Cannabis Nearby: A Closer Look at Mental Health Effects

Key Findings:

• Higher mental health issues: People living within a 10-minute drive of a cannabis retailer have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
• Younger population at risk: Individuals aged 12-20 are more likely to develop cannabis use disorder (CUD) if they live near a pot shop.
• Adults also affected: The risk increases for adults aged 21-64, but not as significantly.

The Impact of Cannabis Use Disorder

• Serious condition: CUD is a condition where individuals can't stop using cannabis despite its harmful effects.
• Linked to mental health issues: CUD is associated with various mental health problems.
• Increased prevalence: Since legalization in Washington in 2012, cannabis use has surged from 18% in 2011 to 30% in 2021.

The Growing Cannabis Industry

• 482 active licenses: The state has a substantial number of cannabis retailers.
• Billion-dollar sales: Cannabis sales reached nearly $1.25 billion in 2023.
• Regulation failure: Efforts to regulate high-potency products have been unsuccessful.

Calls for Action

• Lawmakers urged to act: State Rep. Lauren Davis highlights the need for legislative action.
• Silence on cannabis: Despite addressing other public health issues, lawmakers have been quiet on cannabis.
• Upcoming legislative session: Lawmakers must address the issue or acknowledge their lack of concern.

Financial Burden on Healthcare

• Costly treatments: Treating CUD and related mental health issues strains the healthcare system.
• No approved medications: The lack of approved treatments adds to the financial burden.
• Urgent attention needed: Lawmakers must take this issue seriously to mitigate the impact on communities.