Marijuana Facts

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2 Marijuana Facts Marijuana Facts

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To obtain additional copies of Marijuana Facts please contact: Drug Policy Alliance 212.613.8020 [email protected] www.drugpolicy.org Table of Contents

4 A brief history of marijuana

6 Is it true that marijuana has medicinal properties?

7 How strong is today’s marijuana?

8 Is marijuana a gateway drug?

9 Are more people becoming dependent on marijuana?

11 Does marijuana impair driving the way alcohol does?

12 Does using marijuana have long-term effects on the brain?

13 Does marijuana negatively impact mental health?

14 Is there a relationship between marijuana and cancer?

15 What happens when you eat something made with marijuana (a “marijuana-infused edible”)?

16 What are marijuana concentrates?

18 Should I talk to my child about marijuana?

19 Where in the U.S. is marijuana legal?

22 Does marijuana legalization lead to increased use?

23 Do people still get arrested and punished for using marijuana?

2 Marijuana Facts The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) supports information and polices related to marijuana that are grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights. Safety is our top priority, especially when it comes to young people.

For over 20 years, DPA has been at the forefront of marijuana law reform. We support marijuana laws that regulate marijuana effectively and that no longer arrest, incarcerate, disenfranchise and otherwise harm millions – particularly people of color, who are disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. We also work to promote the development of a safe, responsible, inclusive and ethical marijuana industry.

www.drugpolicy.org 3 A brief history of marijuana

4,000 B.C. 1971 1980s 1996

Earliest record President President California of marijuana’s Richard Nixon Ronald Reagan becomes the medical use. launches the drastically first state to ‘war on drugs’ escalates the approve medical 1937 and places drug war, leading marijuana, with marijuana in the to skyrocketing the passage of most restricted arrests and Proposition 215. Congress passes category incarceration for the Marihuana of drugs. marijuana. Tax Act, marking the start of federal marijuana prohibition.

The use of marijuana for both had reached Europe; and German medicinal and recreational purposes records indicate it was used for is not new. Indeed, the use of toothaches and for relieving pain marijuana has been documented during childbirth. as far back as 12,000 years ago, making it one of the earliest Marijuana was widely used in the U.S. cultivated crops. for centuries, where it was considered a useful drug for the treatment of The first record of its medicinal numerous afflictions, and remained use dates back to 4,000 B.C. in part of the U.S. Pharmacopoeia until China, where the plant originated 1941. Marijuana was criminalized in and was used as an anesthetic the early 20th century, not because of during surgery. Records from 1,000 B.C. in India praise it for reducing anxiety. By medieval times, the plant

4 Marijuana Facts A brief history of marijuana

2010 2012 2013 2014

Marijuana Colorado and Uruguay Oregon, Alaska, legalization Washington becomes the and Washington, becomes a become the first first nation to D.C. pass mainstream U.S. states – and legally regulate ballot initiatives political issue the first political marijuana. to legalize as a California jurisdictions marijuana, ballot initiative, anywhere in and New York Proposition 19, the world – to becomes the pulls off a legally regulate 23rd state to near-victory. marijuana. approve medical marijuana.

any evidence of risk to public health This booklet is intended to provide or safety, but rather as a result of brief answers to some of the most racial prejudice against an influx of commonly-asked questions about immigrants arriving from Mexico who marijuana. We hope it will help you were using marijuana. better understand this plant and its effects. “The idea that this is an evil drug is a very recent construction,” says Barney Warf, a professor of geography at the University of Kansas in Lawrence and author of High Points: An Historical Geography of Cannabis. And the fact that it is illegal is an "historical anomaly."

www.drugpolicy.org 5 Is it true that marijuana has medicinal properties?

Absolutely. For many seriously ill Although 25 states and Washington, people, medical marijuana is the D.C. have legalized marijuana for only medicine that relieves pain medical purposes, and there is and suffering, or treats symptoms a plethora of scientific research of their medical condition, establishing medical marijuana’s without debilitating side effects. safety and efficacy, the federal Marijuana’s medicinal benefits are government (by way of the Drug undeniable, now demonstrated by Enforcement Administration and the decades of studies published in National Institute on Drug Abuse) is highly respected medical journals. blocking the clinical trials necessary to turn the marijuana plant into an For some people, marijuana can: FDA-approved prescription drug. • Alleviate symptoms of a wide range of debilitating medical Alternately, doctors may legally conditions, including cancer, prescribe Marinol, an FDA-approved HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, pill that contains 100 percent THC – Alzheimer’s Disease, epilepsy, but patients don’t find it as effective and Crohn’s Disease as marijuana because it lacks the • Act as a safer and more effective other therapeutic compounds found alternative to narcotic painkillers in the plant. • Treat severe pain • Reduce nausea induced by cancer chemotherapy • Stimulate appetite in AIDS patients • Reduce intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma • Reduce muscle spasticity in patients with neurological disorders • Help manage some mental health conditions, particularly PTSD

