Ask CAI: Cannabis Answers Simplified

CAI tackles the public’s cannabis mysteries with clear, reliable data.

🤖  Try CAI for free:Ask CAI

Also available at the bottom: CaplanCannabis.com

Finding trustworthy answers about cannabis shouldn’t feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. At CED Clinic, we’re passionate about bringing clarity and reliable information to everyone navigating the evolving cannabis landscape. That’s precisely why we built CAI—our home-grown Cannabis AI chatbot, trained on hundreds of thousands of cannabis research studies and enriched by insights from the experiences of over 300,000 medical cannabis patients worldwide.

For those new to CAI, imagine a friendly companion who has already sifted through countless research papers and patient interactions, ready to help untangle even the trickiest cannabis questions you might have. Below, we’ve gathered some of the most interesting and insightful questions asked of CAI just this past week, along with clear, data-driven responses straight from our AI. We hope these answers provide both clarity and peace of mind, guiding you confidently through your cannabis journey.

1. What are the long-term cognitive effects of regular cannabis use?

Regular cannabis use, especially when initiated during adolescence, has been associated with cognitive impairments, particularly in memory and attention. A study found that cannabis users showed impairments in episodic and working memory, processing speed, and executive functions, with some residual effects persisting after abstinence [1]. Another study highlighted that frequent or heavy cannabis use is linked to decreased attention, memory, learning, and executive functioning, though these deficits may be reversible with prolonged abstinence [2].

2. Is cannabis effective in managing chronic pain?

The efficacy of cannabis in managing chronic pain is debated. A systematic review concluded that non-inhaled cannabis provides small to very small improvements in pain relief, with several transient side effects [5]. However, a prospective observational study found that medical cannabis significantly improved pain severity and quality of life in chronic pain patients over a year [4]. Clinically, experienced providers often hear striking patient reports of significant relief, though it remains debated whether this improvement stems from genuine biological changes or psychological factors.

3. Can cannabis use lead to the development of psychiatric disorders?

Cannabis use is linked to an increased risk of psychiatric disorders, particularly psychosis and schizophrenia. This link is association, not causation. A meta-analysis reported a higher risk of psychosis among cannabis users, with the risk increasing with frequency of us. Heavy cannabis use has also been associated with increased risks of depression and anxiety disorders, though the causal relationship remains unclear [6]. 

🔗 Read more about Causation vs Association

4. How does cannabis use affect brain structure and function?

Chronic cannabis use, like Chronic illness in general, has been linked to structural and functional brain changes. Neuroimaging studies have found reduced hippocampal volume in habitual and large dose long-term cannabis users, which likely affects memory and learning [3]. Functional imaging studies indicate altered brain activity patterns, particularly in regions involved in executive functions and memory [1]. Note: Research on the effects of cannabis often relies on subjective self-reports, which are inherently prone to bias. Moreover, studies rarely specify the dosages used or verify the composition of the cannabis products through laboratory testing

5. What are the respiratory risks associated with smoking cannabis?

Smoking cannabis is associated with respiratory irritations similar to those caused by tobacco smoking, including chronic bronchitis and impaired lung function. However, the relationship between cannabis smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unclear [5]. 

Summary: The relationship between cannabis and cancer is complex and remains under active investigation. Preclinical studies consistently show that cannabinoids like THC and CBD can inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis, and reduce inflammation—mechanisms suggestive of anti-cancer potential. However, human data are limited and mixed: while a few small clinical trials (e.g., in glioblastoma) hint at benefit, others associate cannabis use—particularly heavy or smoked use—with increased risk for certain cancers, such as head and neck or testicular cancer. Overall, the current evidence leans slightly toward potential therapeutic promise but falls short of establishing cannabis as a reliable cancer treatment, underscoring the need for larger, high-quality clinical trials.

.

