LEGAL MARIJUANA MARKETS NEED TIGHTER REGULATION
TO SAFEGUARD PUBLIC HEALTH
Marijuana legalization in the U.S. was supposed to usher in a new era of safe consumption of the drug with well-regulated adult-use markets, among other promises. While some of these goals have been realized—such as boosting states’ tax revenues—we’re also seeing serious health downsides, especially among young people. With 19 states plus Washington, D.C., now operating recreational cannabis markets, and 37 states sanctioning medical marijuana, reliable data indicates there has been a significant increase in cannabis use and addiction, psychotic episodes, and even cases of chronic vomiting related to marijuana consumption.
High THC levels cause concern
Particularly troubling is the ease with which teenagers can get their hands on high-potency marijuana oils and waxes whose levels of THC—the psychoactive component of the drug—often exceed 60 percent and can reach 90 percent (up from an average 17 percent in 2017). Although recreational cannabis is illegal for those under 21, it has become more accessible in legal states through dispensaries that are not diligent about checking identities, online sales, the illegal market, and in e-cigarettes that have grown in popularity among both middle and high school students. And while cannabis is not quite as dangerous (and deadly) as the opioids and hard drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and meth that are fueling the nationwide rise in overdose deaths, high-THC marijuana products pose their own risks—and are proving especially harmful to the still-developing brains of teenagers.
A growing body of evidence shows that adolescents who frequently use cannabis products may experience anxiety, agitation, paranoia, and psychosis, which could eventually lead to lifetime psychiatric disorders such as depression and suicidal ideation, changes in brain anatomy, and poor memory. Cases of cannabis use disorder (and addiction) are also increasing, along with emergency room visits for a condition known as “cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome” that causes chronic vomiting.
Regulations are sorely lacking
Of course, this could all have been avoided had those advocating legalization only considered the possible health risks and implemented tighter market controls before the markets launched. Today, the potency of cannabis products remains largely unregulated in legal states. Only two of those states—Vermont and Connecticut—have imposed caps on THC levels (60 percent for e-cigarette pods, and 30 percent for plants). But even those may not be having on impact. Not surprisingly, the cannabis industry opposes any type of limitations on THC, fearing that curbs may dent sales, and the Food and Drug Administration has been slow to act, as marijuana is still federally illegal.
We support the recent efforts of doctors and lawmakers in Colorado and California to mandate mental health-warning labels on cannabis products and in advertising and packaging. Educational materials should also be distributed to first-time customers outlining the risks marijuana poses to youth, drivers, and those who are pregnant. Equally important are caps on THC levels, which should be implemented in all legal marijuana states. There is no doubt that legalization will continue, so it’s critical to ensure that all consumers are safe—especially our youth and other vulnerable population groups.
