The Rising Alarm About the Dangers of Legalized Marijuana
As more and more states legalize marijuana, concerns are growing about its potential dangers. One of the most alarming issues is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition that causes severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Miriam, a 45-year-old woman, experienced this condition after using a 95% pure THC vape pen, which led to a five-day hospital stay.
CHS is rare but becoming more common as people consume higher-potency cannabis with greater frequency. The condition is often linked to long-term, frequent, and heavy marijuana use. Symptoms begin with nausea, followed by cyclical vomiting, dehydration, and emergency room visits.
Despite the growing concerns, many experts argue that the pace of legalization is outstripping scientific evidence on the safety of long-term marijuana use. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report in 2017 that found “insufficient or no evidence” for medical uses of marijuana, except for three areas: chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis.
The increasing potency of marijuana is also a concern. THC levels have increased dramatically over the past few decades, making it easier for users to become addicted. A study in Colorado linked cannabis to increased temporary psychosis, and another study found that heavy and early use of cannabis is associated with increased risk of developing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
Yasmin Hurd, a neurobiologist at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, has done groundbreaking research on the neurological risks of adolescent THC use. Her studies have shown that rats given THC as adolescents will self-administer heroin at higher rates once they are adults. She also found that brain scans of adult rats exposed to THC as adolescents showed attenuated neural networks, similar to those seen in humans with schizophrenia.
Hurd’s research has also shown that CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, can be used to effectively reduce opiate craving. However, she notes that the cannabis industry has been slow to adopt CBD-based therapies, and that more research is needed to understand its potential benefits and risks.
The debate over marijuana legalization is complex and contentious. While some argue that it is a safer alternative to other drugs, others believe that it is a gateway drug that can lead to addiction and other health problems. As more states consider legalizing marijuana, it is essential that we prioritize scientific research and public health concerns.
