[KennyBlanken]

There's no research showing any benefit from cannabis consumption and plenty showing some of the same health hazards similar to smoking tobacco.

Every person I've ever known who smoked pot for some "health" thing was a rolling dumpster fire.

[asveikau]

I agree that a lot of people are using this for questionable medical purposes, and there's a lot of snake oil around, as well as harmful self medicating.

However, though I am not super steeped in this, I do know there are some prominent exceptions. I think CBD for epilepsy is one. There is an FDA approved CBD treatment for epilepsy, brand name epidiolex (had to google that).

[iancmceachern]

If everyone you know has consumed cannabis for only "health" and not health reasons you must be blessed to not have much cancer or other serious ongoing debilitating illnesses among your family and friends. Count yourself lucky.

For folks in those situations it can be a true blessing.

Its the exact same thing with morphine, opiates. On one hand they're the scourge of society and abuse of them is a real problem, but for a soldier dying on the battlefield from horrible injuries, or someone dying of the unbelievable pain of sickel cell, in those situations we call it one of the best inventions ever, so much so it'd inventor/discoverer was given a Nobel prize.

Long story short, I've known some. But they all died of cancer. Thanks for putting them down.

[supersparrow]

Very misinformed. You should talk to more people and do some more research.

[theshackleford]

I’m a medical cannabis user following a spinal cord injury and I assure you I’m not a walking dumpster fire. Quite the opposite in fact, it’s been a significant positive introduction with less side effects than most drugs I’m on following the injury.

I consume CBD and high THC options through ingestion of oils and vaporisation of flowers.

[kelnos]

Both of you can be correct: while some people, such as yourself, can see benefits, there can still be no research showing generalized positive effects, and some research showing generalized negative effects.

(Not saying GP is correct, as I'm not interested enough in the topic to know if their take on the research status is accurate. But your anecdote -- while great for you -- is not a basis for making generalizations.)

[munk-a]

Just like with pretty much any other substance we use medically - it's good for some people but it comes with some side effects so if it's not doing anything for you it's probably best to abstain.

[theshackleford]

My anecdote was more to suggest that cannabis usage does not always result in a user being a “walking train wreck.” I’d say it’s anecdotes all around.

[iancmceachern]

Yes, but the parent commenter didn't use "generalized negative effects". He used different, far more disrespectful words and tone.

[graphe]

Then why is medical marijuana a thing?