A movement is growing in several states to enact legislation that limits high levels of intoxicating THC in marijuana products, after new scientific research showed the substance is associated with cases of psychosis and cognitive impairment in young people. Colorado is considering such curbs for all adult-use marijuana, while Florida is looking at medical marijuana, with sponsors of a bill saying high-potency pot s being abused by doctors and patients as well as recreational users. Any measures to limit easier access to marijuana face strong opposition from the cannabis industry, which argues that any regulation will lead us back to the days of Reefer Madness.
Meanwhile, more news on THC: a new study finds that the psychoactive component of pot persists in breast milk when mothers used marijuana during pregnancy—and even after successfully abstaining. The report, in JAMA Pediatrics, called for early marijuana abstention to limit the effects of THC on fetal brain development.
And finally, a hard-hitting op-ed in the online Connecticut Mirror calls out Gov. Ned Lamont of Connecticut for pursuing fast track marijuana legalization, saying there’s “only talk of money” and no debate about “poisoning our children and adolescents.” The article also questions the notion that legalization will help communities of color through new business opportunities, asserting that it will also get their children hooked on marijuana.