Marijuana is on the ballot today in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Decriminalization of marijuana will not eliminate the harm!
As of today, 19 states in the U.S. have legalized recreational marijuana. About half of all young adults in the country are users. There are mental health consequences of using marijuana that many don't know about.
Marijuana is harmful to your mental health. It can induce feelings of well-being, however, marijuana can also cause anxiety and paranoia. A recent study published in The Lancet found an increase of serious mental health risks for marijuana users due to its increase in potency. These risks include a fourfold increase in the chance of addiction.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 30% of all marijuana users in the U.S. meet the criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder. High-potency cannabis users were at hight risk for developing cannabis-induced psychosis, a serious mental health condition characterized by hallucinations and delusions. Chronic use of marijuana can lead to depression and anxiety.
Some promote marijuana as a way to relieve anxiety and improve the quality of life, however, a study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine found that THC has anxiety-inducing properties.
Some people believe that marijuana use makes users more creative, however, a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology discovered that while users may think they are more creative while under the influence, the drug has no bearing on the actual creativity.
Legalizing marijuana does not make it safe. Marijuana is not a cure for your problems.
Information for this article was taken from a Nov. 2022 article that appeared on-line in Forbes.