Yale University has recently established the Center for the Science of Cannabis and Cannabinoids to study the effects of marijuana on mental health, particularly on different age groups. Dr. Deepak D’Souza, the center’s director, stated that it is crucial to understand the impact of cannabis on society as more people use it due to commercialization. The center aims to generate high-quality information and science to help individuals, families, towns, and states make informed decisions for public health.
What is Cannabis and Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are chemicals found in cannabis that create psychoactive effects. Cannabis, on the other hand, refers to the plant itself, which contains over a hundred different cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Why Study Cannabis and Cannabinoids on Mental Health?
Most existing studies on cannabis focus on adults between 20-30 years old. However, it is equally important to investigate its impact on different age groups. According to D’Souza, older adults may be more vulnerable to the psychoactive and cardiovascular effects of cannabis, which can impair their ability to drive. On the other end of the spectrum, it is also crucial to study how cannabis affects the developing brain. The increasing use of cannabis among pregnant individuals has raised concerns about exposing the developing brain to cannabis.
The Importance of Collaboration in Cannabis Research
Although there are researchers at Yale who are already working independently on cannabis, the center aims to bring them together to collaborate on similar questions from different angles. It will also recruit individuals from outside Yale who have unique skill sets and interests that can contribute to cannabis research.
Pilot Studies on Cannabis and Mental Health
The School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry has allotted funds to collect pilot data for studies on the impact of cannabis on mental health. The center plans to use these studies for future grant applications with the National Institute of Health.
While the establishment of Yale University’s Center for the Science of Cannabis and Cannabinoids is a significant step towards studying the impact of cannabis on mental health, it also raises questions about the potential consequences of widespread commercialization. As more states legalize marijuana, it is essential to examine the impact of these changes on society as a whole. The Center’s findings will be vital in shaping policy decisions and promoting responsible use.
