JAMA Study Finds “Insufficient Evidence” For Most Cannabis Health Claims

Most claims for the medical benefits of cannabis and cannabinoids have “insufficient evidence” to support them, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The review of randomized clinical trials published Wednesday also flagged cardiovascular and psychiatric health risks from medical marijuana use, especially when inhaled. It urged doctors to warn patients more clearly of these dangers.

“False claims seem to bolster sales,” said an email from Dr. Kevin Hill, an addiction psychiatrist and Harvard Medical School professor who co-wrote the study. “While most people are well aware of the risks of alcohol and nicotine, they are not clear about the risks of cannabis.”