A growing body of research is revealing serious health risks linked to cannabis use, challenging the long-held belief that it’s a safe and benign substance. Recent studies indicate that cannabis significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, even more than some other drugs such as cocaine. This is particularly concerning in states where cannabis has been legalized, with heavy or daily users showing the highest risk levels.
Furthermore, the drug’s active ingredient, THC, is increasingly recognized as toxic to the heart and brain. The long-term use of cannabis can lead to severe mental illnesses, including psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, with new research providing further evidence supporting these claims. These effects are not limited to young users, with even more severe consequences for seniors, who are now using cannabis at higher rates despite the associated health risks.
Despite these findings, the majority of Americans still support legalization, which has led to a growing alarm about the potential consequences of widespread cannabis use. This includes the increased occurrence of cannabis addiction, with new studies highlighting a sharp rise in diagnoses of addiction and mental health issues since legalization began. The article calls for a reevaluation of public attitudes, suggesting that the full impact of cannabis use may not be fully understood until more time passes.
Additionally, the article emphasizes that the legal cannabis industry has not delivered on its promises of economic benefits, as tax revenue remains minimal and the illegal market persists. The author, Alex Berenson, stresses that while the research is clear, the public remains largely unaware of the potential dangers, warning that as more people become affected, the growing evidence may eventually change public perception.