As more and more states take up marijuana legalization, Patrick Kennedy, a former U.S. representative from Rhode Island, has made a strong case for moving ahead with decriminalizing marijuana possession—while not normalizing and promoting its use. Pointing out the difference between the two, Kennedy says there are good reasons to end the criminalization of the drug, noting that over the past decades it has led to the mass incarceration of people, especially people of color. But he also believes that decriminalizing pot should not mean encouraging its use or downplaying its potentially harmful effects. While many people can use marijuana without it leading to problematic behavior, a growing body of evidence has shown that daily use of high-potency marijuana is linked to high rates of psychosis—especially in young people—as well as major depressive disorders and suicidal behavior and thoughts. Instead of helping what Kennedy calls the “addiction-for-profit” industry, the state must be a strong regulator of a marijuana market that prioritizes minimizing recreational use, educates the public about its harms, and expands the availability of robust mental health and substance use resources.
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Rosenthal Center for AddictIon Studies