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Medical Marijuana and Psychiatric Illness – A Call to Action

Medical Marijuana and Psychiatric Illness – A Call to Action

Dr. Jennings submitted the following article to Psychiatric News to consider for publication in their paper, however after several months he has not had a response and is posting it here.


Eighteen states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws legalizing medical marijuana [a] and voters in Colorado and Washington voted Nov 6, 2012 to legalize recreational marijuana use.

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) member’s help desk, as of November 8, 2012, the APA did not have a position statement on medical marijuana use, even as it pertains to mental health related treatment. But if the APA desires to fulfill its role as the world leader in mental health standards, it cannot remain silent any longer.

History is replete with accounts of doctors utilizing treatments that not only failed to help, but actually harmed, increasing morbidity and mortality. For more than two millennia physicians practiced bleeding and leaching to drain evil humors. George Washington, after falling ill, had half his body’s blood drained, certainly accelerating his demise [1] [2].

Tobacco was used by doctors for centuries to treat a variety of medical illnesses, including ulcers, polyps, skin lesions, headaches, respiratory problems, and diseases of the glands [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]. In the 19th century doctors used a variety of poisons such as opium, quinine, arsenic, calomel (mercury), antimony, and strychnine [8] to treat a broad range of conditions. They called these toxins “medicines.”

And if treating patients over the years with purging, puking, poisoning, puncturing, cutting, cupping, blistering, bleeding, leeching, heating, freezing, sweating, and shocking [9], were not bad enough, psychiatry jumped in with the infamous lobotomy early in the 20th century to treat a variety of mental, behavioral and emotional problems.

 

Today, psychiatry is positioned with a unique opportunity to stand up and oppose the latest chicanery to be promoted as “medicine” – medical marijuana. Over the past year I have had a number of patients present with anxiety, depression, attention problems and other issues who were smoking marijuana daily. When I attempted to educate them on the brain damaging effects of marijuana they pulled out their medical marijuana card and reported that they only smoke the amount their doctor has prescribed.

Medical marijuana for the treatment of psychiatric problems is no better than prescribing cigarette smoke to treat lung disease. Yet, while professional societies and licensing boards would take quick action to redirect physicians who were prescribing cigarette smoke for COPD, such august bodies have remained silent while medical marijuana prescribing for psychiatric illness steadily increases. But what does the evidence reveal regarding marijuana and brain health?

Multiple studies have now documented that marijuana increases the risk for psychosis [10] [11]. The active compound in marijuana, 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), exerts its central effect through the CB1 cannabinoidreceptor. Brain regions with such receptors include hippocampus (new memory/learning), amygdala (alarm, alertness), and the cerebral cortex (thinking, reasoning, planning, long term learning). Acute effects of marijuana smoking include alteration in motor control, short term memory impairments, intoxication, loss of motivation and drive, decreased anxiety, increased appetite and some reduction in pain, particularly if neurological in nature.

Long-term affects include structural changes in brain regions associated with higher cognitive function [12]. Madeline Meier PhD from Duke University and her multicenter team of investigators found that marijuana use before the age of 16 was associated with an eight-point drop in IQ that was not fully recovered after cessation of marijuana use [13].

Marijuana smoking impairs prefrontal cortex functioning, undermining reasoning, planning, organization, initiation, drive, motivation and achievement. Functional imaging scans consistently reveal impaired prefrontal cortex activity in marijuana smokers, recent research documents long term use damages white matter connectivity in the brain [14] [15] [16] [17].

Finally, marijuana appears to be more toxic than cigarette smoking. This is due to several factors. Cannabis smokers inhale one-third more deeply than cigarette smokers and hold their breath four times longer to ensure maximum lung exposure. Secondly, marijuana has higher concentrations of toxic chemicals than cigarette smoke. Dr. David Moir of Health Canada compared the chemicals in cigarette smoke to marijuana smoke and found that marijuana smoke had 20 times as much ammonia, five times as much hydrogen cyanide, and five times as much nitrogen oxides, which negatively affect circulation and the immune system [18].

For patients who are terminal, suffering with severe intractable pain and/or nausea with no other possible way to experience relief, yes, out of mercy marijuana should be available. But, the use of marijuana to treat psychiatric illness is not only contrary to sound brain science, clinical research and common sense, it smacks of modern day quackery.

It is time for the APA to take a leadership role in establishing strong policy denouncing the use of marijuana for psychiatric illness and advocating that state licensing boards censure physicians who prescribe marijuana for mental health related problems. If psychiatrists fail to address this issue, I fear history will judge us more severely than those who bled George Washington to death, because we actually have the science to know better.

