Weed is the Chill Drug – Intimate Partner Violence Shrinks with Legalisation?

A recent unpublished study from a Georgetown University student thesis, promoted by Marijuana Moments was indicating that the legalisation of marijuana use can reduce incidences of intimate partner violence.

This very narrow juxtaposition and correlation review of arrest data has been engaged by the publication to suggest a causal relationship between these issues – and yes, even the author was ‘surprised’ by the seeming deviation for what was intuitively considered – being the easier and greater permission of weed use would see more use and a subsequent potential more intimate partner violence.

However, we do need to draw the lens out a bit further to better frame this apparent validator for the pro-pot lobby’s legalisation agenda.

The following article is a broader look at this issue of violence on those close to the cannabis user and whilst not all data is directly related to ‘intimate partner’ context the close connection with familial and even neighbourhood violence is not beyond the reasonable association and these various iterations of violence do, more often than not, interrelate.

Cannabis Use and Violent Behaviour: A Troubling Association

A meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 2020 provides compelling evidence of a link between cannabis use and increased risk of violent behaviour, particularly among youth. The study, which included data from nearly 300,000 adolescents and young adults, found that cannabis users had approximately double the odds of engaging in physical violence compared to non-users.

Specifically, the researchers reported an overall odds ratio of 2.11 (95% CI=1.64, 2.72) for the association between cannabis use and violence. This relationship held true for both cross-sectional studies (OR=2.15, 95% CI=1.58, 2.94) and longitudinal studies (OR=2.02, 95% CI=1.26, 3.23). Perhaps most alarmingly, the association appeared stronger for heavier, persistent cannabis users (OR=2.81, 95% CI=1.68, 4.74) compared to past-year users (OR=2.05, 95% CI=1.5, 2.8) or lifetime users (OR=1.94, 95% CI=1.29, 2.93).

These findings suggest that not only is there a significant link between cannabis use and violence, but that this risk may increase with more frequent and prolonged use. This dose-response relationship adds weight to the argument that cannabis use may be causally related to violent behaviour, rather than merely correlated.

Cannabis-Induced Psychosis and Extreme Violence

While the meta-analysis provides statistical evidence of a broad association between cannabis use and violence, individual case studies highlight the potential for cannabis to trigger extreme violent behaviour in some users. A particularly chilling example occurred in California in 2018, when a woman named Bryn Spejcher stabbed her boyfriend Chad O’Melia 108 times while experiencing what experts called “cannabis-induced psychotic disorder.”

Spejcher had smoked cannabis from a bong with O’Melia before having an adverse reaction that led to a psychotic episode. In addition to the horrific attack on her boyfriend, she also stabbed her dog and herself before police were able to disarm her. This case, while extreme, is not isolated. It underscores the potential for severe adverse reactions to cannabis, including psychosis and associated violent behaviour.

A review published in Frontiers in Psychiatry in 2020 examined the link between cannabis use and violence, particularly in the context of early psychosis. The authors noted that cannabis use is especially high in the early phase of psychosis and may be a significant risk factor for violent behaviour in this vulnerable population. They proposed that impulsivity could play a mediating role in the relationship between cannabis use and aggression, suggesting a potential neurobiological mechanism for cannabis-induced violence.

The Broader Impact on Society: Violence Beyond Intimate Partners

While some studies have focused specifically on intimate partner violence, it’s crucial to consider the broader impact of cannabis-related violence on families and communities. A review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online in December 2021 highlighted the potential for cannabis use to increase the risk of violence and aggression in adults.

The authors noted that cannabis use can result in irritability, disinhibition, and altered cognition, making it plausible that its use increases the risk of violence and aggression. This risk may be exacerbated in individuals with psychiatric illnesses. The review found that there is indeed a link between cannabis use and violence, although the strength of this relationship varies depending on the population studied.

Child Abuse and Neglect: A Hidden Consequence of Cannabis Use

One particularly troubling aspect of cannabis-related violence is its impact on children. A report compiled by Parents Opposed to Pot revealed that more than 300 child abuse deaths in the last decade were linked to THC use by caregivers. This tracking, which began in October 2012 and continued through early 2023, uncovered a disturbing pattern of violence and neglect associated with cannabis use.

In Texas alone, of the 182 child abuse deaths reported in 2022, 73 of the perpetrators were active marijuana users. This stands in stark contrast to other substances: only 12 used alcohol, 10 used cocaine, and 6 used opiates. These statistics suggest that cannabis use may be a more significant risk factor for child abuse and neglect than many other substances.

The nature of these deaths has also changed over time. Initially, many cases involved neglect, such as children left alone dying in fires, hot cars, bathtubs, and swimming pools. However, more recent cases have shown an increase in violent abuse, including instances of marijuana-induced psychosis where parents believed their children were possessed by demons.

The Myth of the “Harmless Drug”

Despite mounting evidence of its potential harms, cannabis is often portrayed as a relatively harmless drug associated with relaxation and calmness. This perception has contributed to widespread use, with more than 192 million regular users worldwide. However, as a review published in Frontiers in Psychiatry points out, this benign image of cannabis is increasingly at odds with scientific evidence.

The review presents 14 cases of violence involving chronic marijuana users, highlighting recurring consequences such as marijuana-induced paranoia (exaggerated, unfounded distrust) and marijuana-induced psychosis (radical personality change, loss of contact with reality). These cases demonstrate that while cannabis effects depend on individual factors and THC potency, there are scientifically documented links between certain marijuana users and violence.

The Need for Caution and Further Research

While some localised studies may suggest potential reductions in certain types of crime following marijuana legalisation, the broader body of evidence paints a more concerning picture. The association between cannabis use and various forms of violence – from intimate partner violence to child abuse and psychosis-induced attacks – cannot be ignored.

As more jurisdictions consider legalising or decriminalising cannabis, it is crucial that policymakers and the public are fully informed about the potential risks. This includes:

Increased public education about the potential dangers of cannabis use, including its association with violent behaviour and psychosis.
More rigorous regulation of cannabis products, particularly concerning THC potency.
Enhanced screening and intervention programs for cannabis users, especially those with pre-existing mental health conditions or a history of violence.
Continued research into the long-term effects of cannabis use on individuals and society, with a focus on violent outcomes.

While the debate surrounding cannabis legalisation is complex and multifaceted, the potential link between cannabis use and violence must be taken seriously. As our understanding of this relationship evolves, so too should our approaches to policy and public health interventions surrounding cannabis use and violence prevention. The stakes – in terms of public safety, child welfare, and community well-being – are simply too high to ignore.