Northern Waters Clinic’s Position on the Use of MarijuanaOctober 2023

Since the State of Minnesota has legalized medical marijuana and the recreational use of marijuana, we have gotten many questions about marijuana from our patients to treat psychiatric conditions. This has prompted us to create this statement about marijuana.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, there is no current scientific evidence that cannabis is in any way beneficial for the treatment of any psychiatric disorders. In fact, current evidence supports a strong association of cannabis use with the onset of psychiatric disorders. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to harm, given the effects of cannabis on neurological development. The APA’s statement can be found here (https://www.psychiatry.org/getattachment/12aa44f8-016e-4f8c-8b92-d3fb11a7155f/Position-Cannabis-as-Medicine.pdf)

We recognize that many people use marijuana. We will not judge you using marijuana, but we want patients to understand that using marijuana may interfere with your treatment. It is important to disclose your use of marijuana or any of its derivates, as well as other drugs or alcohol.

If you feel you need specific treatment for drug or alcohol use, please bring this up with your provider. We are here to help.