A recent article from JAMA highlights how marijuana use is rising among young adults in the U.S. — but problems associated with the drug are also increasing.
Nationwide, many states have legalized marijuana to varying degrees, and federal regulators have eased restrictions. But legalization has shown that marijuana raises real concerns when it comes to public health.
Authors at JAMA note that nearly one in three young adults now report using marijuana in the past month. But a study published in JAMA Psychiatry in August found that cannabis use disorder (CUD) — one measure of marijuana dependence — is also on the rise. The study’s authors indicate that’s a serious problem, because CUD is tied to physical and mental problems like suicidality, violence, and schizophrenia.
Yale reports roughly 30% of current cannabis users now meet the criteria for addiction. THC — the main psychoactive substance in marijuana — has been tied to everything from heart disease and cancer to stroke, mental illness, and birth defects.
In fact, researchers have found marijuana use doubles a person’s risk of death from heart disease.
And contrary to popular belief, legalization in other states has actually emboldened drug cartels and increased the flow of illegal drugs across the country.
These problems don’t just hurt marijuana users. They affect entire communities — including the people who never use marijuana or other drugs.
All of this 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.
