Can Marijuana Reduce Social Pain?
Abstract
Agreed. [1] Social and physical pain share common overlap at linguistic, behavioral, and neural levels.
Noted but weak.[2] Prior research has shown that acetaminophen—an analgesic medication that acts indirectly through cannabinoid 1 receptors—reduces the social pain associated with exclusion.
OK [3] Yet, no work has examined if other drugs that act on similar receptors, such as marijuana, also reduce social pain.
Ok [4] Across four methodologically diverse samples, marijuana use consistently buffered people from the negative consequences associated with loneliness and social exclusion.
Ok [5] These effects were replicated using cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental designs.
Agreed. [6] These findings offer novel evidence supporting common overlap between social and physical pain processes.
I do agree that there is clear evidence that there is a common overlap between social and physical pain processes.
However, I don't see enough strength of evidence to support either marijuana or Tylenol given there mild at best benefit and clearly much more promising alternatives like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, certain psych drugs, support groups, and even simple text messaging.
"Contrary to what many pot smokers may tell you, marijuana is addictive, at least psychologically. Even among occasional users, one in 12 can feel withdrawal symptoms if they can't get high when they want to. Among heavy pot smokers, the rates of dependence are higher." (WebMD)
It's not always one is socially excluded just because they suffer from a certain phobia. There's plenty of old people, people with social impediments and other problems that could benefit. In these cases CBT wouldn't help. And besides, what's the problem with the drug itself? The side- effects are minor, its easy to use and doesn't cause any long term problems. also it's a cheap drug.
I know this is a somewhat narrow thing to say but; you can get funding for the most obvious research it's incredible.
You think the statements were obvious? I thought it was the opposite!
It seems that there is a lot of psychological benefits with marijuana if a person already has some problems.