6 Marijuana Facts Is it true that marijuana has How strong is today’s medicinal properties? marijuana?

The marijuana available today is potencies, including marijuana with the same plant that has been used virtually no traces of THC, but high for thousands of years. Due to the in cannabidiol (CBD) – which is large number of marijuana varieties, therapeutic, but not psychoactive. however, the level of THC – the main psychoactive ingredient – varies. Different methods of ingestion can also impact the strength of Interestingly, marijuana tested in marijuana. Marijuana-infused areas where it is illegal tends to edibles, for example, can have a be stronger. Why? Because when stronger intoxicating effect and last access to a particular substance longer than smoking. It’s important is sporadic, risky and limited, both to regulate dosage and remember consumers and producers are that it can take up to one hour before incentivized to use or sell higher a marijuana edible takes effect. potency material. There was a similar (See page 15 for more on this.) trend during alcohol Prohibition, when beer and cider were largely replaced by spirits and hard liquor, which are easier and more profitable to transport.

On the other side of the coin, when access is regulated and controlled, as in states where medical marijuana is legal, we see a wider variety of

www.drugpolicy.org 7 Is marijuana a gateway drug?

Marijuana is the most popular and dependent on it, or go on to have easily accessible illegal drug in associated problems. Indeed, for the the United States today. Therefore, large majority of people, marijuana is people who have used less an endpoint in drug use rather than accessible drugs such as heroin, a so-called “gateway drug”. New cocaine and LSD, are likely to have evidence suggests that marijuana first accessed marijuana and other can even serve as an “exit drug,” more accessible drugs, including helping people to reduce or eliminate alcohol. But the use of one does not their use of more harmful drugs cause the use of another. such as opiates or alcohol by easing withdrawal symptoms. Most people who try marijuana never go on to use any other illegal drug, and the vast majority of those who do try another drug don’t become

8 Marijuana Facts Are more people becoming dependent on marijuana?

In a word: no. Fewer than 10 percent prior to admission. When given the of those who try marijuana ever end choice between treatment and jail, up meeting the clinical criteria for however, most people will choose dependence, whereas 32 percent treatment regardless of whether of tobacco users and 15 percent of they’re struggling with addiction. alcohol users do. In addition, the removal of criminal Some people argue that rates barriers and creation of legitimate of marijuana dependence are markets for obtaining marijuana increasing because marijuana has destigmatized marijuana use. treatment admissions are increasing. Thus, people who use marijuana are However, the primary reason we’re more likely to seek substance abuse seeing an increase in admissions is treatment, with less concern about because the criminal justice system the social and criminal consequences is referring more people to treatment of outing themselves. instead of jail or prison, as a result of policies implemented over the past Even though marijuana is becoming two decades to stem the skyrocketing more acceptable, there is no U.S. prison population. evidence of an increase in levels of marijuana dependence in the That’s why just 45 percent of people general population. who enter marijuana treatment meet the official criteria for marijuana dependence. More than a third hadn’t even used marijuana in the 30 days

www.drugpolicy.org 9 10 Marijuana Facts Does marijuana impair driving the way alcohol does?

Yes and no. Marijuana can affect appear to develop a tolerance to perception and psychomotor marijuana’s impairing effects. performance, changes that could impair driving ability. But in driving Unfortunately, as a result of studies, marijuana produces little marijuana’s criminalization, harm or no car-handling impairment – prevention measures that exist for consistently less than produced alcohol consumption – such as safe by moderate doses of alcohol use guidelines, formal intoxication and many legal medications. levels, designated driver education, and easily accessible information Mixing marijuana and alcohol about how alcohol impacts physical together amplifies potential risks. and mental functioning – are not Surveys of fatally injured drivers show widely available for marijuana use. that when THC is detected in the In states where marijuana is legally blood, alcohol is often detected as controlled and regulated, public well. That said, it is never a good education about using marijuana idea to get behind the wheel safely, including not driving under when intoxicated, even if just from the influence, is becoming more marijuana alone. readily available.

