With marijuana legalised for medical use in 38 states and recreationally in 24 states across the US, many perceive the drug as safe and relatively harmless. Yet, the reality is far more complex. While certain patients benefit from cannabis, its widespread acceptance masks some serious, growing threats. This article explores marijuana’s hidden dangers, dispels common misconceptions, and highlights the broad risks of marijuana for both individuals and society.

Unpacking the Trend: Marijuana’s Legal Expansion

The last decade has witnessed an unprecedented trend of legalising marijuana throughout the United States, with both therapeutic and recreational access broadening rapidly. Proponents point to health benefits such as pain relief and alleviation of cancer-related symptoms. However, the conversation too often ignores a darker truth. Recent data reveal a significant surge in marijuana-related diagnoses, suggesting a growing problem.

Between 2016 and 2022, the number of Americans under 65 diagnosed with marijuana-related health issues shot up by over 50% (from nearly 341,000 to 522,000 cases), according to the Health Care Cost Institute. Increased access means more people are exposed to marijuana’s risks, and the price of this freedom is now coming to light.

The Physical Risks of Marijuana Use

Marijuana Hidden Dangers for Respiratory Health

One major area where marijuana’s hidden dangers become visible is respiratory health. Smoking marijuana exposes users to many of the same toxins found in tobacco smoke. This elevates the risk for bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Heavy and frequent users may also experience persistent coughing, frequent lung irritation, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

Another risk of marijuana is a condition called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. This illness, often overlooked, manifests as severe nausea, recurrent vomiting, and abdominal pain. Left untreated, it can result in dehydration, seizures, kidney failure, and even death. Since the condition was first documented in 2004, cases have sharply increased, with millions now estimated to be affected.

The Mental Health Risks of Marijuana

Marijuana Hidden Dangers for the Mind

It’s a common misconception that marijuana is harmless for mental health. On the contrary, growing scientific evidence links regular use to an increased risk of developing mental health issues. Marijuana adversely affects attention, memory, and learning, especially when use begins during adolescence.

A particularly concerning link exists between marijuana and psychotic disorders. Studies published in The Lancet Psychiatry and extensive reviews by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine show regular use of strong marijuana (containing at least 10% THC) significantly raises the likelihood of developing schizophrenia and other psychoses. Doctors across the country are already seeing the effects, reporting more cases of marijuana-induced psychosis as legal access expands.

Marijuana Use Disorder

Many believe addiction is not possible with marijuana, yet the data tell a different story. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that three in ten marijuana users develop marijuana use disorder. That’s more than 14 million Americans struggling with dependence, continuing use even when it negatively impacts their work, studies, or relationships.

Impaired Driving and Public Safety

The Overlooked Risks of Marijuana on the Road

With increased marijuana use comes an increased risk of impaired driving. Like alcohol, marijuana slows reaction times and impairs coordination, both essential for safe driving. States that have legalised recreational marijuana have reported a rise in road accidents and fatalities involving drivers who have used the drug.

Despite this, there are currently no legal limits in the US defining what constitutes marijuana-impaired driving, unlike alcohol. This alarming gap means that those who drive after using marijuana may be putting their lives and others at even greater risk.

Addressing the Growing Risks of Marijuana in Society

It is vital to acknowledge marijuana as a powerful drug with the potential for serious harm, not just therapeutic benefits. The perception of marijuana as simply “safe and natural” is not supported by the latest scientific data or healthcare trends. Growing normalisation and easy access are fuelling an increase in harm, addiction, and adverse health outcomes at a national scale.

Our communities must promote greater education around the real risks of marijuana. State officials and health policymakers should consider implementing stricter guidelines to protect public health, just as was done for tobacco and alcohol. Prioritising prevention and responsible use is key to safeguarding future generations.Across the UK, conversations about the risks of marijuana use intensify as more countries move towards legalising the substance. While discussions often highlight the health benefits of marijuana in certain situations, there is a growing body of evidence that points to substantial harms associated with widespread use. This blog will take a clear-eyed look at both the physical and mental health impacts, as well as the broader societal consequences posed by increased marijuana access.

Rising Legalisation and Changing Perceptions

The trend towards legalising marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes is gaining traction worldwide, with numerous states across the United States already adopting such measures. The UK faces increasing pressure to reconsider its own marijuana policies. Amidst this backdrop, it is vital to scrutinise whether the drug is as benign as some believe. While some patients gain relief from medical marijuana, for many others, the risks of marijuana use in the UK and beyond are far-reaching and deserve urgent attention.

Escalating Health Concerns Linked to Marijuana Use

A Sharp Increase in Marijuana-Related Health Diagnoses

Recent data spotlight a dramatic rise in health complications linked to marijuana. Between 2016 and 2022, marijuana-related diagnoses jumped by over 50%, indicating not just wider use, but also increasing awareness of associated health risks. This pattern underscores that greater availability can lead directly to mounting harm and abuse.

Physical Harms Associated with Marijuana

Smoking marijuana exposes users to many of the same toxins found in tobacco, leading to a greater risk of developing chronic bronchitis and obstructive lung disease. Aside from respiratory risks, marijuana use impairs thinking, memory, learning and coordination, which poses real dangers for daily functioning and long-term well-being.

A particularly severe condition linked with regular consumption is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Those affected experience cycles of intense nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If left untreated, this can result in dehydration, seizures, kidney failure, and, in rare instances, death. Since its recognition in 2004, cases have soared, with an estimated six million sufferers worldwide.

Mental Health Risks of Marijuana in the UK

Growing Evidence of Psychiatric Disorders

One of the most alarming risks of marijuana use in the UK is its impact on mental health. There is compelling evidence connecting regular marijuana use to psychotic disorders. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, substantial research ties marijuana to schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses. Notably, users of high-THC marijuana are nearly five times more likely to develop a psychotic disorder than non-users, according to The Lancet Psychiatry.

Misconceptions About Safety and Addiction

Many believe that marijuana poses little risk for addiction. However, the reality is starkly different. Statistics from the CDC suggest that three in ten people who consume marijuana will develop a use disorder. This translates to millions experiencing negative impacts at home, in education, and at work. These figures remind us that addiction is a common risk, even for those who view the drug as harmless.

Societal Dangers of Increasing Marijuana Use

The Growing Threat of Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of marijuana remains a significant public safety concern. Like alcohol, marijuana slows reaction times and impairs vital motor skills. Data from the US show rising numbers of fatal accidents involving marijuana in states where recreational use is legal. Importantly, the UK lacks clear legal guidelines on what constitutes unsafe levels of marijuana in drivers, far behind similar regulations for alcohol.

The Absence of Robust Regulation

Unlike alcohol, there is currently no universally accepted legal limit for THC concentration in the bloodstream when driving. This gap exposes the public to preventable harm and highlights the urgent need for more effective regulation, especially if the UK were to follow the path toward legalisation.

What Needs to Change?

Marijuana Remains a Drug with Real Harms

Marijuana is a mind-altering drug and should be treated with equal caution and regulation as any other substance with the potential for harm. While there are situations where medical applications are justified, public education must address the very real health and mental dangers faced by users. Greater awareness, improved regulation, and ongoing research are essential to protecting both individuals and communities.

The Role of Public Policy and Education

It is not enough for the UK to simply mirror global trends in marijuana regulation without considering the local implications. Lawmakers, healthcare leaders, and public health officials should act swiftly to equip the public with accurate information on the risks of marijuana use in the UK. Policies should focus on restricting access, monitoring health outcomes, and supporting those who may already be suffering from adverse effects.

Source: Forbes