US Cannabis Legalisation Sparks Health Crises and Societal Concerns

US Cannabis Legalisation Sparks Health Crises and Societal Concerns

A recent opinion piece has raised alarm over the unintended consequences of cannabis legalisation in the United States, pointing to a surge in health problems and broader societal impacts. Key concerns include the rapid rise of cannabinoid hyperemesis, a severe nausea condition seen in regular cannabis users, which has caused emergency room visits to double in the U.S. from 2017 to 2021. There are now six million sufferers, alongside growing evidence linking cannabis to psychosis, depression, and substance use disorders.

The article highlights how today’s cannabis is far more potent than the mild strains initially studied, with THC levels up to 24 times higher, creating widespread harm that legislators had not anticipated. With almost 18 million Americans now using cannabis daily, researchers warn that the long-term risks of such high dosages remain poorly understood.

Critics claim legalisation was driven by aggressive lobbying and state-level loopholes, turning what was once a medicinal programme into a booming industry that is flooding the market with high-potency drugs. The consequences may extend beyond cannabis, as the piece draws parallels with the rise of gambling apps and the powerful impact of social media, framing these trends as part of a broader cultural shift towards normalising addictive behaviours.

The article calls for urgent reforms, such as tighter regulations, improved state oversight, and increased research into the effects of high-THC products. Without intervention, it warns, the costs of legalising such vices could spiral out of control.

Source: Newsweek

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