The progressive development of marijuana surpasses the regulatory framework in the United States
In the United States, the lack of federal oversight and clear, standardized labeling of THC products has become a pressing concern, leaving public health at the mercy of state politics. With today's cannabis products containing THC levels as high as 90 percent, a significant increase from the typical 2-3 percent THC concentrations of the 1970s, it's clear that action is needed.
The European Union (EU) has already proposed equipping THC products with standardized labeling to provide consumers with better information about the product's potency. Similarly, the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) has proposed a "Cannabis Facts Panel" for standardized labeling of THC products. This would help consumers make informed decisions and avoid potential risks.
One of the key concerns is the growing prevalence of marijuana addiction. Some people who use marijuana can become addicted, and marketing strategies on social media glamorize high-strength THC options, targeting younger consumers. Regular use of high-potency THC can amplify anxiety, creating a paradox where marijuana, often touted as a way to reduce anxiety, can have the opposite effect.
Moreover, daily marijuana users are five times more likely to develop psychosis than non-users, and long-term marijuana use increases the likelihood of mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, in genetically predisposed individuals, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Given these risks, it's crucial that health providers and public health campaigns focus on increasing awareness of the risks of high-potency THC, especially for younger users.
The surge in marijuana-related emergency room visits, particularly among adolescents and young adults, in states with legalized recreational use further underscores the need for action. Canada, with its federal regulations that include THC potency caps, standardized labeling, and a clear age minimum for purchase, provides a model for the U.S. to follow.
In the political sphere, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to run the Department of Health and Human Services, has suggested he'll continue the push for rescheduling cannabis. More recently, the Biden administration has begun the process of rescheduling cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act.
As more states legalize marijuana for recreational use, it's time to prioritize public health and ensure a safer, smarter approach to marijuana in America. This includes federal regulations with caps on THC potency to mitigate risks, as well as standardized labeling to provide consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions. By learning from Canada's successes and applying lessons from the regulation of tobacco and alcohol, we can safeguard public health without reversing legalization.
