Cannabis Scarcity Concerns

FREMONT, CA: The discourse surrounding cannabis has undergone a significant shift.  The spectrum of cannabis use is broad, and the distinction between medical and recreational use is not always clear.  Cannabis is a self-medicated treatment that provides comfort based on individual preference rather than pharmaceutical drugs.  Anyone with a prescription for medical cannabis, as well as adults looking to use it recreationally, are welcome to enter this emerging market.  From a fundamental need to relax to a more profound search to alleviate various symptoms and disorders, the motivations for usage are as varied as the persons themselves.  Cannabis invites people to discover its potential in a way that is unique to them, standing at the intersection of fun and well-being. 

Cannabis use is a controversial topic due to its diverse cannabinoids and concentrations, with CBD approved for seizures and THC used for nausea and appetite in cancer patients. However, pain is another area where evidence is mixed. Patients report improved quality of life from cannabis use, and animal models show potential. Human studies are also mixed due to the variety of administration routes, including smoking, vaping, edibles, tinctures, and topicals, making it difficult to study rigorously. A randomized trial is almost needed for every indication and product combination.

Cannabis use disorder is a legitimate disorder in the DSM, but problematic use can lead to mental health consequences. Those with a family history of psychosis or schizophrenia should avoid using cannabis early in adolescence. Cannabis can trigger psychotic symptoms and potentially long-lasting problems. It's difficult to study if cannabis helps manage early negative symptoms of schizophrenia and if the impact of cannabis on the developing brain could increase the risk of using other substances later or finding them more reinforcing.

Legalizing cannabis can significantly improve public health by removing it from the illegal underground market and allowing legitimate businesses to handle it. This ensures product quality control and labeling, reducing the risk of over-policing. While the current labels are variable, they are making progress. Legalizing cannabis can also help reduce the criminalization of communities of color and minorities, as drug laws have historically criminalized these groups. Overall, legalizing cannabis can significantly improve public health.