they might contain. Even though Willie Nelson is still going strong despite being a heavy user, caution is advised.
Many seniors currently using CBD products have been influenced by marketing strategies specifically targeting their demographic, but the science simply doesn’t support the marketing assertions. A 2023 scoping review of 134 unique studies, including 36 RCTs, examined the evidence for benefits, harms, and health outcomes related to cannabis consumption by older adults.
Medical cannabis had inconsistent therapeutic effects in conditions such as pain due to cancer, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Some studies suggested possible benefits, while others found they had no value, and the number of harmful associations outnumbered those that were beneficial. The RCTs were more likely to find negative effects than the other types of studies.
For the use of medical cannabis in treating chronic pain, researchers published a consensus recommendation for a mixture of THC and CBD at 2.5 to 5.0 mg each, once or twice daily, with a maximum THC dose of 40 mg per day. Keep in mind that “your mileage may vary.”
Medical cannabis isn't just about chemical compounds and clinical studies. it's also about people seeking relief, facing challenges, and navigating complex decisions. Dive into the complexities of medicinal cannabis with this AI-generated website, where you will find personal stories, myths versus science, and a sobering look at the risks and benefits:
Cannabis use by seniors was associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, substance use problems, accidental injuries, and acute healthcare. Most of the studies reviewed were small, did not consistently assess the harms, and did not adjust for enough of the confounding variables. Researchers were unable to compare consumption methods, such as smoking, vaping, or ingesting edibles. Neither were comparisons of the different kinds of products possible.
The take-away from this review is that within the general population of older adults, there is some limited evidence that the harms of regular cannabis use could outweigh any purported benefits. The effects of cannabis in older adults clearly deserves further study in order to more accurately assess both its risks and benefits, including comparisons that target specific products and routes of delivery. Better evidence will be needed to guide any public health messaging and doctors’ recommendations.
Although there are some notable scientists and older celebrities who have regularly used recreational cannabis, some of whom proclaim its medicinal benefits as well, your own experience could vary, a lot. A recent study found that cannabis legalization in Canada was associated with a significantly increased rate of emergency department visits by older adults who had overdosed on cannabis edibles. In the U.S. the FDA warned about the processes used to synthesize delta-8 THC found in some edibles, because impurities or variations in the process can result in products that may be harmful or have unpredictable effects.
There has also been an alarming rise in cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, coinciding with the ready availability of high potency cannabis products. You surely won’t want to go through that. I'm not trying to scare seniors away from cannabis as an “alternative medicine,” but rather suggesting that if they're inclined to experiment, that they proceed with caution: Start low, go slow, and stay low.
If you are a senior who is considering self-medicating with cannabis, please be aware that even if you smoked buds or hash back in the day, today’s weed is a whole lot stronger! With inhaled (vaped or smoked) products, the effects come on quickly and don’t last too long.
Avoid vaping cannabis extracts such as oils and shatter. Choose buds that are low in THC, and have an equal or greater amount of CBD. To minimize pulmonary consequences, the lower temperature of vaping is preferable to combustion, and it’s even better if your vape is cooled with water. Although head and neck cancers are typically associated with smoking tobacco, a recent study found that cancers of the mouth, throat and nasopharynx were between 3.5 and 5 times more common among heavy cannabis smokers than those who didn’t partake on a daily basis.
Cannabis Edibles
I think we can agree that ingesting cannabinoids would be preferable to smoking or vaping buds. However, more research will be needed to determine the safety profile of edibles. I want to be clear that I am not endorsing cannabis consumption, but if you are going to use cannabis, you are probably better off making your own edibles. That way, you will at least have some control over the product's purity and potency.
There’s always an element of risk when consuming commercial edibles. For example, as of September 13, 2024, Diamond Shruumz brand edibles have caused 169 illnesses across 33 states. Of those affected, 66 have required hospitalization. Two potentially linked deaths are currently under investigation.
Keep in mind that cannabis use, in any form, isn’t risk-free. Cannabis can increase heart rate and blood pressure. It can also impair coordination, cognitive function, and judgment, which are necessary for safe driving. Using cannabis daily or multiple times a day can increase the risk of developing cannabis use disorder, where people can't stop using even though it's adversely affecting their physical, psychological, and/or social health.
