Many people think cannabis smoke is harmless − a physician explains how that belief can put people at risk
The ConversationAPR 2023
The Spin
Narrative A
Cannabis is not a harmless drug and it can lead to many of the serious health conditions that result from tobacco use. While criminalization may not be the answer, the marijuana industry cannot be allowed to sway the conversation without admitting the adverse health effects of a drug it's so successfully normalized. Smoking cannabis can severely damage the heart and lungs, and that information should be made widely available to the public.
Narrative B
There are potential health issues associated with marijuana, which is why the federal government should be more involved in regulating it rather than criminalizing it. Since certain states have legalized it without the federal govt. following suit, the FDA hasn't been able to offer guidance on potency levels or side effects, which can be particularly dangerous for underage users. The govt. must take us out of this regulatory limbo and start working to boost the economic potential of marijuana while mitigating its health risks.