According to the UN, hospitalizations for psychotic disorders after using cannabis have quadrupled worldwide. This is cause for concern. Especially as the consequent harm of cannabis consumption is minimized.
Increased THC content in cannabis products as a trigger
Philipp Kloimstein, chief physician of the Maria Ebene Foundation, also confirms that there is a connection between cannabis and psychoses. Because the THC content of cannabis products has increased significantly in recent years: “We know that THC causes psychosis, which means that the higher the THC content, the greater the risk. coming up with a psychosis, where marijuana was the cause, so to speak”.
Kloimstein also says that every psychosis leaves traces in the brain. This increases the risk of new psychoses – even without cannabis use.
UN warns against legalizing marijuana
The UN’s International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) warns in its 2022 annual report that legalizing the non-medical use of cannabis appears to be leading to greater use and a lower perception of risk, particularly among young people. In the US, for example, teens and young adults in states where marijuana has been legal have been shown to consume significantly more of it, according to a broadcast today.
There is also evidence that the general availability of legalized cannabis products is reducing perceptions of risk and negative consequences of use. “New products such as edibles or vaping, marketed in attractive packaging, have strengthened the trend,” according to the Board of Control. The INCB felt that this contributed to minimizing the effects of cannabis use by the general public, particularly among young people.
“Big cause for concern”
“The booming cannabis industry is marketing cannabis products to appeal to young people and this is a major concern as well as the harms associated with the use of high potency cannabis products are minimised,” said INCB President Jagjit Pavadia.
In every country where cannabis has been legalized, data has shown that cannabis-related health problems have increased. “Between 2000 and 2018, global medical admissions related to cannabis addiction and withdrawal increased eightfold. Hospitalizations for cannabis-related psychotic disorders have quadrupled globally,” warned the INCB.