More and more states are legalizing marijuana. In some cases, it’s just for medical purposes, and in others, recreational use has been decriminalized. The full impact of these changes is still not entirely clear, but there is emerging research that is laying out trends that are already observable since legalization began. At Safe Harbor Recovery Center, in Portsmouth, Virginia, we think that it is important for people to make informed decisions and assess the risks to their own well-being of engaging in substance use.
Does Regulation Reduce Risk?
In an era of increased overdoses, often from street drugs that have been secretly laced with fentanyl, harm reductionists point to legalized marijuana as a way for people to get high without putting their lives in danger. On the other hand, the states that have legalized marijuana have some of the highest rates of drug overdoses in the country, so there are arguments on both sides.
What We are Learning
One of the benefits of cannabis being made legal is an increase in research. There were 1400 cannabis-related studies released in 2022 alone. These studies are beginning to shed light on how legalization is impacting public health and safety. So far, research suggests that legalizing marijuana has not led to an increase in teen usage, a concern many people once had. At the same time, arrests for marijuana-related offenses have dropped significantly, both for minors and adults. This shift has relieved some of the burden on the criminal justice system and opened up opportunities for people—especially those from marginalized communities—to avoid lifelong consequences tied to non-violent drug charges.
Legalization has also brought in considerable revenue for states, with funds often redirected to support programs like addiction treatment, education, healthcare, and other vital social services. For those in recovery, this increase in support services can be incredibly beneficial.
From a medical standpoint, cannabis is being explored as a potential treatment option for a range of conditions. Among older adults, studies are looking into its effects on glaucoma and dementia. For the broader population, researchers are examining how cannabis might help manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis (MS), and nausea associated with cancer treatment. Other conditions under study include:
- Seizure disorders
- ALS
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
- Migraines
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
In many cases, these are health issues that would otherwise be treated with prescription medications that carry the risk of serious side effects or dependency. While cannabis is not without its own risks—particularly for those in recovery—this growing body of research offers new insight into its role in both public health and the future of medicine.
Dangers Remain
Just because marijuana has become legal in some places or for some applications does not mean that it is a cure-all or that it no longer carries any risk. Cannabis is still illegal on the federal level, which impedes research. There is reason to believe that legalized marijuana has contributed to increased criminal networks in some states. States have been legalizing its use for medical purposes, for which thorough studies have not been completed, hence the use of the words “may” and “could” to describe the potential impact of cannabis on medical disorders. There has not been enough research into some of these treatments to know if they work.
Even if marijuana is effective in addressing symptoms of some conditions, it is generally not a cure for the underlying problem. Risks from using cannabis include:
- Impaired memory and thinking
- Confusion and disorientation
- Poor muscle control
- Dizziness
- Panic attacks
- Changes in heart rate
- Increased reaction time
- Interactions with other drugs
- Addiction
People Most at Risk from Marijuana Use
Though doctors and researchers may find that marijuana has positive applications for certain groups, it is still recommended that some categories of people steer clear. This includes:
- Teenagers. Cannabis is still illegal for use by minors in all states. Adolescents can cause serious damage to their still-developing brains by smoking marijuana. Teens who smoke marijuana often experience a long-term decrease in attention, learning, and memory.
- Pregnant/breastfeeding women. There has been limited research on how cannabis impacts fetal and infant development when a mother uses marijuana, so it’s not worth the risk of harm, given that the research that does exist points to poor attention, memory, and problem-solving in children who were exposed in utero. Maternal marijuana use during pregnancy has also been shown to increase the risk of stillbirth, premature delivery, and low birth weight.
- People with a personal or family history of psychosis. Marijuana has been shown to trigger and exacerbate episodes of psychosis in people at risk for schizophrenia.
- People with heart disease. Some studies have shown an increased risk for heart attacks in the hour after a person uses cannabis.
At Safe Harbor Recovery Center, we treat substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Our team of professionals offers judgment-free support, with compassion, honesty, and respect.