Cannabis Commercialization Linked to Increased Usage and Mental Health Issues, Study Finds
An international review has found that the commercial sale of cannabis is associated with a rise in the number of users and an increase in mental health problems, including psychosis. Conversely, the decriminalization of cannabis possession or strict regulatory approaches did not appear to drive up usage rates. The study analyzed global shifts in cannabis policies over a 25-year period.
A new review indicates that the commercialization of cannabis leads to an increase in the number of users and a rise in mental health issues, such as psychosis. This contrasts with policies focused on decriminalizing cannabis possession or implementing strict regulations, which did not show similar increases in drug usage.
The international team behind the review examined significant changes in cannabis policies enacted between 2000 and 2025. Their analysis focused on how these new regulations impacted the number of people consuming the drug, its potency, and rates of psychosis in various countries.
The findings suggest a clear distinction in outcomes based on the approach to cannabis legislation. While loosening restrictions through decriminalization or careful regulation did not correlate with higher usage, the introduction of commercial sales models was linked to a notable increase in both cannabis consumption and related mental health concerns.
(Source: The Guardian World)
