This document examines the associations between medical marijuana use and individual health, highlighting its adverse health effects, including a causal link to early onset bipolar depression. The paper argues for the need for federal legalization of marijuana to facilitate better research on its long-term effects and to promote public health campaigns aimed at reducing adolescent use. The findings indicate that healthcare decisions and outcomes are significantly impacted by marijuana use, necessitating further investigation into its health implications.

1. Running head: MEDICAL MARIJUANA 1
MEDICAL MARIJUANA 7
A Causal Analysis of the Effects of Medical Marijuana
Student E. Name
[email protected]
August 1, 2018
National University
ILR260: Information Literacy
Instructed by James Lhotak
Abstract
This paper examined the relationship between marijuana use and
individual health and found an association with adverse health
effects. This paper has three important contributions. First,
studies have found that marijuana use has a causal role in
adverse health effects. Second, marijuana use has a causal role
in early onset of bipolar depression, Third, studies are
ineffective in determining whether marijuana is associated with
healthcare consumption. This paper is important because

2. marijuana is the third most commonly used drug after alcohol
and tobacco.
A Causal Analysis of the Effects of Medical Marijuana
This paper examined the relationship between marijuana use and
individual health and found a causal role of adverse health
effects. The problem this paper to addresses are the effects of
medical marijuana on individual health and health consumption.
The hypothesis of this paper was that research has not been
effective in addressing the implications of marijuana use on
individual health and health consumption. The research
questions that guided this paper included what are the effects of
marijuana use, and how effect has the research been? The most
important findings of this paper are that marijuana use is
associated with adverse health effects and causes psychosocial
problems, and that research is ineffective in addressing its
impact on health service utilization. The solution to the
problem, which will be discussed in the conclusion section in
detail, included federal legalization of marijuana that would
lead to better research, increased studies about the long-term
effects on middle-aged people, and public health campaigns to

3. decrease use by adolescence. Understanding the effects of
marijuana use is important because such use affect healthcare
decisions.History of the Problem
The discovery of cannabinoid receptors in the brain in the
1990s, raised interest in marijuana’s therapeutic values and has
been used by patients who experienced anorexia caused by
chemotherapy, nausea, vomiting, pain, and muscle spasms
(Cavalet, 2016). Consequently, medical marijuana use has
increased and debate has increased about associated risks and
benefits (Cavalet). Given that many states throughout the U.S.
are legalizing (Cavalet), marijuana has become the third most
commonly used drug after alcohol and tobacco dependence
(Fuster et al., 2014, p. 133). For the majority of marijuana
users, the most effective way at achieving psychoactive effects
of euphoria and sociability is by smoking or in a water pipe
(Hall, 2015). Additionally, over the past 30 years, the potency
of marijuana that is produced by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC) has increased in the U.S. from <2% in 1980 to 8.5% in
2006 (Hall, p. 19). Although roughly 9% of people who
experiment with marijuana become addicted (Volkow, Baler,
Compton & Weiss, 2014, p. 2219), however, users do not
perceive smoking the substance to be associated with major
health problems (Fuster et al., p. 133). However, the
consequences of marijuana use are associated with adverse
health problems such as respiratory diseases, lung and brain
cancers, heart disease, motor vehicle crashes, and higher risks
of psychotic symptoms (Fuster et al.). Cohort studies suggested
that marijuana use begins prior to the onset of bipolar disorder
(BP) and that it has a causal role in the development of the
disease (Tyler, Jones, Black, Carter & Barrowclough, 2015).
Although marijuana is often used in conjunction with alcohol
and other drugs, the results of its impact on healthcare
utilization is mixed (Fuster et al.). While there are questions
about the long-term use, careful investigation about the risks
and benefits of medical marijuana needs to be conducted
(Cavalet). It is important to understand how marijuana use

