As Marijuana’s Popularity Grows, So Do Its Harms

Recent investigations have unveiled the serious health harms that heavy marijuana users are experiencing and shown that marijuana use is on the rise, particularly among young adults, with concerning rates of use disorders and addiction.

Marijuana use has been steadily rising among adults

The government survey has brought to light that not only is marijuana use increasing among adults aged 18 and over, but there has also been a significant rise in the number of people using it daily or near-daily. In a striking development, more people now report using marijuana daily or near-daily than those reporting the same levels of alcohol use—a first in 2022. As recreational marijuana becomes legal across an ever-growing number of U.S. states, a commercialized industry has emerged, offering a plethora of products with varying levels of THC, many of which bear little resemblance to the marijuana products of the past.

A government survey found that 30% of cannabis users aged 18 and over, or about 18 million Americans, reported having some level of cannabis use disorder, with 3 million considered addicted.

The market has seen a swift transition from primarily medical to recreational use, raising concerns about the safety and perceived naturalness of marijuana, irrespective of its legality. More people report that their marijuana use is negatively impacting their lives in what is known as cannabis use disorder. Individuals who meet two of the eleven designated criteria are considered to have a mild case of this disorder, while those meeting six or more are seen to have a severe disorder, also known as addiction.

Cannabis use disorder is especially prevalent among young adults, with 81% of daily or near-daily users aged 18-25 meeting the criteria for the disorder.

The survey has specifically highlighted that out of approximately 4.5 million young adults between the ages of 18 to 25 who use marijuana daily or near daily, a staggering 81% meet the ...

Chronic marijuana use can sometimes lead to severe physical health effects, including a condition known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Some chronic marijuana users develop a condition called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), which causes severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Jennifer Macaluso started using marijuana medically on her doctor's suggestion to manage migraines and initially found it effective. However, after about six months, she began waking up nauseous every morning and experienced stomach aches. Instead of providing relief, her increased marijuana use exacerbated the situation, leading to cycles of severe vomiting and stomach pain.

CHS patients often find temporary relief by taking extremely hot showers or baths, sometimes to the point of burning themselves, and the syndrome can lead to serious complications like dehydration, seizures, and even cardiac arrest.

As Macaluso’s condition worsened, she encountered very dark days and felt she might die as she was bedridden. The pain was so intense at times that sufferers of CHS, like Macaluso, could be found screaming in agony.

CHS appears to be on the rise alongside the legalization and commercialization of increasingly potent marijuana products, but it is still not well-understood by the medical community.

Despite repeated medical consultations, including visits to four different gastroenterologists and undergoing numerous tes ...

The relationship between marijuana use and mental health is layered and complex, encompassing temporary psychotic episodes and an increased risk of chronic psychotic disorders. Researchers and healthcare professionals are examining the link between marijuana, especially high-potency strains, and these debilitating health outcomes.

Marijuana use, especially of high-potency products, can trigger temporary psychotic episodes characterized by paranoia, hallucinations, and detachment from reality.

One dramatic example of the potential impact of marijuana use on mental health is the story of a veteran who, after trying marijuana for the first time, experienced a psychotic episode so severe that he shot and injured his girlfriend and killed one of their dogs. This tragic event highlights the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous nature of marijuana-induced psychosis. These temporary psychotic episodes are characterized by symptoms that include paranoia, hallucinations, and a detachment from reality, which can significantly disrupt a person’s life and can pose a danger to themselves and others.

Long-term, regular marijuana use, particularly starting in adolescence, has been linked to an increased risk of developing chronic psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.

The brain continues to develop well into a person's mid-20s, and this is also the period when chronic psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, frequently manifest. There is mounting evidence that suggests marijuana use plays a contributing role in the development of these disorders. The risk is reportedly higher with the use of higher potency cannabis products, more frequent usage, and earlier initiation of use.

Researchers are starting to compare the relationship betwee ...