A Doctor's Perspective on Recreational Marijuana - Dr. Tobin Rummel Full mp3 here: http://www.calvarycorvallis.org/audio/misc/misc656.mp3

1. Medical Effects of Recreational
Marijuana
Tobin Rummel
Calvary Chapel Corvallis
Nov. 8, 2015

2. Definition
Recreational Marijuana/ Hashish/ Pot:
– The dried leaves and flowers of the Hemp plant (Cannabis sativa)
– Used for its Euphoric effect (heighten perception, affect mood, relax)
– Primary active ingredient: Tetra-Hydro-Cannabinol (THC)
– Many delivery methods (more on this later)
– Legal in Oregon for those over age 21 starting October 1, 2015
However…
– It Continues to be Illegal Federally

3. Colorado as an Example
• In the 1st year: 2 overdose deaths
• 17.1% Average THC (was 1-2% in the 1970’s)
– Nearly impossible to find <5% TCH now
• Increase in Heroin use (Gateway drug effect)
• 92% increase in THC related MVA’s
• 32% increase in MVA deaths associated with THC
• Decreased academic performance with 40% increase in suspensions/
expulsions.
• 12.3% increase in crime in Denver
• More marijuana centers than pharmacies
From: Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area September 2015

4. Colorado as an Example
• 6500 Hospital admissions yearly
– In drugs, 2nd only to Alcohol, more than Meth
• 365% increase in diversion (end user not the intended recipient =
illegal)
• 2033% increase in mail interceptions to illegal states
• 32 THC lab explosions in 2014
– 30 Injured
• 52.5 million in CO tax revenue
• Increased Homelessness

5. Side Effects
• Red eyes
• Lethargy
• Decreased Coordination
– 27% of injured drivers in Colorado tested positive for THC … before it
was even recreationally legal!
• Decreased Motivation

6. Medical Risks
• Head and Neck Cancer
• Psychosis (especially in those with family history of mental
health diagnosis)
• Lung Cancer
• Reproductive Dysfunction
– (Yes, that does include problems with sex!!!)
• Addictive (4.2 million in 2013 USA)

7. Medical Risks
• 4x the risk of heart attack and stroke within 1 hr of use
• 50-70% more carcinogens than tobacco smoke
• Schizophrenia, Psychosis, Depression, Anxiety Increased
• Memory, Learning, Attention, Reaction times decreased up to
28 days after last use
• Decreased birth weight and brain development when used in
pregnancy
• Decreased Cognitive development if used by adolescents

8. Medical Risks
• Contaminates
– Fungus (pneumonia)
– Bacteria (pneumonia)
– Heavy Metals
– Pesticides
• 8 point average decline (permanent) in IQ for regular
adolescent users
• Amotivational Syndrome
• Skin Rashes and Faster Skin Ageing

9. Marijuana Withdrawal
• 1-6 days after last use
• Last up to 2 weeks
• Irritability, anger, nervousness, tension, restlessness, reduced
appetite, insomnia, sleep difficulties, dysphoria, cravings, chills,
stomach pain, shakiness, sweating.
• 9% of recreational users become addicted
• 17% of adolescent recreational users become addicted

10. Medical: Puff or Pass?
• Puff
– Temporary
Heightened
Perception
– Temporary Altered
mood
– Temporary Relaxation
• Pass
– Decreased Early Death Risk
– Less Cancer Risk
– Better Sex
– Less Psychosis Risk
– Avoid Addiction
– Maintain Motivation
– Avoid Heart Attack Risk
– Maintain IQ
– Decreased Pneumonia Risk
– Healthy Skin
– Many more…