{"id":25150,"date":"2025-04-24T08:00:52","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T12:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/doinglifetogether\/?p=25150"},"modified":"2025-04-19T19:09:55","modified_gmt":"2025-04-19T23:09:55","slug":"the-real-impact-of-cannabis-on-health-and-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/doinglifetogether\/2025\/04\/the-real-impact-of-cannabis-on-health-and-community.html","title":{"rendered":"The Real Impact of Cannabis on Health and Community"},"content":{"rendered":"

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As cannabis legalization spreads across the U.S., it\u2019s easy to be swept up in the misinformation and economic promise. But beyond the buzz, the real impact of marijuana on public health and communities tells a different story\u2014one that deserves closer attention.<\/p>\n

False Promises and Rising Risks<\/strong><\/p>\n

The push for legalization was largely sold on optimistic claims: less crime, more regulation, and access to medical relief. But the reality? In states like California, a 2023 audit found\u00a0two-thirds of cannabis sold still comes from the illegal market, with related crime on the rise. High-potency cannabis products\u2014often over 20% THC\u2014flood the shelves, while research continues to uncover links between marijuana use and increased mental health issues.<\/p>\n

As Stanford drug policy expert Keith Humphreys puts it, the public was\u00a0misled about the risks. This mirrors the opioid crisis where profit trumped caution, and addiction followed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMedical\u201d or Merely Marketed?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many falsely believe medical marijuana is regulated like other prescription drugs, but the reality is very different. In Virginia, for example, there are no required qualifying conditions. A provider can recommend cannabis for any condition they see fit\u2014without specifying a product or dose. They give a recommendation, not a prescription. And most all the conditions recommended for have no evidence-base that they help. Dispensing is left to \u201cbudtenders,\u201d not pharmacists or physicians.<\/p>\n

Cannabis is used most commonly for sleep, anxiety, stress, and pain, but it often replaces medically prescribed or evidenced-based treatments, creating risks\u2014especially in older adults. THC and CBD can interfere with antidepressants, opioids, and blood thinners. And what feels like immediate relief often masks symptoms, eventually worsening them.<\/p>\n

Community and Vulnerable Populations at Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cannabis doesn\u2019t just impact users\u2014it affects entire communities.\u00a0Secondhand smoke\u00a0exposes children to THC, contributing to positive drug tests and respiratory issues. Pregnant women using cannabis face increased risks of\u00a0low birth weight, stillbirth, and developmental delays, and\u00a0THC lingers in breast milk for days.<\/p>\n

Youth use is especially concerning. Starting young can\u00a0permanently reduce IQ, damage white matter in the brain, and increase the risk of psychiatric disorders. One major study (ABCD) shows cannabis impairs memory, judgment, and coordination even after intoxication wears off.<\/p>\n

Psychiatric patients are particularly vulnerable when it comes to cannabis use due to the drug\u2019s potential to worsen or even trigger mental health conditions. Research shows that THC can intensify symptoms of anxiety, depression, and psychosis, especially in individuals with a predisposition to psychiatric disorders. Additionally, patients struggling with mental illness may be more susceptible to substance misuse as a form of self-medication, increasing the risk of dependency and poor treatment outcomes.<\/p>\n

The Broader Consequences<\/strong><\/p>\n

From a public health standpoint, cannabis is no small issue:<\/p>\n