General and oral health implications of cannabis use.
Dental School, The University of Adelaide, South Australia.
choi.cho@student.adelaide.edu.au
Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, is the most frequently
used illicit drug in Australia. Therefore, oral health care
providers are likely to encounter patients who are regular
users. An upward trend in cannabis use is occurring in Australia,
with 40 per cent of the population aged 14 and above having
used the drug. There are three main forms of cannabis: marijuana,
hash and hash oil, all of which contain the main psychoactive
constituent delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabis is
most commonly smoked, however it can be added to foods. THC
from cannabis enters the bloodstream and exerts its effects
on the body via interaction with endogenous receptors. Cannabis
affects almost every system of the body, particularly the cardiovascular,
respiratory and immune systems. It also has acute and chronic
effects on the mental health of some users. Therefore, chronic
abuse is a concern because of its negative effects on general
physical and mental health. Cannabis abusers generally have
poorer oral health than non-users, with an increased risk of
dental caries and periodontal diseases. Cannabis smoke acts
as a carcinogen and is associated with dysplastic changes and
pre-malignant lesions within the oral mucosa. Users are also
prone to oral infections, possibly due to the immunosuppressive
effects. Dental treatment on patients intoxicated on cannabis
can result in the patient experiencing acute anxiety, dysphoria
and psychotic-like paranoiac thoughts. The use of local anaesthetic
containing epinephrine may seriously prolong tachycardia already
induced by an acute dose of cannabis. Oral health care providers
should be aware of the diverse adverse effects of cannabis
on general and oral health and incorporate questions about
patients' patterns of use in the medical history.
PMID: 16050084 [PubMed - in process]
