Cannabis, once dismissed as a harmless way to unwind, is revealing a darker side. With cannabis addiction in the US on the rise, the drug’s evolving potency and increased accessibility are at the centre of a growing health crisis. Often overshadowed by discussions of its medicinal uses and recreational appeal, stories of addiction and the ensuing impacts show why it is time for an honest conversation about where cannabis use is heading.

The Transformation of Cannabis in the US

For decades, cannabis was regarded as a “soft drug” with minimal risk. Yet, modern cannabis bears little resemblance to what was available in the past. Advances in cultivation techniques have drastically increased THC potency. Back in the 1970s, cannabis typically contained around 3-5% THC (the active compound that creates the “high”). Today, products with THC levels of 20%, 30%, or even 90% are widely accessible.

This extreme potency, coupled with the legalisation movement across 24 states, has fostered a relaxed attitude toward cannabis use. Billboards advertising affordable recreational products and over-the-counter access in dispensaries have mainstreamed cannabis in a way that previous generations could never have imagined. However, buried beneath celebratory headlines about its medicinal properties is an alarming reality of marijuana use disorder in the US.

Real Lives Affected by Cannabis Addiction

For some, cannabis use starts as a casual ritual, viewed as harmless fun. But what happens when the line between enjoyment and addiction becomes blurred?

• Zach’s story began with smoking cannabis socially during high school. Over time, his usage escalated to vaping products with a near-unbelievable 94% THC potency. “I couldn’t keep food down and found myself vomiting almost every morning when I woke up,” Zach recalls. This condition, known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), caused nausea so severe that he relied on hot showers for temporary relief. Recovery came through Marijuana Anonymous, where Zach finally found the community and support to quit. Now five years sober, he reflects, “I’m very happy with my life now.”
• Ella’s struggle paints an equally grim picture but highlights different consequences of heavy cannabis use. For years, her dependency was all-consuming, leading to personal safety risks and trauma. “It’s more like a soul death. You don’t really feel like a person anymore,” she explains. Much like Zach, Ella’s addiction was a vicious cycle of consumption and regret until she sought help.

Both stories point to a common issue in public perception. While society often views cannabis as harmless, accounts from people like Zach and Ella reveal that the risks cannot be ignored.

Why Cannabis Addiction Is Increasing

The rise in marijuana use disorder in the US is not occurring in a vacuum. Several contributing factors fuel this crisis:

1. Potent Products

Modern cannabis products are far more potent than their counterparts from decades ago. Vapourisers and concentrates, which can exceed 90% THC, deliver more intense effects than traditional cannabis flower. Dr. Roneet Lev, an emergency room physician, compares high-THC vape cartridges to harder drugs. “A 90% THC vape—that’s more like methamphetamine,” she warns.

2. Normalisation of Cannabis Use

Legalisation has brought cannabis into the mainstream. Where previous generations were inundated with “Reefer Madness”-style warnings, today’s advertising promotes it as trendy and medicinal. The balance between education and marketing has tipped dramatically, leaving consumers under-informed about potential dangers.

3. Growing Accessibility

Access to high-potency cannabis has surged following legalisation. This accessibility extends not only to legal adults but also to underage users in states with poorly enforced regulations. The result is more opportunities for misuse and a growing dependence for at-risk populations.

The Role of Emergency Rooms and Doctors

The effects of high-potency cannabis have been well-documented in hospitals like Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. Dr. Chris Colwell, chief of emergency medicine, reports that cannabis-related emergencies, such as psychosis and severe vomiting, have increased tenfold since legalisation in 2016. Medical professionals now colloquially refer to “scromiting” (scream-vomiting) episodes as a hallmark of heavy THC consumption.

What was once considered rare is now alarmingly common.

Balancing Perspectives on Cannabis Use

To be clear, cannabis can have legitimate medicinal applications. For those dealing with chronic pain, PTSD, or anxiety, medical marijuana offers a substance-based alternative to pharmaceuticals. However, as Cass, a Marijuana Anonymous chair, notes, “There’s a very strong cultural push toward accepting marijuana, but there’s a limit to that. And I don’t know if that conversation is being taken up as quickly.”

Without clear boundaries and education, enthusiasm for the benefits of cannabis risks overshadowing the very real challenges posed by unregulated or excessive use.

Regulation and Its Challenges

Some states, like Vermont and Connecticut, have introduced limits on THC potency to tackle these challenges. Additionally, taxes on high-potency products and the cancellation of cannabis marketing events have aimed to curb excessive consumption. However, efforts to regulate cannabis markets come with side effects. Restricting legal products can inadvertently push consumers toward black-market sources, where safety is even harder to guarantee.

The Impact on Vulnerable Groups

Evidence suggests that teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the effects of overconsumption. A troubling statistic from Colorado shows that THC is the most common substance found in teen suicide cases. For these groups, increased accessibility of high-potency products can exacerbate mental health conditions, leading to tragic outcomes.

The stigma of discussing addiction adds another layer of complexity. Society has yet to fully reconcile its newfound acceptance of cannabis with the growing need for education and support for those at risk of addiction.

Finding Solutions and Looking Ahead

The reality of cannabis addiction in the US calls for a balanced, informed approach. Education campaigns that offer honest perspectives on the risks and benefits of cannabis use are essential. Stricter regulation of advertising and accessibility will help safeguard vulnerable groups, while programs like Marijuana Anonymous offer critical lifelines to those who have already fallen into addiction.

For individuals like Zach and Ella, recovery is possible, but it requires courage and community support. “The community aspect of recovery was as important to me as quitting cannabis itself,” Zach shares, showing that addiction doesn’t have to define a person’s future.

By addressing both the benefits and risks of cannabis use, society can move toward a healthier relationship with this powerful substance. Change begins with education, compassion, and a shared commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from unnecessary harm.

Source: SF Standard