While it is still not legal in South Carolina to use or possess cannabis, according to Pew Research, 79% of Americans live in a county that has a marijuana dispensary (either medical, recreational or both). Studies show that in areas where cannabis is legal, cannabis use has risen, and that by and large, consequences have been minimal, while states have seen a positive economic impact in the form of increased tax revenue and job creation.

Anecdotal and research study reports state that those who use cannabis and products made from its primary substances, THC and CBD, report health benefits for pain, sleep, inflammation, nausea and more, however, scientific study has been sorely lacking due to federal restrictions dating back to 1968, which allowed only The University of Mississippi to grow plants for medical study.

Furthermore, the cannabis produced at the University of Mississippi has not been representative of the higher THC content found in current markets (THC is the substance that causes euphoria). Since 2021, the DEA has allowed more growers and, as a result, the number of approved research sites has increased to more than 600. More research will benefit the American public, who need to know the risks and benefits associated with using cannabis.

Some areas of research include using cannabis to treat mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and social phobia. Preliminary research has been done using cannabidiol (CBD, the non-psychoactive component of cannabis) and shows benefits for lowering anxiety. Used as an adjunct to other therapies, CBD seems to help extinguish the fear response. At this time, the CBD works acutely, meaning it is short-acting, unlike serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which are longer-acting.

One serious mental health risk associated with cannabis use is psychosis. Psychosis is a mental state in which a person hallucinates and/or has delusions. A hallucination is a sensory experience such as seeing, hearing, feeling or tasting something that is not present in your environment. A delusion is believing something that is not true. For example, one may see a dragon (hallucination) and believe they are a knight meant to slay the dragon (delusion). Psychosis is most associated with schizophrenia, one of the more severe mental illnesses a person can have.

Researchers and healthcare professionals have noticed that there is an increase in psychosis provoked by cannabis use. Research is in the early stages, but psychosis from cannabis is currently attributed to two factors: 1) higher rates of THC and 2) frequent use. While some people may have just one psychotic episode, others will develop schizophrenia. It is not known if those who develop schizophrenia would have even without cannabis use.

Another area of research is how cannabis affects the developing brain. Current results indicate that use of cannabis during pregnancy can lead to attention and concentration problems after birth as the child develops. It also seems that children, teens and young adults put their brain development at risk by using cannabis because our brains continue developing until we are about 25. As with maternal use during fetal development, use before the brain is fully developed seems to result in difficulties with attention and concentration which look like ADHD (attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder).

In decades past, cannabis was not viewed as a drug one could become physically addicted to. In recent years, that stance has changed as hospitals and clinics increasingly see individuals exhibiting physical withdrawal symptoms from regular use. This is attributed to higher THC levels as well as the drug being easier to obtain. After heavy use, physical withdrawal symptoms subside after about three weeks while studies suggest psychological symptoms can continue for several weeks.

If you or someone you love is struggling with the effects of cannabis use or are having a hard time quitting when you or they want to, a doctor or addiction professional should be contacted. Locally, Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council (LRADAC) and The Courage Center offer prevention and treatment programs.

Nora Sinclair is a licensed professional counselor and national certified counselor based in Lexington, S.C.