Tell Your Children

1. Cannabis use significantly increases the risk of developing schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders

"Cannabis use is likely to increase the risk of developing schizophrenia and other psychoses; the higher the use, the greater the risk," the scientists concluded.

Longitudinal studies reveal link: Multiple large-scale, long-term studies across different countries have consistently shown that cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. The risk appears to be dose-dependent, with heavier and more frequent use leading to greater risk.

Genetic factors not sole cause: While there is a genetic component to schizophrenia, research has shown that cannabis use independently increases risk, even when controlling for family history and other factors. The drug seems to act as a trigger in individuals who may be predisposed to psychosis, pushing them over the edge into full-blown mental illness.

Mechanism still unclear: Scientists are still working to understand exactly how cannabis affects the brain to increase psychosis risk. Some theories suggest it may disrupt the endocannabinoid system or lead to dopamine dysregulation. More research is needed, but the epidemiological link is now well-established.

2. The potency of marijuana has increased dramatically, amplifying its potential dangers

Through the mid-1970s, most marijuana consumed in the United States contained less than 2 percent THC. Today's users wouldn't even recognize that drug as marijuana.

THC levels have skyrocketed: The potency of cannabis, measured by THC content, has increased exponentially over the past few decades. In the 1970s, typical marijuana contained 1-2% THC. Today, commercially available strains regularly contain 20-25% THC, with some concentrated products reaching nearly 100% THC.

Increased potency, increased risk: This dramatic rise in potency likely amplifies all the potential negative effects of cannabis use. Higher THC levels mean:

• Greater risk of addiction
• More intense psychoactive effects
• Higher likelihood of adverse reactions like anxiety and psychosis
• Potentially stronger long-term impacts on brain development in young users

Market forces drive potency: As cannabis has been legalized in many areas, market competition has pushed growers to develop increasingly potent strains. This trend shows no signs of slowing, raising concerns about the long-term public health impacts of high-potency cannabis products.

3. Medical marijuana laws have been driven more by politics than scientific evidence

Even now, doctors cannot prescribe marijuana, because the FDA has never approved cannabis to treat any medical condition.

Lack of clinical evidence: Despite widespread claims about marijuana's medical benefits, there is little rigorous scientific evidence supporting its use for most conditions. The FDA has not approved whole plant cannabis for any medical use due to lack of clinical trial data on safety and efficacy.

Loopholes in medical laws: In many states with medical marijuana laws, the regulations are loosely written and poorly enforced. A small number of doctors write most prescriptions, often after very brief consultations. Common qualifying conditions like "chronic pain" are difficult to verify or disprove.

Political and financial motivations: The push for medical marijuana laws has often been driven more by political activists and business interests than by medical professionals or researchers. These laws have served as a stepping stone toward full legalization in many states. Key points:

• Most medical users were recreational users first
• "Medical" laws increase overall cannabis use and acceptance
• Industry profits from both medical and recreational markets

4. Cannabis use is strongly associated with increased violence and crime

Marijuana causes paranoia and psychosis. Paranoia and psychosis cause violence.

Multiple studies show link: Contrary to popular belief, numerous studies have found that cannabis use is associated with increased violent behavior. This link appears to be even stronger than the connection between alcohol and violence in many cases.

Psychosis as a mediator: One major pathway from cannabis to violence is through its ability to cause paranoia and psychosis, even in otherwise healthy individuals. Psychotic symptoms like paranoid delusions can lead to violent outbursts. Key statistics:

• People with psychosis are 5 times more likely to commit violent crimes
• 15-20% of prisoners have diagnosable psychotic disorders
• Cannabis use disorder is common among violent offenders

Direct effects on behavior: Even without full psychosis, cannabis intoxication may increase aggression and lower inhibitions in some users, similar to alcohol. The unpredictable nature of cannabis-induced behavioral changes makes this particularly concerning from a public safety perspective.

5. Marijuana can cause temporary psychosis even in individuals without a history of mental illness

Sometimes those are short-term episodes in healthy people. Sometimes they are months-long spirals in people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Acute cannabis-induced psychosis: Even in individuals with no prior history of mental illness, high doses of cannabis can trigger temporary psychotic episodes. Symptoms may include:

• Paranoid delusions
• Hallucinations
• Disorganized thinking
• Extreme anxiety or panic

Unpredictable and dangerous: These acute psychotic reactions can lead to erratic and potentially violent behavior. Several high-profile crimes have been linked to cannabis-induced temporary psychosis in otherwise "normal" individuals.

