California Suggest Mental Health Warnings on Marijuana Products
- 2 years ago
As more states across the country legalize recreational marijuana, some doctors and lawmakers are raising alarms about the risks of certain mental health conditions associated with the product’s use. In California, Senate Bill 1097, the Cannabis Right to Know Act, would mandate mental health warnings be included on existing cannabis labels, similar to the health risks currently seen on tobacco products. Under the bill, an assessment of the labels’ efficacy would be conducted every five years. Similar measures have been proposed in Oregon, Colorado and New York.
Although cannabis use has been linked with the development of mental health disorders like schizophrenia, it is unclear to what extent the substance actually causes conditions. According to the National Institutes of Health, “the strongest evidence to date concerns links between marijuana use and psychiatric disorders in those with a preexisting genetic or other vulnerability.”
Additionally, advocates are also pushing for dispensaries to distribute information to first-time users warning of the heightened risks posed by high concentrations of THC. Efforts would also target those at a greater risk of adverse effects like drivers and pregnant individuals. Furthermore, convincing patients that a legal substance can be dangerous is challenging for some providers, and heavy marketing directed at youths compounds this hurdle. However, those opposed to the bill say it imposes unnecessary burdens on dispensaries, as advertising is already prohibited for children and the legal age to buy cannabis in California is 21.
Although cannabis use has been linked with the development of mental health disorders like schizophrenia, it is unclear to what extent the substance actually causes conditions. According to the National Institutes of Health, “the strongest evidence to date concerns links between marijuana use and psychiatric disorders in those with a preexisting genetic or other vulnerability.”
Additionally, advocates are also pushing for dispensaries to distribute information to first-time users warning of the heightened risks posed by high concentrations of THC. Efforts would also target those at a greater risk of adverse effects like drivers and pregnant individuals. Furthermore, convincing patients that a legal substance can be dangerous is challenging for some providers, and heavy marketing directed at youths compounds this hurdle. However, those opposed to the bill say it imposes unnecessary burdens on dispensaries, as advertising is already prohibited for children and the legal age to buy cannabis in California is 21.