Tags:  decriminalizing cannabis, mental illness

 

Thumbnail: Experts in the field debate whether or not decriminalizing cannabis would lead to higher rates of mental illness. One perspective says yes, that cannabis use is linked to some mental illnesses and since decriminalization would probably lead to an increase in use, that will also lead to an increase in illness. An alternative view says no, since there are numerous other factors that lead to mental illness and decriminalizing cannabis might actually reduce the impact of these other influences.

 

The problem: There is evidence that cannabis use is linked to the development of mental illness, but it is difficult to predict how changes in cannabis policy might influence cannabis use and its subsequent effects.

 

The study: Based on an extensive knowledge of the field and current literature, 4 experts weigh in on the question of whether or not decriminalizing cannabis would lead to higher rates of mental illness

 

Main Points:

• Perspective 1: Yes, decriminalization would lead to higher rates of mental illness

  • Some studies of areas that have decriminalized cannabis report that use either stays the same or increases.

  • Many young people say they are deterred from using cannabis because it is illegal, suggesting that if it were legal, use would increase.

  • The most comprehensive and rigorous study of recent research on the health effects of cannabis, carried out by the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, concluded that cannabis use was likely to increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, other psychoses, social anxiety disorder, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

  • These risks are most pronounced in young people, which are the largest group of cannabis users.

  • The authors suggest that addressing the underlying personal and social issues linked to cannabis use might be the most effective option to reduce cannabis use and thus reduce cannabis-related harm.

 

• Perspective 2: No, decriminalizing cannabis would not increase rates of mental illness

  • Mental illness is caused by a variety of factors, with risks linked to inequality, socioeconomic deprivation, and poor physical health.Regular use of drugs such as cannabis and alcohol can exacerbate pre-existing mental illness and worsen outcomes.

  • All cannabis isn’t the same--edible forms and low potency cannabis may not pose the same risk as inhaling high-potency formulations.

  • The biggest risk that cannabis use poses to mental health is the exacerbation of pre-existing mental illness, not spontaneous development of illness.

  • Some studies (different from those referenced above) find no consistent changes in the rate of cannabis use after policy changes to either reduce or increase penalties for cannabis possession.

  • Decriminalizing cannabis could have beneficial effects on mental health, because a criminal record can become a social roadblock and can have a negative impact on employment, relationships, and travel- all of which are factors that can contribute to negative health outcomes

  • Other beneficial effects of decriminalization include: reduced recidivism, better social outcomes, reduced barriers for users seeking help, reduced cost of policy enforcement

  • The authors suggest that state control and regulation of cannabis markets may offer the best chance to reduce cannabis-related harm, as this allows for quality control and improved monitoring for adverse effects.

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Conclusions:  While everyone agrees on the common goal of reducing cannabis-related mental illness, there are still widely variable opinions, even among experts, on the best policies by which to do this. This article presents good evidence for arguments both in favor of and against decriminalization of cannabis as a measure to prevent or reduce rates of cannabis-related mental illness.

 

Why this is a good study:

• The arguments offered on both sides are well supported by current literature and take a number of additional social factors into consideration

• The authors give equal consideration to both sides of the argument

 

Why this isn’t a perfect study:

• The opinions expressed here rely mainly on inferences made from the few available studies relevant to this topic.More research is needed to conclusively determine what effect decriminalization may have.

• Because social factors weigh heavily on both sides of the argument, it is difficult to say whether the arguments here would be equally applicable across different countries or different societies.The authors cite studies done in the US, Europe or specific countries, but social norms vary and what might be a problem in one area might not play a significant role in another country.

 

What this study adds:

• This study provides a well balanced perspective on why decriminalization may or may not lead to an increase in mental illness

• It suggests informed alternatives to improving cannabis-related health outcomes in a society- whether by addressing the root causes of cannabis use or by governmental regulation and quality control of cannabis distribution

 

What it doesn’t:

• This study does not provide a concrete conclusion either way- as can be seen from both sides of the argument, more research is needed to sway the field in one direction or the other

 

Funder:  No agency funding was reported.

 

Author conflicts:  None