Cannabis Nearby: A Closer Look at Mental Health Effects

Living close to a cannabis shop might be doing more harm than good to mental health. A recent study found that people living within a 10-minute drive of a cannabis retailer had higher rates of mental health issues. This includes depression, anxiety, and even psychosis. The study looked at Medicaid data and found that younger people, aged 12-20, were more likely to develop cannabis use disorder (CUD) if they lived near a pot shop. For adults aged 21-64, the risk also increased, but not as much. Cannabis use disorder is a serious condition where people can't stop using cannabis even if it's causing problems. It's linked to other mental health issues. The study suggests that the more cannabis shops in an area, the bigger the impact on mental health. This is a big deal because cannabis use has gone up a lot since it was legalized in Washington in 2012. In 2021, 30% of adults reported using cannabis, up from 18% in 2011.There are now 482 active cannabis licenses in the state, and sales hit almost $1. 25 billion in 2023. But despite these numbers, efforts to regulate high-potency products have failed. Some lawmakers, like State Rep. Lauren Davis, are calling for action. She points out that while the legislature has responded to other public health issues, they've been silent on cannabis. With the legislative session starting soon, it's time for lawmakers to take a stand. They need to either address the issue or admit they're not worried about the impact on communities. The study also highlights the financial burden on the healthcare system. Treating CUD and related mental health issues costs money. With no approved medications for CUD, the burden falls on the healthcare system and the people affected. It's a problem that needs attention, and lawmakers should take it seriously.