MARIJUANA’S GLOW-UP: AMERICA’S NEW FAVORITE INTOXICANT
In the last few decades, marijuana has undergone a significant transformation. What was once a illegal substance is now legal for recreational adult use in nearly half of the 50 states. According to a study by Jonathan Caulkins, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, more Americans are now using marijuana daily or near-daily than consuming alcohol at the same rate.
The number of daily or near-daily marijuana users has grown from less than 1 million in 1992 to 17.7 million in 2022, a 15-fold increase. The THC industry touts its wares as a more natural alternative to alcohol with numerous health benefits, including decreased nausea, pain, and sleeplessness.
However, the rapid shift toward liberalization of marijuana policy has caught researchers off guard. The lack of regulation and government funding has made it difficult to study the potential risks and benefits of long-term marijuana use. Furthermore, the high potency of modern marijuana products has raised concerns about addiction and negative health outcomes.
Some studies have shown that regular marijuana use among adolescents and teens can predict increased risk of the development of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Others have linked heavy marijuana use to depression, suicidal ideation, disrupted dopamine function, and disruptions in the anatomy of the brain.
Despite the lack of regulation, the THC industry is booming, with millions of Americans living in cities and counties with retail shops offering a range of products. The rise of marijuana retail has opened new doors for people who might have once shied away because they didn’t like smoking or were worried about breaking the law.
Researchers are calling for more investment in studying the effects of marijuana use, particularly among heavy users. They are also advocating for federal regulation of marijuana, similar to alcohol and tobacco, to ensure public health and safety.
The Biden administration has proposed changing marijuana to a Schedule III drug, which would make it easier for researchers to study its effects. However, more needs to be done to address the lack of regulation and funding for marijuana research.
As the number of daily marijuana users continues to rise, it’s essential to prioritize public health and safety. By supporting more research and regulation, we can better understand the effects of marijuana use and ensure that it is used responsibly.