For some people, marijuana may play a role in bad driving, but the overall rate of highway accidents does not appear to be significantly affected by marijuana’s widespread use. Also, people who frequently use marijuana

www.drugpolicy.org 11 Does using marijuana have long-term effects on the brain?

Whether you’ve tried it yourself, or A 2014 study of 2,600 young people have been with someone under the found that when taking into account influence of marijuana, you know socio-economic factors such as that “getting high” can change how environment, poverty, poor nutrition, a person thinks and behaves. Some parenting style, mental health, and short-term effects may include alcohol use, the association between immediate changes in thoughts, moderate marijuana use and IQ perceptions and information largely disappears. Still, it is strongly processing. The cognitive process recommended that teens not use most clearly affected by marijuana is marijuana, as their brains are still short-term memory, but this usually developing, and in particular the part disappears as soon as the person is of the brain that controls emotional no longer intoxicated. development can be sensitive.

So, what about long-term effects? For both adolescents and adults, Evidence does not support the notion it’s important to understand the that even heavy, long-term marijuana difference between use and misuse. use by adults permanently impairs “Drug use” includes all problematic memory or other cognitive functions. and non-problematic drug use. “Misuse” can include both addictive Some studies have shown that heavy use, and non-addictive problematic marijuana use starting in the early use (ie., driving while impaired). teens has an impact on the brain, while other studies have shown no impact. What is clear is that much more research is needed.

12 Marijuana Facts Does marijuana negatively impact mental health?

There is no definitive evidence noticeable. This is why we see so that marijuana causes some many studies that confirm that most psychiatric disorders in otherwise people diagnosed with severe mental healthy individuals. Most tellingly, illness have had a history of alcohol rates of schizophrenia and other and/or drug use. psychiatric illnesses have remained flat even during periods of time when The alcohol and drug use was not the marijuana use rates have increased. cause of the mental illness, however, This is not to say that there is no but rather a behavior that coincides relationship between psychoactive with the undetected development substances and mental functioning. of mental health symptoms. In fact, Some effects of marijuana use can research suggests that those with include feelings of panic, anxiety mental illness might actually be self- and paranoia, but these effects medicating with marijuana – turning are temporary. to the plant to help manage their symptoms, rather than becoming ill Part of the reason it’s so difficult to after use. detangle psychoactive substance use from mental health is age of onset. Indeed, emerging evidence For most people, symptoms of mental indicates that psychiatric patients disturbance occur in the late teens who try marijuana show significant and early 20’s. Teens are also more improvements in symptoms and likely to experiment with marijuana clinical outcomes (such as lower and less likely to be open with their mortality rates and better cognitive parents about their drug use and/or functioning) compared with those any symptoms of mental disturbance who have not. And some of the they may be experiencing. As a unique chemicals in marijuana, result, drug and alcohol use has such as cannabidiol (CBD), seem to usually already started by the time have antipsychotic properties. Now, symptoms of mental illness become researchers are investigating it as a possible treatment for schizophrenia and depression.

www.drugpolicy.org 13 Is there a relationship between marijuana and cancer?

According to the most scientifically associated with reduced risk of head valid studies, long-term marijuana and neck cancer. In fact, some of smoking is not associated with the chemicals in marijuana, such as elevated cancer risk, including THC and especially CBD, have been lung, melanoma, prostate, breast or found to promote tumor cell death cervix. Scientists hypothesize that the and show potential as effective tools anti-oxidant properties of marijuana in treating cancer! might override any cancer-causing chemicals found in marijuana smoke, Finally, marijuana smoking is therefore protecting the body against not associated with any other the impact of smoking. That alone is permanent lung harms, such as a huge surprise to most people, but chronic obstructive pulmonary that’s just the beginning. disorder, emphysema or reduced lung function – even after years A study in 2009 actually found of frequent use. that moderate marijuana smoking over a 20-year period was actually