4. impacts health and the use of healthcare services because these
outcomes affect healthcare decisions (Fuster et al.).Literature
Review
Health Care Consumption
Although marijuana is classified as an illicit drug, it is the third
most frequently used substance by patients who were screened
for use (Fuster et al., p.133). The attribution of adverse health
effects to marijuana use is problematic because most of the data
comes from treatment-seeking patients who are addicted to
alcohol, tobacco and other drugs as well (Fuster et al.).
Studies found that of the patients who were admitted to
detoxification, 19 % reported emergency healthcare use and 24
% reported hospitalization in the preceding 6 months (Fuster et
al., p. 136). The results were therefore mixed on to the health of
marijuana users, the use of healthcare services, and the
healthcare outcomes (Fuster et al.). A three-month study found
that the frequency of marijuana use had no significant
association with any increases in emergency healthcare services
or hospitalizations (Fuster et al.). The lack of this association
was supported by the fact that marijuana had little chemical
influence above that of other drugs (Fuster et al.). Fuster et al.
found that daily users and less than daily marijuana users were
healthier than those who reported no use, however the
difference was insignificant (p. 135). This study was found to
have limitations because of the inaccuracy of self-reporting,
illicit drugs were used by all the participants, and past
marijuana use were not taken into consideration (Fuster et. al.).
Fuster et al. acknowledged that their study conflicts with other
studies that show adverse effects of marijuana, and did not
imply that the use of marijuana was without risk (p. 138).
Health Effects
Recreational marijuana use has become as common as
tobacco use in teens and young adults predominantly in low and
middle-income countries (Hall) and is concerning because use
this age group is related to an increased likelihood of harmful
consequences (Volkow et al). A 20-year study revealed that the

5. public health campaign aimed at preventing smoking among
adolescence caused an increase in marijuana use by young
people who had never smoked tobacco before (Hall). In fact,
studies found that early and consistent marijuana use predicted
an increase risk of addiction that escalated the use of other
illicit drugs (Volkow et al.).
Acute effects. Given that there are virtually no cannabinoid
receptors in the brain stem, marijuana does affect the autonomic
nervous system (Cavalet), and research found that marijuana use
did not result in any fatal overdoses (Hall). However, a study
found that marijuana users who drove while intoxicated were 2-
3 time more likely to be involved in vehicle collisions in
comparison to 6-15 times of alcohol related collisions (Hall, p.
21). In addition, the risk of fatalities increased significantly
when marijuana was used in conjunction with alcohol (Hall).
Physical health outcomes. Regular marijuana use has been
associated with cancers of the lungs, upper aerodigestive tract,
bladder and testicular cancer (Hall, 2015). In addition, research
showed that smoking marijuana increases the risk of developing
chronic bronchitis and cardiovascular diseases in middle-aged
adults (Hall). Nevertheless, the results were unclear because
most marijuana smokers had smoked or still smoke tobacco
(Hall).
Psychosocial effects. Epidemiological studies found that regular
marijuana use doubled the risk of psychotic symptoms such as
hallucinations, particularly in cases where there were personal
or family history of psychotic disorders (Hall, 2015). An
analysis of three Australian and New Zealand longitudinal
studies revealed that marijuana use at an early age contributed
to an estimated 17% of users failing to complete high school or
post-secondary training (Hall, p. 24).
Self-Medication and Bipolar Disorders
Marijuana is most often used by persons suffering from bipolar
disorder (BD) (Tyler et al.) It was estimated that marijuana use
ranged between 8% to22% with a lifetime use of 30% to 64%
(Tyler et al., p. 2). Tyler et al. hypothesized that: 1). marijuana

