Political pressure to approve legalization is high, fueled by public polling and lobbying from cannabis growers, distributors, and users.
Not all users of cannabis progress to a Substance Use Disorder, but many with a SUD began with cannabis.
Despite a clear risk to the developing fetus, almost 70 percent of Colorado cannabis stores recommended its use to mothers in their first trimester.
Depression increases among regular cannabis users and is a common side effect of Cannabis Use Disorder.
Cannabis adds significant expense to state and local governments in the form of auto accidents, emergency first responders, drug rehabilitation, remedial education, lost tax revenue from lower employment, medical care in the ER, long-term mental health care, increased health insurance, and more.
Auto accidents following nationwide legalization in Canada rose 475 percent between 2010 and 2021, the seriousness of the accidents increased, and nearly 90 percent required ambulance transport, 50 percent required hospital admission, and 22 percent were admitted to an ICU. Emergency room visits associated with cannabis also grew 233 percent.
U.S. accidents involving cannabis or cannabis with alcohol have doubled, while accidents for alcohol alone have not increased.
While voter popularity may be the driving force behind legalization, elected officials should make sure the full cost is assumed by those who use, purchase, and sell cannabis products, and not pass it on to the rest of the population.
Require warning labels on all products and in stores to inform users of the full medical and psychiatric risks of cannabis use.
States should dedicate sufficient funds to treat schizophrenia, psychosis, and mental illness associated with cannabis use.
States should review tax rates for cannabis that at least match the total cost impact of cannabis use.
https://spectator.org/its-time-to-debunk-the-marijuana-myth/
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