A federal advisory panel is recommending a public health approach to address the increasing use of potent marijuana in the United States, moving away from the traditional “Just Say No” strategy. The report, released by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, emphasizes the need for a health-focused approach with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) playing a more significant role in cannabis policy than ever before. Dr. Steven Teutsch, who led the committee that produced the report, expressed the importance of federal leadership in this area.
Currently, approximately 18 million Americans report using marijuana daily or almost daily, surpassing the number of individuals who consume alcohol at similar frequencies. Despite marijuana being illegal under federal law, 38 states and the District of Columbia have legalized its medical use, with some also permitting recreational adult use with regulations akin to those for alcohol. The issue of marijuana’s potency is highlighted in the report, with THC levels in cannabis products increasing significantly in recent years.
The report also points out the potential health benefits of cannabis, such as easing chronic pain, but emphasizes the risks associated with heavy use, including car accidents and severe vomiting episodes. For adolescents, cannabis use can impede learning and raise the likelihood of mood and anxiety disorders, while use during pregnancy can pose risks to the baby.
Public health considerations have often been sidelined as states have passed cannabis laws, with financial interests playing a substantial role in influencing policies, according to Teutsch. The report also highlights industry lobbying efforts that have hindered attempts to regulate THC concentration and pesticide use in cannabis cultivation in certain states, such as Washington and Colorado.
The report outlines recommendations for various stakeholders, including the CDC, Congress, and individual states. Suggestions for the CDC include developing targeted health campaigns on cannabis for different demographic groups and monitoring cannabis-related activities and their health impacts. Congress is urged to address loopholes in the sale of intoxicating hemp-derived products and lift restrictions hindering research on cannabis legalization effects. States are encouraged to implement training programs for cannabis retail staff, expunge records for low-level cannabis offenses, and enforce quality standards set by independent organizations.
In conclusion, the report underscores the importance of adopting a comprehensive public health approach to address the evolving landscape of marijuana use in the U.S., emphasizing the need for collaboration between federal, state, and local entities to ensure the well-being of individuals and communities.