Revisiting Marijuana’s Mental Health Crisis

Marijuana legalization is creating a mental health emergency among America’s most vulnerable populations.

A troubling study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that cannabis use among people with a history of psychosis “sharply increased” in states where recreational marijuana was legalized. The increase in prior 30-day use was three times higher than in the general population.

This is especially alarming because high-potency marijuana can trigger serious mental health problems.

Another study from Massachusetts General Hospital showed teen psychiatric emergencies spiked after marijuana commercialization began in the state. Teen marijuana use jumped from 5% to 17.3% in psychiatric emergency cases, while cannabis-related disorders among teens increased from 3.2% to 12.1%.

Today’s marijuana is not the same drug from decades past. Modern marijuana — and the drugs and extracts made from it — is far more dangerous. High-potency marijuana can contain 15% to 30% THC, sometimes even 60% THC, compared to just 3% THC in marijuana from the 1960s.

Arkansans should learn from experiences in other states when it comes to marijuana’s legalization and expansion.

All of this simply underscores what we have said for years: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.