Long-Term Cannabis Use Found Not to Harm Health in Spanish Study

A recent study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research indicates that long-term cannabis consumption does not negatively impact health among Spanish users. The research analyzed data from 600,000 individuals, focusing on 419 regular cannabis consumers in Catalonia, and found no significant health deterioration compared to the general population

Spain is one of the leading countries in Europe for cannabis use, following France. While personal and private cannabis use is decriminalized, public consumption or possession can result in fines. The study utilized data from a national survey conducted between 2019 and 2020, ensuring a representative sample with a 95% accuracy rate

The study's participants had an average age of 33, with most working in services, administration, or commerce. A significant portion of the sample reported previous drug use, including MDMA and cocaine. Despite higher drug use, researchers found no adverse health effects, as evidenced by indicators like BMI and cholesterol levels

Mental health assessment showed that 94% of participants felt happy and 92% felt creative during cannabis use. The study noted that while some users experienced sleep issues and a desire to quit, social support and sleep problems were more indicative of mental health outcomes than cannabis use itself

Researchers suggest including more cannabis-related questions in national health surveys to better understand its impact. They caution about potential dependency, as 40% of participants expressed a desire to stop using cannabis. The study highlights that cannabis users often have better health perceptions and lower BMI compared to the general population