The acceptance and availability of cannabis have surged significantly over the last two decades. Medical cannabis is now legal in most U.S. states, with nearly half the states legalizing recreational use for adults. This has impacted public perception, with many viewing the drug as less harmful. As a result, cannabis use has grown significantly, signaling an urgency for comprehensive research to guide public health policy.
According to a report released by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2024, cannabis use among individuals aged 12 and older rose from 11% in 2012 to over 17% in 2019. By 2022, nearly 22% of Americans had reported using cannabis in the past year. Notably, cannabis use among adults aged 65 and older has also spiked, reflecting a broader societal acceptance of the drug.
High-THC Products and Emerging Risks
The cannabis sector has experienced rapid growth, leading to numerous new products in the market, most of which contain high concentrations of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These higher THC-containing products can cause some serious adverse effects, such as psychotic reactions or even cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, causing persistent, severe vomiting. More importantly, the market is also crowded with lesser-known cannabinoids, which do not have a well-documented effect.
The need for data on the health impacts of these products is critical. A comprehensive report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) noted that few conclusions can yet be drawn about the impacts of legalization of cannabis use or the different ways it has been implemented.
A Research Roadmap
To address these challenges, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), alongside other federal agencies, commissioned NASEM to conduct an independent consensus study. The resulting report, “Public Health Consequences of Changes in the Cannabis Policy Landscape,” published in September, provides a blueprint for advancing cannabis research.
The report highlights the diverse regulatory frameworks across states and identifies policies likely to protect public health. Effective measures include restrictions on retail sales, pricing, and marketing, as well as caps on THC contents and taxation strategies. While state monopolies have proven effective in reducing alcohol-related harm, their potential application to cannabis remains unexplored.
However, the report emphasizes that the variability in state policies and inconsistent data collection hinder definitive conclusions. It calls for improved surveillance and more standardized methodologies to inform public health strategies.
Addressing Health and Safety Outcomes
The NASEM report reflects the need for targeted research on health and safety outcomes associated with specific policy frameworks. Key questions include whether more restrictive rules, such as those in countries like Uruguay, yield better health outcomes and whether programs promoting health and social equity achieve their intended goals.
According to the report, more detailed information on outcomes associated with different regulations is essential to inform effective policies. This includes examining the effects of cannabis on the health of vulnerable populations, such as youth, pregnant women, and older adults.
Expanding Surveillance and Research Capacity
Better surveillance of cannabis cultivation, product sales, and usage patterns is essential to bridge existing knowledge gaps. Current systems suffer from inadequate funding and coordination, which limits their utility. Furthermore, improved testing methods for cannabis impairment are needed, as existing tests cannot distinguish between recent and past use, unlike alcohol sobriety tests.
Federal initiatives, such as NIDA’s medicinal cannabis registry launched in 2023, aim to address these issues by collecting longitudinal data on cannabis use and its outcomes.
Investigating Developmental Impacts
Research initiatives like the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study and the Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study are crucial to understanding the long-term effects of cannabis. These studies track the impacts from childhood through adulthood, providing valuable data to design prevention programs.
Balancing Risks and Benefits
The risks associated with the use of marijuana cannot be neglected, but the potential benefits of its use also demand more exploration. Studies are needed on the drug’s therapeutic applications in managing chronic health conditions. Research studies have standardized the adoption of 5 mg THC units for consistent results, but it also leaves enough room for further assessments of its effects. Indeed, as would be argued, it would allow for a comparison and correct evaluation of the impact held by recent narcotics research.
Prioritizing Public Health Over Profits
Scientific research must guide cannabis policies to prioritize public health over commercial interests. Accurate labeling, product safety standards, and informed regulations are vital to protect consumers and communities. By supporting more research initiatives, policymakers can effectively address the challenges of cannabis legalization and its public health implications.