6. use to self-medicate would increase as BD symptom change 2).
marijuana would be associated with psychological changes and
BD symptoms (p. 3). In an experience sampling method (ESM)
study, twenty-four participants were prompted at random times
to answer a series of questions regarding their thoughts, BD
symptomatology, and marijuana use over a six-day period
(Tyler et al.). Study participants were required to have used
marijuana at least twice a week, however, individuals who had
experienced current psychotic symptoms were excluded (Tyler
et al.). The study found that marijuana use increased mania and
depression (Tyler et al.). The results, which were consistent
with results from previous studies, that found that marijuana use
resulted in a younger age of BD onset (Tyler et al.). In fact,
marijuana use produced a range of psychological effects that
were primarily found to be attributed to the chemical
compounds THC and cannabidiol (CBD) (Tyler et al.). On the
other hand, the EMS study found that marijuana had not been
used as self-medication to combat the negative effects of BD
symptoms (Tyler et al.). Although the study found that EMS
could be a valuable therapeutic tool in managing marijuana use
for BD sufferers, there was insufficient evidence because
research was still in its infancy (Tyler et al.).Discussion
Health Care Consumption
Fuster et al. (2014) provided adequate evidence to support the
claim that the frequency of marijuana use had no significant
association with an increase in emergency healthcare services or
hospitalizations. However, the evidence was insufficient to
prove their hypothesis. Although Fuster et al. stressed the
importance of understanding how marijuana use impacts health
and healthcare decisions, they avoided the associations with
drugs and alcohol abuse. While Fuster et al. acknowledged that
marijuana use is associated with adverse health effects, such
effects were not discussed. For example, Fuster et al. could
have included data about the association between other illicit
drugs and marijuana use and the combined effect on healthcare
consumption. Since research is primarily based on self-

7. reporting tools, the accuracy is inconclusive. While Fuster et al.
claimed not to have any conflict of interest, the research
appears biased because the research results were not irrefutable.
Consequently, additional research is required to determine the
long-term of marijuana use on healthcare consumption.
Health Effects
Hall’s (2015) examination of 20 years of research was able to
provide adequate evidence of the adverse health effects of
marijuana use. The research appears to be unbiased because
Hall provided a clear analysis of the adverse health and
psychosocial effects. While Hall found that marijuana use
increases cardiovascular effects of middle-aged adults, his
analysis was primarily focused on the adverse effects of teens
and adolescence. Therefore, additional research is required to
determine the long-term effects of marijuana use on middle-
aged adults. Although most of the studies were conducted in
Australia and New Zealand, it is important to note that such
studies are not easily replicated because marijuana is still
classified as an illegal substance by the U.S federal government.
However, based on the breath, time frame, and extent of the
literary analysis, the research could be a valuable tool for
medical professionals in determining the diagnosis of marijuana
related health effect.
Self-Medication and Bipolar Disorders
Tyler et al. (2015) provided adequate evidence to support the
claim that marijuana use increases the onset of bipolar
depression. While Tyler et al. sought to prove their hypotheses,
the research was biased because an old research method was
utilized that resulted in the same outcomes as previous studies.
While the authors acknowledged that the different chemical
components produced a range of psychological effects, they
failed to provide evidence about the effects associated with
THC as opposed to CBD. For example, marijuana that has more
THC may produce mania and depression, whereas CBD may
cause euphoria. While the EMS research is a valuable tool in

8. monitoring marijuana use, the problem that the substance is
associated with symptoms of mania and depression cannot be
ignored.
Conclusion
A considerable amount of evidence revealed that marijuana
use posed risks to individual health and caused psychosocial
problems. Although many states have legalized marijuana,
federal legalization would create research opportunities that
would study the long-term effects of marijuana use. Federal
legalization would also increase cohort studies with
pharmaceutical companies. Since many middle-aged adults use
marijuana for medical purposes, researchers should study the
long-term effects of marijuana use in these adults.
Understanding the long-term effects could assist doctors in
diagnosis and treatment plans. Furthermore, states should
launch public health campaigns about the adverse health effects
of marijuana use. This could increase awareness about the
growing marijuana use by teens and young adults and could
decrease use and potentially decrease the psychosocial effects
on this age group. Ultimately, understanding the negative
effects of marijuana use would lead to a healthier society.
Source: Hall, W. (2015). What has research over the past two
decades revealed about the adverse health effects of recreational
cannabis use? Addiction, 110(1), 19-35. doi:10.1111/add.12703

