Cannabis is Getting Stronger, and So Are the Health Risks
Research indicates that cannabis potency is on the rise, along with the associated health risks. Two recent studies reveal that marijuana usage may increase the likelihood of developing delusions and other mental health issues, particularly among individuals who initially use it to cope with anxiety, depression, or past trauma.
The first study, published in BMJ Mental Health, examined over 3,000 adults who reported using cannabis either currently or in the past. Researchers discovered that individuals who began using marijuana to address pain, stress, or depressive feelings were significantly more prone to experience paranoia later on. Interestingly, I personally just tried it out of curiosity and, well, I didn’t encounter the same levels of paranoia or anxiety.
Participants in the study reported an average consumption equivalent to 10 to 17 joints per week. It’s worth noting that today’s marijuana is widely regarded as much more potent than what was available in decades past. For instance, products from the 1960s and 70s typically contained around 1% THC, while modern varieties can reach up to 30%, with concentrates hitting 90-95%.
Tom Freeman, a researcher at Bath University, suggested that a standardized way to measure “THC units” could help users understand their consumption and its health implications, akin to how alcohol is tracked.
Riana Durrett, director at the UNLV Cannabis Policy Institute, commented that this research emphasizes the potential negative impact of cannabis use on brain development in adolescents. While opinions vary on cannabis laws and reforms, she noted the universal agreement on the necessity of preventing young people from using it for public health and future generations.
Durrett, who wasn’t part of the study, feels these findings might help clarify the connection between trauma, anxiety, and cannabis use, a relationship supported by earlier UNLV research. She asserted, “There’s compelling evidence suggesting that cannabis shouldn’t be used for self-treatment of anxiety, important as there might be other medical benefits that warrant further investigation.” She also called for more research on how cannabis compares to alcohol.
A second study published in Psychology explored the correlations among childhood trauma, delusions, and cannabis use. Participants who had undergone specific traumatic experiences, such as physical or emotional abuse, were found to be more likely to suffer from delusions, with marijuana exacerbating these symptoms.
Dr. Julia Trotta, a psychiatrist at King’s College London and lead author of the first study, pointed out that cannabis may “immunize” against the effects of trauma, depending on individual experiences. She encourages doctors to look into a patient’s trauma history when they present delusional symptoms.
Why Is This Topic Important Now?
As legalization of cannabis continues to spread, more individuals are seeking it out as a remedy for stress, pain, or trauma, something experts caution against, as it can be counterproductive.
Professor Maltaditi of King’s College London, who contributed to both studies, warned that many people may resort to cannabis as a method of dealing with pain and trauma, posing substantial risks to mental health and overall well-being.
