MARIJUANA/CANNABIS

As of my last update in January 2022, marijuana (cannabis) has become increasingly legalized and accepted for both medical and recreational use in the USA. Here are some key statistics related to marijuana/cannabis use in the country
Legalization

As of 2022, a growing number of states have legalized marijuana for medical use, recreational use, or both. As of January 2022, medical marijuana is legal in 37 states and the District of Columbia, while recreational marijuana is legal in 18 states and the District of Columbia. Some states have also decriminalized marijuana possession, reducing penalties for possession of small amounts for personal use.

Public attitudes toward marijuana have shifted in recent years, with growing support for legalization. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in 2021, around 91% of U.S. adults say marijuana should be legal for either medical and recreational use, or just medical use.

Medical marijuana is used to treat a variety of health conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and PTSD. Patients can obtain medical marijuana with a doctor's recommendation in states where it is legal, though specific regulations vary by state.

Recreational marijuana is legal for adult use in several states, allowing individuals to purchase and possess cannabis for recreational purposes. Regulations regarding the sale, possession, and use of recreational marijuana vary by state, including limits on possession amounts, age restrictions, and regulations for licensed dispensaries.

The legalization of marijuana has led to the growth of a legal cannabis industry in the USA. This industry includes businesses involved in cultivation, processing, distribution, and retail sales of marijuana products. Legal cannabis sales reached approximately $25 billion in 2021, according to industry estimates.

Legalization of marijuana has led to changes in law enforcement practices and criminal justice policies. In states where marijuana is legal, arrests for marijuana-related offenses have decreased, and law enforcement resources have been redirected to other priorities. However, disparities in enforcement and criminal justice outcomes persist, particularly for communities of color.

Legalization of marijuana has raised concerns about potential public health and safety implications, including increased rates of marijuana use, impaired driving, accidental ingestion by children, and adverse effects on mental health, particularly among adolescents. Regulation and education efforts aim to mitigate these risks.

Despite state-level legalization efforts, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level in the USA. However, there have been calls for federal reform, including rescheduling marijuana to allow for medical use and decriminalization or legalization at the federal level.
These statistics reflect the evolving landscape of marijuana/cannabis use and policy in the USA, with increasing acceptance and legalization across the country. Ongoing research and monitoring are needed to assess the impact of legalization on public health, safety, and social outcomes.

Here are some common side effects of marijuana use

1- Short-Term Effects
Euphoria

Marijuana can produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and happiness.

Marijuana can distort sensory perception, leading to changes in how individuals perceive time, space, and sensory stimuli.

Marijuana use can impair coordination, balance, and motor skills, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Short-term memory impairment and cognitive effects, such as difficulty concentrating and impaired decision-making, can occur with marijuana use.

Marijuana use can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure, which may pose risks for individuals with cardiovascular conditions.

Marijuana can cause dry mouth (cottonmouth) and redness in the eyes due to blood vessel dilation.

Long-Term Effects

Cognitive Impairment

Long-term, heavy marijuana use may be associated with persistent cognitive deficits, particularly in areas such as memory, attention, and executive function.

Smoking marijuana can irritate the lungs and airways, leading to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, phlegm production, and chronic bronchitis.

While not everyone who uses marijuana becomes addicted, long-term, frequent use can lead to the development of cannabis use disorder (CUD), characterized by compulsive use despite negative consequences.

Marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of certain mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, and psychotic disorders, particularly among individuals predisposed to these conditions.

Heavy marijuana use, particularly during adolescence and young adulthood, may impair academic and occupational functioning, leading to lower educational attainment, job performance, and income potential.

Marijuana can cause dry mouth (cottonmouth) and redness in the eyes due to blood vessel dilation.

Other Potential Risks

Impaired Driving:

Marijuana use can impair cognitive and motor skills, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries, particularly when driving or operating heavy machinery.

Marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding may have adverse effects on fetal development and infant health, including low birth weight, impaired neurodevelopment, and potential long-term behavioral and cognitive effects.
It's important to note that individual responses to marijuana can vary based on factors such as dose, frequency of use, method of administration, age, genetics, and underlying health conditions. While some people may use marijuana recreationally without experiencing significant adverse effects, others may be more vulnerable to the potential risks associated with its use.

Additionally, the legalization and regulation of marijuana in some jurisdictions have led to the availability of products with varying potencies and formulations, which may impact the likelihood and severity of side effects.