As Marijuana’s Popularity Grows, So Do Its Harms
2024/10/22
The Daily
M
Megan Twohey
Megan Twohey: 本人作为消费者，亲身经历了近年来美国大麻市场因合法化和商业化而发生的巨大变化。合法化初衷是用于医疗，但娱乐性大麻市场已超越医疗市场，监管不足。大麻产业更关注生产高浓度产品，而非治疗性产品，且缺乏科学研究支持。大麻使用率持续上升，尤其每日或几乎每日使用的人数显著增加，超过了酒精使用人数。大麻使用障碍（CUD）患病率很高，约有1800万美国人患有某种程度的大麻使用障碍，其中约300万人被认为成瘾。年轻人（18-25岁）中，大麻每日或几乎每日使用率高，且大麻使用障碍患病率极高。大麻素呕吐综合征（CHS）是一种与长期大麻使用相关的严重疾病，会导致剧烈恶心、呕吐和脱水等症状。CHS在急诊室中越来越常见，估计多达30%的重度大麻使用者会出现CHS症状。大麻与精神病发作之间存在关联，即使是初次使用或没有其他风险因素的人也可能出现精神病症状。大麻会影响大脑发育，尤其是在青春期，并可能增加患慢性精神疾病的风险。公众对大麻的认知没有跟上大麻产业的快速变化和使用方式的转变，导致对大麻潜在危害的认识不足。大多数受访医生支持大麻合法化，但认为目前的监管存在缺陷，需要改进监管、加强消费者保护并提供更多信息。
Rachel Abrams: 作为一名记者，我与Megan Twohey讨论了大麻合法化带来的益处与危害，并对大麻成瘾、大麻素呕吐综合征（CHS）以及大麻与精神疾病之间的关系进行了深入探讨。我们还讨论了公众对大麻的认知与实际情况之间的差距，以及改进监管、加强消费者保护和提供更多信息的必要性。
Deep Dive
Why are some marijuana users experiencing serious health issues?
Increased potency and frequency of use, lack of regulation, and inadequate health tracking contribute to unexpected harms.
What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)?
A condition causing severe nausea and vomiting in chronic marijuana users, often relieved by hot water.
How does marijuana use affect young people?
It can lead to higher rates of cannabis use disorder and potential mental health issues, especially during critical brain development.
What are the potential mental health risks of marijuana use?
Temporary psychotic episodes, increased risk of chronic psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, and impact on brain development.
Why is there skepticism about marijuana's harms?
Public understanding hasn't kept pace with the drug's transformation and commercialization, leading to misconceptions about its safety.
What does the majority of doctors and harmed users advocate for?
Better oversight, protections, and information about marijuana's potential risks to ensure safer use.
Driven by legalization and commercialization, the marijuana industry in the US has rapidly grown, leading to a surge in the availability of high-potency products. This transformation has outpaced scientific research and regulatory oversight, creating a knowledge gap regarding the potential health consequences of this new era of marijuana use.
- Legalization of marijuana in the US has led to a booming $33 billion industry.
- The industry mainly focuses on high-potency products, neglecting therapeutic applications.
- Research on marijuana's effects is limited due to its federal illegality and restrictive drug classification.
- Hospital and healthcare data on marijuana's effects are inadequate.
- State-level regulations on marijuana lack consistency and effective health outcome tracking.
Shownotes Transcript