14 Marijuana Facts What happens when you eat something made with marijuana?

Marijuana-infused products, often individual metabolism, size and referred to as “edibles,” include overall health. Also it’s important to any food, drink or tincture that is remember that a marijuana edible consumed orally. For some people, can take up to an hour to have an especially medical patients, these effect, so it’s important to wait at least products are a better option than this long before ingesting more. For smoking, as their effects last longer people using marijuana for medical and they can be manufactured with reasons, higher doses are sometimes precise doses that more reliably necessary to relieve pain. meet patients’ needs (similar to how prescription medicines have very The Drug Policy Alliance believes that specific dosages). marijuana edible products should be regulated and labeled with detailed As with any drug or alcohol, it’s information to keep consumers safe; very important to understand and that all of these products are kept how much you’re ingesting, so as away from children. not to go overboard. Consuming 10-25 milligrams of THC (the psycho- active ingredient in marijuana) causes psychoactive effects that regularly last about four to six hours (and sometimes longer). How your body responds will depend on your

www.drugpolicy.org 15 What are marijuana concentrates?

“Concentrates” refers to a Many medical marijuana patients concentrated form of marijuana rely on concentrates because which is made into oils, butter, they enable them to ingest a large or black or brown sticky amount of cannabinoids fairly easily. substances that sometimes have Cannabinoids such as THC and the appearance of wax or glass CBD are found in higher levels in (sometimes called ‘shatter’). concentrates than in the raw plant. For example, THC levels in the raw There are over 500 chemicals in plant range from about 5-20%, while the marijuana plant and about 80 in concentrates can range from of those are cannabinoids, or 50-90% THC. These high levels might the active ingredients, which be ideal for patients seeking relief also include terpines (aromas). from debilitating conditions, but can Concentrate producers harvest potentially be too much for someone these active ingredients from the using cannabis as a relaxant or plant and create a substance made therapeutic agent. up of only these, similar to juicing an orange. Concentrates are usually ingested via inhalation (either smoking or vaporizing), but can also be ingested orally, such as in an oil or tincture, or used as an ingredient in infused edible products in the form of oil or butter.

16 Marijuana Facts www.drugpolicy.org 17 Should I talk to my child about marijuana?

Keeping teens safe must be our Make it abundantly clear that you top priority. Despite parents’ are concerned primarily with their wishes for teenagers to abstain safety, and that they have someone from using marijuana, the fact is, to turn to if they need help. If they many will experiment. To protect find themselves in a compromising them, empower your child to make or uncomfortable situation, they need responsible decisions by providing to trust that you will come to their them with honest, science-based aid immediately. information and teaching them the legal and social consequences If the subject comes up with younger of drug use. children, whose use is (hopefully) not even on the table, stick to the When it comes to the “drug basic facts. Explain that for some, talk,” be prepared to listen to marijuana is a medicine; and while their thoughts and feelings, and some adults use it to relax, similar to remain as nonjudgmental as beer and wine, it can be damaging to possible. Let them know they can young and developing bodies and is talk freely. Emphasize that you’d not appropriate, or legal, for kids. For prefer that they don’t experiment more information on this topic please with marijuana because it could see the Drug Policy Alliance’s booklet impact their growing brain, but if on this topic, Safety First. they do, stress the importance of moderation. Heavy/daily marijuana use among very young teenagers is most problematic, which is why marijuana legalization laws restrict use to those ages 21 and over.

18 Marijuana Facts Where in the U.S. is marijuana legal?

Medical Marijuana In the U.S., laws vary from state to Medical Marijuana and state, but they break down into four Marijuana legalization key categories: States with potential marijuana legalization ballot initiatives in 2016 • Completely illegal (possessing any States with potential medical amount is punishable by jail time and marijuana ballot initiatives in 2016 large fines) • Decriminalized (possessing small At least 28 countries around amounts for personal use is either the world have eliminated legal or only a minor civil infraction, criminal penalties for marijuana but growing, selling, etc. is still illegal) possession, including Canada, • Legal for medical reasons only Belgium, Spain, and Jamaica. In • Legal for recreational use 2013, Uruguay became the first (publicly sold, regulated and taxed country in the world to approve like alcohol) the legal regulation of marijuana for adult use.

www.drugpolicy.org 19 Where in the U.S. is marijuana legal? (cont.)

