Citation

Hall W, Degenhardt L. Lancet 2009; 374(9698): 1383-1391.

Affiliation

School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia. w.hall@sph.uq.edu.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61037-0

PMID

19837255

Abstract

For over two decades, cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, has been the most widely used illicit drug by young people in high-income countries, and has recently become popular on a global scale. Epidemiological research during the past 10 years suggests that regular use of cannabis during adolescence and into adulthood can have adverse effects. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory studies have established an association between cannabis use and adverse outcomes. We focus on adverse health effects of greatest potential public health interest-that is, those that are most likely to occur and to affect a large number of cannabis users. The most probable adverse effects include a dependence syndrome, increased risk of motor vehicle crashes, impaired respiratory function, cardiovascular disease, and adverse effects of regular use on adolescent psychosocial development and mental health.

Language: en