05/23/2023
This study examines the causal impacts of recreational cannabis legalization on substance use, substance use disorder, and psychosocial functioning, while also investigating whether certain individuals are more susceptible to the effects of cannabis legalization. The researchers conducted assessments on twins during their adolescence and again between the ages of 24-49, residing in different states with varying cannabis policies.
The findings indicate that the twin residing in a recreational state, where cannabis was legalized for adult use, tended to use cannabis more frequently on average and exhibited fewer symptoms of alcohol use disorder when compared to the twin residing in a state without such cannabis legalization.
Importantly, the study revealed no other adverse outcomes associated with cannabis legalization, including cannabis use disorder. Therefore, the researchers concluded that while recreational legalization resulted in increased cannabis use and reduced symptoms of alcohol use disorder, it did not contribute to any other maladaptations. Additionally, the vulnerability to cannabis use was not exacerbated by the legal cannabis environment.
It is crucial to note that alcohol use has been responsible for over 140,000 deaths in the United States annually between 2015 and 2019, averaging more than 380 deaths per day according to the CDC. Each year, excessive drinking has been found to shorten the lives of those affected by an average of 26 years, resulting in a total of nearly 3.6 million years of potential life lost. Most of these deaths were due to long-term health effects resulting from prolonged heavy drinking, such as various types of cancer, liver disease, and heart disease. Furthermore, excessive drinking has been a leading cause of preventable death in the United States, incurring a cost of $249 billion to the nation in 2010, the most recent year for which data is available.
Considering these factors, it becomes evident that cannabis, with its significantly lower risks and mortality rates compared to alcohol, should be federally legalized.
Study conducted by
Stephanie M Zellers et al. Psychol Med. 2023.
Recreational legalization was associated with increased cannabis use and decreased AUD symptoms but was not associated with other maladaptations. These effects were maintained within twin pairs discordant for residence. Moreover, vulnerabilities to cannabis use were not exacerbated by the legal cann...
