Study Suggests Possible Link Between Mania and Cannabis Use

Apparently, researchers at the University of Warwick believe they have uncovered a “significant” link between cannabis use and mania symptoms. They suggest that their findings show cannabis use has both a causal link to mania as well as a magnifying effect on pre-existing mania symptoms.

Dr. Marwaha, leader of the study, commented that, “the observed tendency for cannabis use to precede or coincide with rather than follow mania symptoms, and the more specific association between cannabis use and new onset manic symptoms, suggests potential causal influences from cannabis use to the development of mania. It is a significant link.”

If you read the fine print in the article, it is careful to point out a couple of things. First, the study only focused on people who have (or are thought to have) bi-polar disorder. Secondly, even Dr. Marwaha pointed out that the number of studies specifically pertaining to cannabis and mania are very limited. It’s the same issue we run into in any cannabis-related science question: lack of allowed research.

I have nothing against what these researchers are trying to do. They are scientists trying to use information to answer questions. From the sound of Dr. Marwaha’s comments, his research is aimed at better understanding the effects of cannabis on young and/or vulnerable minds.

To be honest, if/when cannabis research is fully allowed, there will likely be a few things about it that the stoner community won’t want to admit or talk about. But if we stick our head in the sand in the face of science, we are no better than the moronic anti-cannabis crowd who confuse fear with fact.

What does bother me is that the aforementioned anti-pot crowd will more than likely be touting this research as a reason to keep cannabis in the shadows. Mark my words, it won’t be very long until you hear about this study from the mouth of Kevin Sabet, with a decidedly self-serving spin.

If there is some risk, genuine risk, associated with cannabis (even if for only small subgroups, like those with bi-polar) then we ought to know about it. Alcohol and cigarettes have well-documented and undisputed dangers, yet you can walk into any 7-11 and buy as much as you want.

I’m not here to argue that cannabis is infallible, but I will defend its legality in a world where far more dangerous substances are so easily attained.