9. References
Cavalet, J. (2016, October). The highs and lows of medical
marijuana. Clinician Reviews, 26(10), p. 40-53
Fuster, D., Cheng, D. M., Allensworth-Davies, D., Palfai, T. P.,
Samet, J., & Saitz, R., (2014). No detectable association
between frequency of marijuana use and health or healthcare
utilization among primary care patients who screen positive for
drug use. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 29(1), 133-139.
doi: 10.1007/s11606-013-2605-z
Hall, W. (2015). What has research over the past two decades
revealed about the adverse health effects of recreational
cannabis use?. Addiction, 110(1), 19-35. doi:10.1111/add.12703
Tyler, E., Jones, S., Black, N., Carter, L., & Barrowclough, C.
(2015). The relationship between bipolar disorder and cannabis
use in daily life: an experience sampling study. Plos ONE,
10(3), 1-15. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118916
Volkow, N. D., Baler, R. D., Compton, W. M., & Weiss, S. R.
B. (2014). Adverse health effects of marijuana use. The New
England Journal of Medicine, 370(23), 2219-2227.
Running head: COACHMAN 1
COACHMAN
2
Effects of LGBTQ offspring on parents
by Ivory D Coachman

10. ILR260
Instructed by: James C. Lhotak, Jr., Ph.D.
[email protected]
National University
14, October 2018
Gonzalez, K. A. (2013). The positive aspects of being the parent
of an LGBTQ child. Educational, School, and Counseling
Psychology, 325-337.
This research study focuses on the positive gains and insights of
having LGBTQ children. It talks about the positive aspects of
having children with and says that it makes people confident,
critical, loving, caring, and very much different from all the
other parents having normal and straight children. These parents
learn to look at the world differently because they know the
worth of everything. For them, heath, happiness, and inner
satisfaction are the things which are the real wealth of this
world. These parents get opportunities to learn different things
and grow differently in the society from their children. They
learn to become cognitively flexible, creative, emotionally
sensitive, and attentive to personal values after they interact
with children having LGBTQ. The paper suggests that these
parents get involved in various challenging experiences because

11. of their children and it changes their views about social issues
to a very great extent. It increases their personal as well
interpersonal values and they grow a lot more quickly than
others. They acquire new behaviors and make new commitments
because their children’s social identities change and they have
to deal with the world with confidence and positivity. If the
except the realities regarding the identities of their children,
they become open minded, adapt new perspectives, get positive
emotions, become aware about different issues, and become
loving and caring. Family bonds also become very much
stronger because these parents become highly close to their
children so that their children do not think or feel that they are
alone or alien to the social settings.
This article is very informative and it talks about some healthy
and positive vibes that are associated with the parents of
LGBTQ children. It is written in a very simple form and
research has also shown in the simplest way possible. It talks
about all kinds of positive impacts and benefits that the parents
of such children receive. It can enrich people with a lot of
positive knowledge and awareness of the issue.
Heather Craig-Oldsen, J. A. (2006). Issues of Shared Parenting
of LGBTQ Children and Youth in Foster Care: Preparing Foster
Parents for New Roles. CHILD WELFARE .
This study talks about how foster parents of this era need to
cope with challenges which arise due to LGBTQ identities of
youngsters which they have to take care of. It suggests that
different kinds of trainings are necessary for foster parents to
take in order to know details of these identities and what issues
can come up with them. Safety, wellbeing, and permanence of
children in foster care is the responsibility of foster parents and
for that they need to acquire different skills which are
necessary. The author stresses that foster parents need to learn
to become positive and broad minded, trusting, caring, critical
to social behaviors, accepting, and friendly. Foster parents can
experience great challenges when it comes to having children in
their care who are LGBTQ. Lives of children in foster care are

12. usually very much secretive, personal and hidden from foster
parents. The study stresses that such children hardly share their
personal issues (especially related to sexual aspect) with foster
parents and foster parents need to analyze their behaviors and
symptoms in order to help them to get out of depressions and
face everything with pride. They can learn to acquire these
skills by gaining in service trainings. Moreover, the study clams
that the LGBTQ children at foster care can become vulnerable
to sexual and emotional abuse, physical assaults, bullying etc.
as well. Foster parent have to deal with these issues very much
critically. They must think about future safety and have to be
interactive with them so that they can share their issues.
This article has got a lot of knowledge about the support that
shared parenting can provide to LGBTQ children. However, it
fails to acknowledge the role of real parents in the whole
process. It is very informative and has been written in a
professional writing style. The research study shares different
perspectives of different researchers on the issue and concludes
that in service trainings of foster parents are very important for
the healthy growth of LGBTQ at foster homes.
Roe, S. (2016). “Family Support Would Have Been Like
Amazing” LGBTQ Youth Experiences With Parental and Family
Support. The Family Journal.
In this qualitative study, the behaviors of family members and
parents towards LGBTQ adolescents have been analyzed and
inquired. The results indicate that initial responses of most of
the parents are not very much positive and supportive while the
LGBTQ youngsters crave for serous support and attention of
their parents so they can face the society easily. The author says
that when they finally become successful in getting support of
their parents, they become able to acquire positive behaviors
and can save themselves from suicidal thoughts, depression, and
drug usage. These habits become a part of youngsters when they
feel that they are socially incompetent but if parents are with
them in such times, they grow up better. The research stresses
the positive relationship among LGBTQ and their parents for