6. Is cannabis addictive, and what are the signs of cannabis use disorder

Cannabis can be addictive, leading to cannabis use disorder (CUD) in some individuals. Signs of CUD include cravings, increased tolerance, and continued use despite negative consequences. Approximately 9% of cannabis users develop dependence, with higher rates among those who start using during adolescence [1]. However, the CUD diagnosis has serious limitations: it often fails to distinguish between problematic use and medically supervised use, especially in patients with chronic conditions. The criteria are adapted from substance misuse models originally designed for more harmful drugs, which may overpathologize benign or therapeutic cannabis use. Additionally, social and legal contexts can bias diagnosis, disproportionately affecting marginalized populations and distorting prevalence estimates.

🔗 My Dunk on this so-called Cannabis Use Disorder

7. How does prenatal cannabis exposure affect child development?

Prenatal cannabis exposure has been linked to adverse outcomes in children, including low birth weight and developmental issues. Long-term studies suggest that prenatal exposure may lead to cognitive and behavioral problems in children, such as attention deficits and learning difficulties [6]. However, other research has not consistently found significant developmental or cognitive deficits when controlling for factors like tobacco use, maternal stress, and socioeconomic status. Some studies report only modest differences that may not be clinically significant, suggesting that adverse outcomes could be influenced by a variety of overlapping risk factors. This inconsistency has led many experts to call for further rigorous research to clearly delineate the direct effects of cannabis from other confounding variables.

8. What is the impact of cannabis use on driving abilities?

Cannabis use impairs driving abilities by affecting motor coordination, reaction time, and judgment. The impairment varies depending on the dose and individual tolerance, posing significant safety concerns [1]. However, the degree of impairment is generally lower than that associated with alcohol and tends to diminish within a few hours as THC levels decline. Regular medical cannabis users may also exhibit partial tolerance to these effects, showing less impairment at comparable doses. Still, caution is warranted, and individuals should avoid driving when experiencing acute intoxication or cognitive impairment.

9. Can cannabis be used as a treatment for epilepsy?

Certain cannabis-derived products, particularly those containing cannabidiol (CBD), have been approved for treating specific forms of epilepsy. Clinical trials have demonstrated that CBD can reduce seizure frequency in conditions like Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome [4].

10. How does cannabis use compare to alcohol in terms of health risks?

Both cannabis and alcohol present health risks, but their nature, severity, and societal impact differ substantially. Alcohol is well-established as a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide, contributing to liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular disease, pancreatitis, immunosuppression, and at least seven types of cancer, including liver, breast, and esophageal cancer. It is also associated with a high risk of dependence, with about 14–16% of users developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) [1]. Alcohol-related harms extend beyond individual health to include substantial rates of injury, violence, impaired driving fatalities, and social dysfunction.

Cannabis use carries health risks primarily related to cognitive effects (e.g., impaired memory, attention, and executive function), especially with heavy or early-onset use. There is also an association with mental health disorders in vulnerable individuals, including anxiety, psychosis, and cannabis use disorder (CUD) [2]. However, cannabis has not been definitively linked to fatal overdose, significant organ toxicity, or the same degree of carcinogenicity seen with alcohol [3].

When expressed on a relative harm scale from 0 (no harm) to 1000 (maximal harm, including personal and societal harms), evidence from Nutt et al. (2010) and subsequent studies suggests alcohol would score approximately 700–800, while cannabis would fall between 200–300, depending on factors like dose, pattern of use, and population studied [4]. This comparison highlights that while both substances carry risks, the magnitude and breadth of alcohol’s harm, particularly at the population level, are considerably greater than those associated with cannabis. [5], [6].

More References:

1. Cannabis and Cognitive Functioning: From Acute to Residual Effects. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2021; 12: 596601

2.  Cannabis-Based Medicines for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Pain Research, 2017; 10: 1755–1766.

3. Longitudinal Study of Hippocampal Volumes in Heavy Cannabis Users. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 2017; 11: 5544121

4. Medical Cannabis for the Management of Pain and Quality of Life in Chronic Pain Patients: A Prospective Observational Study. Pain Medicine, 2020; 21(11): 3073–3086.

5. Medical Cannabis or Cannabinoids for Chronic Non-Cancer and Cancer Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. BMJ, 2021; 374: n1034.

6. Cannabis and Mental Illness: A Review. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2018; 38(3): 261–271..