A compelling new video from the Every Brain Matters YouTube channel sheds light on the often-overlooked dangers of marijuana legalisation. Hosted by Heidi Anderson-Swan, an activist and author of ‘A Night in Jail’, the video explores why today’s cannabis landscape poses greater risks than many realise.

Anderson-Swan explores how the rise of industrialised THC products, stemming from medicalisation and legalisation efforts in various states, has fundamentally altered the nature of cannabis consumption. The marijuana available today bears little resemblance to the less potent varieties of decades past, before widespread commercialisation took hold.

Potency Concerns

The increasing legalisation and normalisation of marijuana use across many parts of the world has led to a widespread perception that cannabis is a relatively harmless substance. However, emerging research and clinical evidence suggest that marijuana – particularly the high-potency products prevalent today – may pose significantly greater risks than previously understood.

One of the key issues is the dramatic increase in THC potency over recent decades. While marijuana of the 1960s-70s typically contained 1-3% THC, many of today’s cannabis products have THC concentrations of 15-30% or higher. Concentrated products like oils, waxes and “shatter” can reach 80-90% THC.

This exponential increase in potency means that modern cannabis use often results in much higher doses of THC than in the past. The human endocannabinoid system was not designed to handle such large influxes of external cannabinoids.

Mental Health Impacts 

A growing body of research links regular cannabis use, especially of high-potency products, to increased risk of psychosis, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The risk appears highest for adolescents and young adults whose brains are still developing.

One father interviewed for this article described his teenage son experiencing cannabis-induced psychosis after using high-potency products: “He had this god-like complex…completely out of touch with reality. That 17 year old kid I brought up was not that person anymore.”

Withdrawal and Dependence

While marijuana was long considered non-addictive, we now know that about 1 in 10 users will develop cannabis use disorder. Regular users often experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, sleep problems, and cravings when they stop using.

The father quoted above noted his son went through “the most horrific depression” and experienced suicidal thoughts for months after stopping cannabis use. “Nobody tells you about the crash that comes after,” he said.

Cognitive Effects

Studies have found that regular marijuana use is associated with reduced cognitive function, particularly in the areas of memory, attention, and learning. These effects can persist even after periods of abstinence in those who started using as adolescents.

While occasional, moderate adult use likely poses minimal cognitive risks, heavy use or use by young people may have lasting impacts on brain development and function.

Physical Health Concerns

Smoking marijuana can cause respiratory issues similar to tobacco smoking. Vaping, while eliminating some toxins, introduces its own health uncertainties. Cannabis use is also linked to increased risk of cardiovascular problems in some users.

Marijuana use during pregnancy has been associated with low birth weight and other developmental concerns in infants. Cannabis significantly impairs driving ability, increasing crash risk. As marijuana use becomes more prevalent, drugged driving is an increasing public safety concern.

Need for Education and Caution

While marijuana likely has legitimate medical uses and may be less harmful than some other drugs, the idea that it is completely benign is not supported by evidence. There is a pressing need for better public education on the risks of cannabis use, particularly for young people and heavy users.

Policymakers should consider implementing potency limits, stricter age restrictions, and other regulations to mitigate potential harms as marijuana becomes more widely available.

Ultimately, individuals need accurate information to make informed choices about cannabis use. As our understanding of marijuana’s effects evolves, a more nuanced and cautious approach is warranted.