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Ten years ago, recreational weed was hard to find outside of Colorado – one of the first U.S. states to legalize the consumption and sale of recreational marijuana, and a place still known for its connections to cannabis. Nowadays, marijuana dispensaries can be found across much of the United States, from the far reaches of Michigan's Upper Peninsula to storefronts in dry Las Vegas.
But the widespread use and sale of marijuana has hit something of a hiccup, as lawmakers deal with increasing concerns that marijuana may be correlated with a variety of negative health outcomes, Politico reports. Among the potential negative side effects: asthma, emphysema, and bronchiectasis.
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According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, some risks of marijuana use are already established. For instance, evidence suggests around 10% of marijuana users will become addicted to the drug, and marijuana use is correlated with mental health concerns. Previous research has also suggested that marijuana use may be associated with testicular cancer and stroke.
The growing base of research has spurred concern as lawmakers continue to consider legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana. In 21 states, the drug is already legal, per U.S. News. Congress is currently considering a federal legalization effort.
Some of the new marijuana regulations lawmakers are reportedly considering revolve around making marijuana safer for children. For instance, Politico reports that politicians are considering passing legislation that would hand harsher sentences to those who sell marijuana to kids. Similarly, authorities are considering mandating that marijuana-laced edibles – which can often be mistaken by children for ordinary candy – come in childproof containers, according to Politico.
Though limited research exists on marijuana's long-term health effects, legislation was passed in 2022 that opens up more opportunities for researchers to explore the impacts of CBD and other products, according to Politico.
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