Study: Medical marijuana laws lead to more recreational use

A new study suggests medical marijuana laws contribute to greater recreational use and dependence on the drug (Source: “Study: Medical marijuana laws linked to increased adult recreational use, abuse,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 26, 2017). 

Researchers compared non-medical marijuana use and cannabis use disorder prevalence among adults in 15 states that legalized medical marijuana between 1991 and 2012.

Illicit use and use disorders increased in all 39 states studied during that time, but were 1.4 percent and 0.7 percent higher, respectively, in states with medical marijuana laws than those without.

Deborah Hasin, who authored the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry, said such laws may benefit some with medical problems, but legalization also has adverse public health consequences.

Marijuana legalization supporters said the study's conclusions are inconsistent with other research and relied on data rarely used to measure drug use.  

Ohio and 28 other states have legalized medical marijuana. Ohio's law, passed last year, allows people with one of 21 medical conditions to buy and use marijuana if recommended by a physician. The state will license a limited number of growers, product manufacturers and dispensaries to sell marijuana to patients starting next year.