National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Publish Report on Cannabis, 5 takeaways

A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine highlights key concerns about the fragmented approach to cannabis regulation in the U.S., as states and the federal government have differing policies. Here are five major takeaways from the report as noted by Pien Huang of NPR:

Increasing Cannabis Use: More Americans reported using cannabis on a near-daily basis in 2022 than alcohol, with cannabis use having skyrocketed over the past 30 years. Legalization in many states has made the drug more accessible, contributing to this trend.

High-Potency Products: Cannabis today, particularly in the form of vapes, edibles, and concentrates like wax and shatter, can contain extremely high levels of THC. This has led to more cases of unintentional overconsumption, resulting in increased traffic accidents and hospital visits.

Legal Loopholes: Despite cannabis being illegal at the federal level, a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill has allowed the sale of psychoactive hemp-derived products like delta-8 THC, even in states where cannabis is not fully legalized. The report calls for Congress to address this.

Barriers to Research: The classification of cannabis as a Schedule I substance severely limits research into its health effects. The report advocates for changes to allow more scientific study, including reclassifying cannabis to a Schedule III substance.

Public Health Concerns: Many people perceive cannabis as less dangerous following legalization, but the report warns of risks like psychosis, suicidal ideation, and cannabis use disorder. The report recommends public health campaigns to raise awareness, especially among vulnerable populations like young adults, pregnant women, and the elderly.

The report emphasizes the need for federal leadership and national standards to ensure public safety as cannabis becomes more widespread