Researcher: Marijuana Doesn't Increase Risk of Dying

[superjoint]

/24/2003

Citing two large studies conducted in the United States and Sweden, a California researcher concludes that health concerns about cannabis may be overstated, the Australian Associated Press reported Sept. 21.

According to Stephen Sidney, associate director for clinical research at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program in California, marijuana use doesn't appear to have a significant impact on public health. He said that the rates of death and disease associated with marijuana use are minimal.

"Published data do no support the characterization of cannabis as a risk factor for mortality," said Sidney. "Although the use of cannabis is not harmless, the current knowledge base does not support the assertion that it has any notable adverse public-health impact in relation to mortality."

The Swedish study, which involved 45,450 men, found no increase in death rates after 15 years of marijuana use. The U.S. study, involving 65,171 men and women, also showed no increase in death rates linked to marijuana use after 10 years.

However, Sidney said that it is too early to determine whether marijuana use increases the risk of cancer and chronic diseases.

"It might be too early to detect an increased risk of chronic diseases that are potentially associated with the use of cannabis," he said.

An editorial on Sidney's findings is published in the Sept. 20, 2003 issue of the British Medical Journal.

[daiseyduked]

u know, on the news aboot a month ago or so they were talkin like it was deadly! it's dangerous don't smoke marijuana, death rates r rising.i was so mad at that comment. c'mon already!!!! i couldn't believe it. what a bunch of lies!


yeah the concerns are just a tad overstated!!