No matter where you are in the Colorado and Washington (the first country, marijuana is illegal to two states to legalize and regulate transport across state lines; it’s marijuana for recreational use) are always illegal to drive under the showing just how successful ending influence; and it’s illegal to use if prohibition can be. For example, in you’re under 21 (unless you’re a 2014, the first full year of legalization, medical marijuana patient). Colorado collected over $76 million in marijuana taxes and fees, and the The recreational use of marijuana state of Washington is projected to is legal in Washington, D.C. and bring in $190 million in their first four four states: Colorado, Washington, years of legalization. Additionally, Oregon and Alaska. Twenty-one arrests and charges have plummeted additional states have legalized in these states, saving additional medical marijuana: Arizona, public expenditures and freeing California, Connecticut, Delaware, up police and the entire criminal Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, justice system to address more Massachusetts, Michigan, serious crimes. Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, While communities of color have New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, borne the brunt of marijuana Rhode Island and Vermont. In 2016, enforcement, they also experience Massachusetts, California, Maine, formidable barriers to entry in the Nevada and Arizona will likely be emerging legal marijuana industry. voting to legalize, as well. Some recent reforms have taken steps to begin to address this In addition to the four states that problem. California’s legalization have legalized marijuana, 16 initiative, for instance, contains other states have decriminalized anti-monopoly and anti-discrimination marijuana to some degree. measures, while Ohio’s recently- adopted medical marijuana law ensures that a portion of licenses will go to those who have been most directly harmed by marijuana prohibition.

20 Marijuana Facts Poll: Do you think the use of marijuana should be legal?

90 80 70% 73% 73% 70 64% 64% 70% 60% 58% 60 66% 62% 54% 50 58% 40% 40 34% 34% 44% 28% 30 25% 36% 39% 31% 20 25% 23% 25% 10 1977 1981 1985 1989 1993 1997 2001 2005 2009 2013 2017

Drug Policy DPF and Lindesmith CO and WA Foundation merge to become legalize founded Drug Policy Alliance marijuana

CA becomes 1st DPA tops 100k medical marijuana state supporters % No, illegal Lindesmith Center % Yes, legal founded

Source: Gallup

www.drugpolicy.org 21 Does marijuana legalization lead to increased use?

Changes in marijuana laws have to marijuana as it moves from the not been found to have a significant unregulated streets – where there impact on rates of adult use. are no age requirements – to inside According to the National Academy licensed dispensaries, where you of Sciences, "There is little evidence need to be 21 to purchase marijuana. that decriminalization of marijuana use necessarily leads to a substantial In Colorado, adolescent marijuana increase in marijuana use." use has declined slightly since marijuana was legalized in 2012, In short: according to a comprehensive survey conducted in 2015 by the legal access ≠ state’s departments of education, human resources, health, and increased use. the environment.

When it comes to use by young In addition to looking at whether people, several recent reports or not these new laws lead to a have found that in the majority of decrease or increase in use, it’s also states that have approved medical important to examine whether or not marijuana, use among teenagers has legalization reduces the harms of actually decreased. Experts say this both drug use and drug prohibition. is due to a diminished “forbidden In the case of marijuana, this includes fruit” effect and decreased access reducing the stark racial disparities in the enforcement of marijuana laws, as well as the fiscal, health and human costs of arresting hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. each year for marijuana possession.

22 Marijuana Facts Do people still get arrested and punished for using marijuana?

Believe it or not, despite the at Mexican migrants and Mexican marijuana law reforms in several Americans. Artists and performers states, there are still more arrests – especially black jazz musicians – for marijuana possession every were also common targets. Today, year than for all violent crimes Latino and black communities are combined. still subject to wildly disproportionate marijuana enforcement practices, According to the FBI, 700,000 despite the fact that these groups are people were arrested for marijuana no more likely than white people to law violations in 2014 – comprising use or sell marijuana. almost half (45 percent) of all drug arrests in the US. That’s one These arrests can create permanent marijuana arrest every 45 seconds! criminal records that can easily be On top of that, 88 percent of found on the internet by employers, arrests were for simple possession, landlords, schools, credit agencies not for selling or manufacturing. and banks. And it can result in loss of employment, financial aid, housing All of these arrests are not cheap, and child custody. In many U.S. either. U.S. states spend more than states, a marijuana possession arrest $3 billion enforcing marijuana can still lead to months or even years prohibition every year. behind bars. Clearly, a marijuana arrest is no small matter. Sadly, these arrests are largely based on racial prejudice and politics. Over the past two decades, a The first anti-marijuana laws during powerful movement of people across the 1910s and 20s, were directed the political spectrum has emerged to fight for more sensible marijuana laws. To learn more and get involved, please visit www.drugpolicy.org.

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24 Marijuana Facts