Marijuana Use: Rising Marijuana Use in the U.S. Raises Health Concerns

Representative image (Photo courtesy of AP) Across the United States, increased legalization is making marijuana use more widespread. Medical experts are seeing an alarming rise in cannabis-related health problems, The New York Times reported.
Despite the widespread use of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes, millions of Americans, especially chronic users, suffer from serious health effects.
Pediatricians on the midcoast of Maine have reported seeing teenagers consuming marijuana throughout the day, and psychiatrists from Washington to West Virginia have reported cases of marijuana-induced severe illness. He treats patients suffering from delusions, paranoia, and psychosis.
Additionally, emergency rooms are seeing a surge in cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), which causes severe vomiting, nausea, pain, and serious complications such as dehydration and kidney failure.
CHS was first reported in 2004. CHS is of particular concern because it can cause severe health complications, including seizures and death. Researchers estimate that nearly one-third of people who use cannabis on a near-daily basis in the United States may exhibit symptoms of the syndrome.
THC, the psychoactive compound, is responsible for producing a high when using marijuana. If an individual describes a particular type of cannabis as being strong, it is likely that the cannabis contains high levels of THC.
Rising THC levels over time may be contributing to the increase in these cases. While cannabis in the 1990s contained about 5 percent THC, modern products such as vape pens and edibles can have THC levels as high as 99 percent.
Gaps in state regulations, inadequate public health messaging, and federal restrictions on research keep consumers and medical professionals unaware of the risks. Although a common misconception is that cannabis use is not addictive, research shows that approximately 18 million users over the age of 18 report symptoms of cannabis use disorder, according to public health researchers at Columbia University. It is said that they are doing so.
Doctors have also noticed an increase in cannabis-induced psychosis, which lasts from hours to months.
Additionally, chronic psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, are becoming more prevalent, and cannabis is often cited as a contributing factor. As marijuana use continues to increase, so do the negative impacts facing healthcare systems across the country.



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