Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in Massachusetts, the industry has generated over $1.64 billion in revenue. Many proponents hoped legalization would offer personal freedom, generate tax revenue for state projects, and reduce legal burdens. However, experts suggest that the revenue gained has come with detrimental public health consequences, particularly the rise of cannabis use disorder, which impacts individuals' daily lives. Additionally, the potency of cannabis products has increased significantly, exacerbating the risk of dependency among users.
Legalizing marijuana has created a huge new revenue stream for the state - over $920 million according to the Marijuana Policy Project. And I think that's great. But in my eyes, that revenue has come at a great cost to public health.
My colleagues and I are treating more and more people who have developed cannabis use disorder, which is when cannabis use interferes with key spheres in one's life such as work, school, or relationships.
That's not surprising when you consider that the number of daily or near-daily cannabis users has increased 20-fold over the last three decades.
On top of that, cannabis is far more potent today than it was in decades past.
Collection
[
|
...
]