Michigan legalized medical marijuana 12 years ago for certain health problems and allowed adult use for any ailment in 2018. What has happened in that time period? According to a new University of Michigan study, past-month pot use climbed 60 percent—especially among young adults ages 18-25—and one in 30 pregnant women use the drug. The number of fatal car crashes involving a driver under the influence more than tripled to 23.4 percent.
In addition, hospitalizations and emergency department visits increased—with teens and young adults accounting for the largest share of cases. Meanwhile, in Colorado, public perceptions about pot and driving are lagging behind statistical evidence highlighting the risks. A report from the state’s department of transportation says many Coloradans don’t believe that marijuana can impair driving, even as the number of drivers involved in fatal car crashes in the state who tested positive for pot rose sharply each year since 2013, more than doubling since 2018.
The department now wants to build an awareness campaign about the dangers of pot and driving—long after Colorado legalized marijuana. And finally, Ohio’s medical board has rejected proposals to add autism and anxiety to the list of 21 ailments that can be treated with medical marijuana. Opponents of including autism and anxiety said there was not enough data showing the benefits of pot for these patients, adding that such as a move would negatively impact the health and well being of thousands of children.