13. better outcomes. It also indicates that health factors are also
important and when this relationship is strong, youngsters stay
away from many health issues. It has been also indicated from
the research that many parents fail to support their children
because their faith in religion does not allow them. This is also
one of the factors which acts as a hindrance against the bonding
of LGBTQ with their parents.
The study has conducted semi structured interviews and has
made themes out of the results. It has covered the whole issue
from all the sides and 4 themes talk about all the important
factors separately. This study is a very good source to know
about initial as well as advanced issues that may arise in this
process. Moreover, factors and their reasons have been
explained on the basis of interviews and observations.
Mehus, C. (2017). Living as an LGBTQ Adolescent and a
Parent’s Child: Overlapping or Separate Experiences. Journal of
Family Nursing.
This research paper talks about importance of support of
parents, teachers, classmates and friends for LGBTQ youngsters
and claims that higher level of support from parents is related to
lower depression and higher self-esteem in LGBTQ. The
experiences of youngsters (who are LGBTQ) have been
analyzed in this study while major importance is given to their
roles in the community and their interactions with their parents.
The author says that parent support and their reaction towards
the identities of their children is very important for the
behaviors, habits, acts of their LGBTQ children. Moreover, the
study also suggests that the experiences and health of LGBTQ
individuals also depend upon the members of their surrounding
community as well apart from parents. It says that positive
reactions and behaviors of community members are important
for LGBTQ children’s healthy growth and positive thoughts.
The study is a helpful tool to understand this issue in great
depth wince it has used open ended and go along interviews
which provides a great amount of knowledge about the
awareness of this issue. The interviews are a great source to get

14. first hand information for LGBTQ member, parents, or inquiring
minds.
References
Gonzalez, K. A. (2013). The positive aspects of being the parent
of an LGBTQ child. Educational, School, and Counseling
Psychology, 325-337.
Heather Craig-Oldsen, J. A. (2006). Issues of Shared Parenting
of LGBTQ Children and Youth in Foster Care: Preparing Foster
Parents for New Roles. CHILD WELFARE .
Mehus, C. (2017). Living as an LGBTQ Adolescent and a
Parent’s Child: Overlapping or Separate Experiences . Journal
of Family Nursing.
Roe, S. (2016). “Family Support Would Have Been Like
Amazing” LGBTQ Youth Experiences With Parental and Family
Support . The Family Journal.
Please refer to the attached paper template. READ AND
REVIEW the paper template. Use this template to write your
paper. Make sure you follow the very specific instructions in
the template; failure to do so will hurt your grade and waste
precious time. Of course, you can always email me if you have
any questions. The paper should be 6-8 pages long excluding
the cover page and reference page.
***MUST YOU THE SAMPLE RESEACH PAPER FOR YOUR
FORMAT***
TOPIC FOR YOU PAPER: FACTORS OF LGBTQ PARENTING
SUCCESS.
(see annotated bibliography and expound on the following

15. topics from the writings in it)
Literature Topic 1. Parental reaction and parental support.
Literature Topic 2. Address increased child vulnerability
Literature Topic 3. Secretive Behaviors
Literature Topic 4. Social Stability
1.Use the annotated bibliography for your literature review
portion with more detailed information. Provide data and
specifics.
*use the same references in the annotated bib and add new
references if you need too.
2. Use only peer reviewed literature from this
website:https://nuls.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscoh
ost.com/login.aspx?authtype=ip,uid&profile=all (I will message
user name and password).