It is difficult to titrate appropriate dosages with edibles, whether homemade of commercially produced, mostly due to the delayed onset of effects and their much greater duration, and partly the result of inconsistencies in cannabinoid content. You will need to “do your own research” by starting low and going slow. For more about the promises and challenges of cannabis edibles, see this article:
The delayed onset and prolonged effects of edibles make it challenging to dose accurately, and it’s easier to overdose with edibles than with inhaled cannabis. People tend to consume too much because they don’t feel the effects soon enough. Edibles are also more likely to result in acute psychiatric symptoms, intoxication, and cardiovascular symptoms, compared to inhalables, according to an analysis of cannabis-related emergency department visits.
From hash brownies to canna-butter, there are many recipes for DIY cannabis edibles, all of which require heating to decarboxylate inactive cannabinoids such as THCA to produce their active forms. In addition, when cooking with cannabis flowers, you will need to include some fat in the recipe to extract the fat-soluble cannabinoids. Butter, olive oil, and coconut oil are popular choices. If you're baking brownies, use an oven temperature of 300-325°F. A lower temperature, say 210-220°F, will preserve the flavor of the terpenes, but it will require a longer baking time.
Bhang lassi is an Indian ceremonial beverage that contains an extract of cannabis. To make it, put ground-up cannabis buds in a fine-mesh steel tea ball and boil it in buttermilk. This extraction method is so powerful that using it with only leaves and stems can still result in a potent brew. The drink will taste bitter, so it is typically sweetened before consuming.
If you don't want to cook, the simplest way to ingest decarboxylated cannabinoids is to purchase empty gelatin capsules, then fill and swallow them. To prepare, select some dried buds, coarsely grind them, and sprinkle in a thin layer on parchment paper covering a baking sheet or pan. Preheat an oven to 235-240°F and bake for one hour. Make sure that everything is toasted evenly to a light-to-medium brown color. Once the ground-up flowers have been decarboxylated, use them immediately. They can also be refrigerated in air-tight containers to reduce cannabinoid evaporation.
Cannabis Topicals
When it comes to the topical application of CBD creams, oils, and salves, I fail to see how they would work unless the preparation also contains a transdermal delivery component such as DMSO, which some claim to do. There are transdermal CBD patches available, which may offer some advantages over the oral CBD products. However, as always, I must remain skeptical about the claimed benefits for any health products that aren’t subjected to FDA regulatory oversight and testing.
Exploring Altered States
I don’t recommend the recreational use of any drugs. If you’re having trouble coping with your socially conditioned “conventional reality,” there are effective cognitive-behavioral psychotherapies and mindfulness practices that can help to restructure maladaptive patterns of thinking and acting. I believe that coming to terms with oneself is preferable to getting stoned or drunk in order to avoid dealing with psychological pain or emotional discomfort.
There are, however, deeper experiential realities that can be revealed through altered states of consciousness, and there are far better choices than cannabis or ketamine for seriously exploring them. For a look into what ayahuasca sessions are like, see:
A recent study of older adults found that guided psychedelic group sessions enhanced their well-being. One can also gain highly beneficial insights through their judicious application. Such explorations are best guided by a skilled practitioner. In other words, don’t go on a psychedelic “trip” without a competent “travel guide.”
Psilocybin (the psychoactive ingredient “magic mushrooms”) has been legalized by the state of Oregon and can be administration by licensed facilitators. It has also recently been legalized in Colorado. This psychoactive medicinal was called a “breakthrough therapy” by the FDA, but along with cannabis it remains on the DEA’s nonsensical Schedule 1 list of substances having no medical use and a high potential for abuse.
The use of psilocybin as part of palliative care for terminal illness has helped many patients overcome their fear of death. A recent study of the long-term effects of single-dose psilocybin therapy for depression in patients with cancer found it was a “paradigm-changing alternative to traditional antidepressants.” Psychedelic compounds are now thought to have the potential for promoting neuroplaticity. Dr. Wilson has an excellent in-depth presentation on this subject.
The brain-desynchronizing psychedelic effects of psilocybin clearly warrant further study. As for the cannabis-containing products that you’ll find at your friendly neighborhood dispensary, especially those with high concentrations of THC, please be aware that you’ll be venturing into unknown territory. Be careful, and I wish you good luck, but don’t count on every “trip” being a good one. In general, as a way of life, mindfulness practices appear to be far healthier than routinely getting stoned.
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