More than 1,500 municipalities across New York State decided at the end of 2021 whether to opt-out of allowing marijuana businesses, with about half of all cities, towns, an villages banning dispensaries and 57 percent saying ‘no’ to on-site consumption lounges. Although pro-pot groups like to point out that an overwhelming majority of Americans favor legalization, there is still much debate when it comes to opening neighborhood cannabis businesses. In New York, many of these local discussions led to fractious board meetings, strident social media posts, and political challenges from citizens and interested groups, reflecting the depth of divided opinions about cannabis reform. Those who want to opt out cite the following reasons: state regulations are not yet complete, a fear of encouraging drug use, especially for young people; changing the character of a town; and finally, worries about drugged driving. Supporters point out the economic benefits of job creation and tax revenue. As legalization is likely to move forward in a slew of states this year, this debate is far from over.
Meanwhile, concerns about drugged driving in the age of legal weed is not an overreaction, at least according to yet another study about the impact of marijuana on driving. The research, published in JAMA Psychiatry, showed that regular cannabis users may be driving more impaired and for longer than they may think. Worse driving performance is evident for several hours post smoking in many users, according to the study. What’s more, the consistent and frequent use of cannabis negatively affects cognitive function and reduces driving ability. Those in the study who had smoked THC, the psychoactive component of pot, showed reduce driving performance including being more likely to leave their lane, and this persisted even after three hours, in which they showed lingering signs of impaired driving ability.
And finally, in addition to avoiding drugged driving, you may also want to avoid marijuana when pregnant, as yet another study makes very clear. Published in JAMA Open Network, the analysis found that people who smoke marijuana during pregnancy are at a higher risk for having low birth weight babies and preterm delivery, among other complications, compared to those not exposed to the drug. The drug takers are also more likely to require admission to neonatal intensive care units due to birth complications. This latest report adds to a growing body of evidence underscoring the risks and dangers of marijuana during pregnancy, and the potential harm it may cause to your baby.