Denver's Dr. Gregory Buford Calls for Increased Unbiased Marijuana Research

DENVER, Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Buford is calling for more clinical studies on how marijuana affects the human body systemically.

According to Dr. Buford, the way the public as a whole views marijuana needs to be adjusted as legalization continues to progress throughout the country. "When social, religious, or moral biases are removed, marijuana is simply a controlled substance and we need to treat it as such," states Dr. Buford. "Studying and acknowledging negative effects does not invalidate the positive medical benefits."

In a recent interview series, Dr. Buford discussed how marijuana, testosterone, and hormone replacement therapy can lead to various health concerns. Buford called for widespread education and awareness for gynecomastia, an embarrassing increase in male breast tissue often known as "man boobs" or "moobs." The condition is typically triggered by low testosterone or increased estrogen.

Gynecomastia has traditionally been treated as a purely cosmetic issue, but it can indicate greater health concerns caused by estrogen dominance in men. Dr. Buford stresses the import of treating the underlying issues and examining behaviors that may be contributing to lowered testosterone. One of those behaviors may be perpetual marijuana usage.

Although the few studies previously conducted were performed on animals, there has been indication that THC can lower testosterone levels, something Dr. Buford has seen personally in some of his patients. In the final installment of the interview series, Dr. Buford draws a hard line: it's time to drop the social, political, and moral disputes and begin looking at marijuana objectively.

"As a medical professional, I view substances without bias. THC is no different than any other drug—it is not inherently good or bad, but it can be abused," Dr. Buford says. "As a substance being used medicinally and recreationally, we need more information about its effects, both positive and negative, so we can properly understand the physical impact on habitual users and capitalize on any medicinal benefits."

Despite the factors currently limiting the exploration of both the beneficial and adverse effects of cannabis, Dr. Buford hopes that comprehensive research and clinical trials can be conducted at the institutional level, free from prejudice.

About BEAUTY by BUFORD: One of Denver's top plastic surgeons, Gregory Buford, MD, FACS, is the founder and medical director of BEAUTY by BUFORD. The Official Plastic Surgeon to the Miss Colorado Pageant, he was named one of "America's Top Surgeons" and is a nationally recognized trainer and consultant for many non-surgical products and techniques. He can be reached at 303-747-6719 or on his website. Dr. Buford is available for interview upon request.

Media Contact: Dr. Gregory Buford, BEAUTY by BUFORD, 303-747-6719,

www.beautybybuford.com 

SOURCE Dr. Gregory Buford