Cannabis use has been thrown into the limelight lately as more countries, especially the United States, are aiming for its decriminalization and regulation.
However, new findings suggest that cannabis use may be detrimental in the long term for teens, particularly if they use it on a daily basis.
For the research, a team of National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, along with University of New South Wales, used three long-term studies of cannabis use with a total number of participants of more than 3,500. These subjects were then measured using a number of factors like suicide attempts, dependence on welfare, and depression by the time they were 30 years old. Other potential contributing factors like economic status, race, gender, and age were controlled for the study.
In the meta-analysis phase, the Australian researchers discovered that teens who smoke marijuana every day before they reach 17 years old are at increased risk of committing suicide, dropping out of school or not obtaining a college degree, using illegal drugs in the future, and developing dependence on cannabis. Moreover, the risk increased as their doses also went up.
The study came at a right time when many places around the world are trying to legalize and regulate its production and sale in the market. In California alone, many marijuana shops or dispensaries have opened. Some health experts are also advocating cannabis for medical use such as chronic pain. Countries such as Argentina, Belgium, Cambodia, and Colombia have already decriminalized it to a certain extent. In Australia, it's legal in some states.
The researchers are calling on lawmakers who are thinking of amending their policies on marijuana production, sale, and use to seriously consider the harmful long-term effects on teens and young adults.
Marijuana is derived from a special kind of hemp plant. It is well-known for its mind-altering chemical. In the United States, marijuana, or weed, is currently legal in two states for recreation among adults. Over 15 states, meanwhile, have already passed laws legalizing its use for medicine.