Federal health agencies must take a bigger role in changing U.S. cannabis policy, new report says

As cannabis use becomes increasingly common in the U.S., a federal advisory panel is calling for a major change in how the government handles marijuana policy.

In a departure from the “Just Say No” campaigns of the past, Thursday’s report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine advocates a public health-focused approach, with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) playing a bigger role than ever, PBS News reported.

See also: 'Medical marijuana remains essential': Balancing act between medicinal and recreational markets

A health-focused shift in cannabis policy

“We would like to see the federal government step forward to provide some leadership in this area,” he said. Dr. Steven German of the University of Southern California, who chaired the committee behind the report.

The CDC and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) sponsored the findings, which suggest that the rise of more potent cannabis products, along with higher rates of daily use, require a stronger federal response.

A CDC spokesperson confirmed that the agency is reviewing the report's recommendations, but emphasized that additional funding would be needed to implement them effectively.

Growing potency of cannabis raises public health concerns

One of the main concerns of the report is the increasing potency of marijuana. “Now that you go to the stores it is difficult to find products that have less than 20% THC,” he said. Beau Kilmerco-director of the RAND Drug Policy Research Center and member of the report committee.

This sharp increase from THC levels of about 5% seen 25 years ago has raised alarm about the risks associated with excessive cannabis use, including car accidents and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, a condition that causes severe vomiting and which often requires emergency medical attention.

For younger users, the risks go beyond physical health. According to the report, regular cannabis use among adolescents can interfere with learning and increase the likelihood of developing mood and anxiety disorders. Pregnant women who use cannabis regularly are also at risk of complications for their babies.

Rejection from the cannabis industry

Additionally, the report notes that the cannabis industry lobby has played an important role in shaping state policies. In states like Washington and Colorado, efforts to limit THC concentrations or restrict pesticide use in cultivation have met with resistance.

However, Aaron Smithgeneral director of the National Cannabis Industry Association, defended the regulated market. “States have protected public health by replacing criminal markets with regulated businesses that must test products for contaminants, practice truth in labeling and, most importantly, keep cannabis products out of the hands of minors.” Smith said.

Smith added that legalizing cannabis nationwide would allow for more comprehensive federal regulations and ultimately improve public health.

Key recommendations from the report

The advisory panel outlined several recommendations aimed at improving public health measures related to cannabis:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Develop and evaluate health campaigns specifically aimed at parents, adolescents, pregnant women and older adults. Additionally, the agency must monitor trends in cannabis cultivation, sales and use, while establishing best practices for state regulations.
• Congress: The report calls for closing a loophole that allows the sale of intoxicating hemp-derived products in states where other cannabis products remain illegal. Congress should also lift restrictions that prevent the Office of National Drug Control Policy from studying the effects of cannabis legalization.
• States: Recommendations include requiring cannabis retail staff to undergo training and certification, expunging records of cannabis-related misdemeanors, and adopting US Pharmacopeia quality standards for cannabis products.

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