Risk factors unclear: It's difficult to predict who will experience psychotic reactions to cannabis. Possible contributing factors include:

• High THC potency
• Method of consumption (e.g., edibles vs. smoking)
• Individual biology and genetics
• Concurrent use of other substances
• Set and setting of use

6. The link between cannabis and opioid use is complex, with marijuana potentially increasing rather than decreasing opioid abuse

From 1999 through 2016, the most recent year for which state-level data was available, no link between medical marijuana laws and opiate deaths existed.

Debunking the substitution theory: Some have claimed that increasing access to marijuana could help combat the opioid epidemic by providing a safer alternative for pain relief. However, more recent and comprehensive research has failed to support this hypothesis.

Cannabis as a potential gateway: Several studies have found that cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of future opioid use and abuse. Key findings:

• Cannabis users were almost 3 times as likely to use opiates 3 years later
• States with higher marijuana use tend to have more opiate deaths
• Cannabis use is strongly correlated with cocaine use at the state level

Need for caution: While marijuana may have pain-relieving properties for some individuals, promoting it as a solution to the opioid crisis is premature and potentially dangerous. More research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between cannabis and opioid use.

7. Emergency room visits and hospitalizations related to cannabis use have risen sharply

In 2014, emergency rooms saw more than 1.1 million cases that included a diagnosis of marijuana abuse or dependence—up from fewer than 400,000 in 2006.

Dramatic increase in cannabis-related ER visits: The number of emergency room visits involving marijuana has more than doubled in recent years. This rise outpaces increases in cannabis use, suggesting the average user may be experiencing more adverse effects.

Reasons for ER visits:

• Acute anxiety and panic attacks
• Psychotic episodes
• Cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attacks)
• Accidental injuries while intoxicated
• Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (severe nausea and vomiting)

Strain on healthcare system: The sharp rise in cannabis-related emergency visits and hospitalizations places an increasing burden on healthcare resources. This trend is likely to continue as cannabis use becomes more widespread and potent products proliferate.

8. Cannabis use may be particularly dangerous for adolescents and young adults

Using cannabis beginning at age 15 raised risk of hallucinations by almost 3 times at 21.

Vulnerable developing brains: The adolescent brain is still undergoing significant development, particularly in areas related to decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Cannabis use during this critical period may have long-lasting negative impacts.

Increased risks for youth: Research shows that early and frequent cannabis use in adolescence is associated with:

• Higher rates of addiction
• Greater risk of developing psychosis
• Cognitive impairments, including lower IQ
• Poorer educational outcomes
• Increased risk of depression and anxiety

Delaying onset is crucial: Public health efforts should focus on delaying the age of first cannabis use. Even a few years can make a significant difference in reducing long-term risks associated with marijuana use.

9. Public perception of marijuana's safety contrasts sharply with mounting scientific evidence of its risks

For twenty-five years, marijuana legalizers have trounced their opponents by endlessly repeating two myths, that cannabis is effective medicine and that American prisons are filled with black people arrested for marijuana possession.

Shift in public opinion: Over the past few decades, public perception of marijuana has shifted dramatically towards viewing it as relatively harmless. This change has been driven by:

• Advocacy groups and industry marketing
• Portrayal in popular media
• Comparisons to alcohol and tobacco
• Focus on medical applications

Disconnect from scientific evidence: The increasingly positive public view of cannabis contrasts sharply with a growing body of research highlighting its potential dangers. Key areas of concern:

• Mental health risks
• Cognitive impairment
• Addiction potential
• Cardiovascular effects
• Impact on brain development

Need for public education: Bridging this gap between perception and evidence is crucial for informed policy-making and individual decision-making around cannabis use.

10. More research is urgently needed on the long-term effects of cannabis use

Considering that the agency that oversees mental health research here can't even decide whether 1 million or 3 million Americans have schizophrenia, marijuana would have to cause a massive increase in psychosis before anyone would notice.

Gaps in knowledge: Despite increasing use and legalization, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of the long-term effects of cannabis use. Areas needing further study include:

• Impact on brain development and cognition
• Relationship to mental health disorders
• Potential medical applications
• Effects of high-potency products
• Interactions with other substances

Challenges in research: Several factors have hindered comprehensive cannabis research:

• Federal classification as a Schedule I drug
• Difficulty obtaining consistent, standardized cannabis for studies
• Ethical concerns about administering potentially harmful substances
• Funding limitations

Urgent need for data: As more jurisdictions legalize cannabis, it's crucial to gather rigorous, long-term data on its effects. This information is essential for developing evidence-based policies and public health interventions to minimize potential harms while exploring possible benefits.

Last updated: September 20, 2024