Ask Dr. Leigh: Can Cannabis Help with Anxiety and Depression?

FEELING DEPRESSED OR THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE? HELP IS AVAILABLE ANY TIME: National Toll-Free Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255 or online at SuicidePreventionLifeline.org Q:  Can cannabis help with anxiety and depression? A: According to the CDC, anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health conditions seen in the US, seen in about 20 percent of the population. Symptoms of anxiety can include excessive worry, fear,…

Opinion: What voters should be thinking about in states where cannabis legalization is on the ballot

In the midterm election this November there are five states voting to legalize adult-use cannabis: Arkansas, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and my state of Maryland. I am getting inundated with questions about it, from patients, family, friends, and colleagues. And while many of my colleagues are starting to come around and accept the beneficial…

Ask Dr. Leigh: What should older adults consider before using medical marijuana?

Q: My grandmother is asking about medical cannabis. Before I ask her doctor about it, I’m wondering: What should seniors consider when deciding whether to use medical marijuana? A: The fastest growing segment of medical cannabis patients is in fact, senior citizens, with a 75% increase over a three-year period as more states started passing legislation allowing it. And this number…

Ask Dr. Leigh: What is the difference between cannabis legalization and decriminalization, and how does it impact medical marijuana users?

Q: What is the difference between cannabis legalization and decriminalization, and how does it impact medical marijuana users? A: Many people mistakenly think that decriminalization and legalization are interchangeable terms when it comes to cannabis law, and they are not. Decriminalization removes criminal penalties for personal use of small amounts of cannabis, which still remains an illegal…