Timothy R. Jennings, M.D.
President-Elect Tennessee Psychiatric Association
Chairman, Board of Regents, Southern Psychiatric Association
Tele-medicine Consultant for The Center, Edmonds, WA
President, Come and Reason Ministries


[a] Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

[1] Vadakan, V., The Permanente Journal/ Spring 2004/ Volume 8 No. 2

[2] Seigworth, Gilbert R., M.D. “Bloodletting Over the Centuries.” New York State Journal of Medicine. Dec. 1980. https://www.pbs.org/wnet/redgold/basics/bloodlettinghistory.html

[3] Grehan, James. “Smoking and ‘Early Modern’ Sociability: The Great Tobacco Debate in the Ottoman Middle East (Seventeenth to Eighteenth Centuries)”. The American Historical Review, Vol. III, Issue 5. 2006. 22 March 2008

[4] Dickson SA. Panacea or Precious Bane. Tobacco in 16th Century Literature. New York: New York Public Library, 1954.

[5] Brookes JE. The Mighty Leaf: Tobacco Through the Centuries. Boston: Little, Brown, 1952.

[6] Stewart GG. A history of the medicinal use of tobacco 1492-1860. Med Hist 1967;11: 228-68. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

[7] Charlton, A., J R Soc Med. 2004 June; 97(6): 292–296.

[8] Haller, J. American Medicine in Transition 1840-1910, 1981, p. 67.

[9] Benson, H., JAMA. 1975;232(12):1225-1227. doi:10.1001/jama.1975.03250120013012.

[10] Compton, M. et al, Association of Pre-Onset Cannabis, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use With Age at Onset of Prodrome and Age at Onset of Psychosis in First-Episode Patients. Am J Psychiatry, 2009;166:1251-1257.

[11] Loberg, E., et al, An fMRI study of neuronal activation in schizophrenia patients with and without previous cannabis use.Frontiers published online October 30, 2012.

[12] Chang, L, et al NEUROSCIENTIST 13(5):422—432, 2007.

[13] Meier, M., et al Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife, Proc Natl Acad Sci. Published online August 27, 2012.

[14] Eldreth, D., et al, Abnormal brain activity in prefrontal brain regions in abstinent marijuana users. NeuroImage, 2004;(23)3:914-920.

[15] Lundqvist, T., et al, Frontal lobe dysfunction in long-term cannabis users. Neurotoxicology and Teratology. 2001(23)5:437-443.

[16] Hermann, D., et al, Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex N-Acetylaspartate/Total Creatine (NAA/tCr) Loss in Male Recreational Cannabis Users. Biological Psychiatry 2007(61)11:1281-1289.

[17] Zalesky, A., et al, Brain, Jul 2012:135(7):2245-2255.

[18] Chemical Research in Toxicology, DOI: 10.1021/tx700275p).

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Testimony 67

I was introduced to Come And Reason by a friend of my mother-in-law, who gave me several CD’s of Dr. Jennings. The clarity of the message and recognition that God’s is a God of love was so clear, advancing beyond Dr. Maxwell’s message. However, grappled with Maxwell saying God used emergency measures for the fallen world. Now after several years of being a regular listener of the Come And Reasoning bible study class and attending Jennings’ meetings in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, things are becoming clearer for me. Design law versus imposed law has added so much to my personal understanding of theology. This message has really impacted my work in counseling so many people miserable because they are searching for and trusting human governments to create order and peace or believing in a God who says love Me or I will kill you. I am grateful that I have an alternative view to offer my clients that makes sense. I teach a bible study class on a semi-regular basis and I value the materials that Come And Reason so freely offers to aid me in presenting this vital message. Thank you for continuing to provide advancement in our very limited understanding of a Infinite God that is rational and believable.

Dr. Roger D, Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA

 

Testimony 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 55

I was born [into the church], then I left it for many years. 10 years ago, I came back, but I could not take the hypocrisy and the lack of answers to the missing pieces. I struggled, but I did not abandon my commitment to know the truth. God is leading me to the simple understanding of his relevance and I am relearning what the church taught me as a youth… that he loves me, that he has led me to a knowledge of him such as I have never known. He is using Dr. Jennings to connect the dots that are now so apparent and hiding in plain sight!

Dean P., Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 27

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 14

We really appreciate your views on the judgment and they make good sense considering our free choice.

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Testimony 68

Your message of design law vs imperial law is so uplifting and makes so much sense- it is a game changer for me. The fact that Jesus’s death is not a big payment by an angry God is , quite frankly, a relief.

Laura G., London, Ontario, Canada

 

Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 13

I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, USA