Cannabis access has accelerated globally and across the United States, creating substantial variation in regulatory systems, product availability, potency limits, commercialization practices, and public health risks. In this Ask the Expert video, Dr. Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, Professor and Elizabeth Garrett Chair in Health Policy, Economics & Law in the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California, examines the evolving policy landscape of cannabi

As cannabis products have evolved, so too have the risks—especially for young people. Today’s cannabis products contain far higher levels of THC than in previous decades, with some products reaching up to 80-90% THC. This shift is raising concerns due to its association with increased risk of addiction, mental health challenges, and psychosis. In this Ask the Expert explainer, Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Stanford REACH Lab at Stanfo

Understanding Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) | Health Risks Explained

The Addiction Policy Forum launched the inaugural Cannabis Use Disorder Prevention and Awareness Week, April 15-22. The national educational initiative aims to increase public understanding of cannabis use disorder, symptoms of cannabis use disorder, highlight emerging health risks, and promote prevention efforts. As cannabis use continues to rise across the United States, public perception of its risks remains low. However, research shows that an estimated 20.6 million peopl

Cannabis use is a growing public health concern as cannabis use becomes more common across the United States. While many people perceive cannabis as low-risk, regular or heavy use can lead to a cannabis use disorder (CUD) and a range of negative physical, mental, and social health outcomes. Cannabis Use Disorder by the Numbers An estimated 64.2 million people aged 12 or older in the U.S. used cannabis in 2024, a roughly 20.7% increase from 2021. [1] In 2024, 20.6 million peop

A growing body of research shows the effectiveness of several treatment options for cannabis use disorder (CUD). In this Ask the Expert interview, Dr. Redonna Chandler discusses the evidence surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of CUD. Dr. Chandler previously served as Director of the HIV Research Program and the HEALing Communities Study at the National Institute on Drug Abuse and now serves as a scientific advisor at the Addiction Policy Forum. Dr. Chandler discusses psy

In this Ask the Expert video, Dr. Margaret Haney, Professor of Neurobiology and Director of the Cannabis Research Laboratory at Columbia University Medical Center, discusses cannabis use disorder (CUD) and key risk factors. Although cannabis is often perceived as low-risk, an estimated 5.8% of the population meets criteria for CUD, with severity ranging from mild to moderate and severe.1 Research shows that individuals with more severe CUD experience diminished productivity,

In a study published in JAMA Cardiology , researchers found chronic cannabis use—whether through smoking or THC-infused edibles—is associated with impaired vascular function, even among young and otherwise healthy adults. Healthy vascular function allows blood vessels to dilate properly, deliver oxygen efficiently, and help regulate key processes within the circulatory system. When vascular function is impaired, blood vessels are less able to expand, which can reduce blood fl

A new study published in JAMA Health Forum found that adolescent cannabis use was associated with an increased risk of developing psychotic, bipolar, depressive, and anxiety disorders by young adulthood. The study included over 400,000 adolescents ages 13 to 17 who were universally screened for past-year cannabis use during routine pediatric visits between 2016 and 2023. Participants were followed through age 25, and researchers examined clinician-diagnosed psychiatric disor

Source: University of Michigan The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the University of Michigan published new data from the Monitoring the Future Study, an annual survey of drug use behaviors and attitudes among eighth, 10th, and 12th graders that has been supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for 51 years. The latest findings show that adolescent substance use in the United States remains at historically low levels. The 2025 survey included 23,726 s

Cannabis is one of the most commonly used substances in the United States, and while often perceived as low risk, use can lead to the development of cannabis use disorder (CUD). CUD can affect brain function, behavior, and overall health, and the risk is especially concerning among adolescents and young adults. Despite its prevalence, effective prevention and treatment strategies for CUD are often less well known than those for other substance use disorders. This webinar focu

According to the latest Monitoring the Future (MTF) Panel Study from the University of Michigan, young and midlife adults are reporting sharp increases in several emerging substance use behaviors, including nicotine pouches, cannabis, vaping, and psychedelics. For 50 years, MTF surveys nationally representative samples of 8th, 10th, and 12th-graders, tracking trends in youth substance use and following a subset of 12th-grade participants into adulthood. Today, the MTF Panel

There have been national policy changes related to the use of cannabis for medical purposes, yet there are many questions from the public and healthcare providers about its medical use. The FDA has approved specific cannabis-derived and cannabis-related therapeutics for treating certain medical conditions, but it has not approved cannabis itself for treating any health conditions. This webinar examines the scientific evidence on cannabis and health, while separating evidence-

Cannabis use in the United States has increased significantly in recent years, alongside rapidly evolving state policies that permit medical or recreational use. These shifts raise important questions about public health, including the impact on mental health and substance use disorder risk, adolescent brain development, and the potential harms associated with regular or high-potency use. Variations in state laws create a complex landscape that can influence access, perceptio

Cannabis use has become increasingly normalized and legalized across the globe, but its impact on mental health is still being understood. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence delves into the complex relationship between cannabis use, depression, and suicidal behavior. Cannabis use has been found to be a risk factor for depression, and consistent cannabis use has been associated with suicidality, suicidal behaviors, and action

Adults under 50 who use marijuana may face a significantly higher risk of heart attack, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) . Researchers analyzed data from more than 4.6 million adults and found that individuals under 50 who use cannabis were more than six times as likely to suffer a heart attack compared to non-users. The study also found that those who use cannabis are four times more likely to experience an ische

Watch this engaging webinar on the complex relationship between cannabis use and adolescent development with Dr. Mark Gold, M.D., and Dr. Sarah Vinson, M.D. The presentations explore the effects of cannabis on adolescent brain development, its potential long-term consequences, and emerging trends in use among younger populations. Speakers: Dr. Mark Gold, M.D., is a trailblazing figure in addiction and psychiatry, known for his transformative contributions across multiple

A recent study shows that adolescents are more prone to cannabis use disorder and its adverse effects than adults. Led by Dr. Rachel Lees at the University of Bath, the study showed that despite similar usage patterns, adolescents scored consistently higher on measures of cannabis use disorder, which includes symptoms such as failed attempts to quit, interference with daily life, and mental health deterioration. Notably, 70% of adolescents reported that cannabis hindered th

A recent study unveiled a significant shift in American substance use consumption patterns, indicating that marijuana has outpaced alcohol in daily usage for the first time in history. According to findings published in the scientific journal, Addiction , daily or near-daily marijuana use grew by 269% from 2008 to 2022. The analysis conducted by Dr. Jonathan Caulkins at Carnegie Mellon University utilized data spanning over four decades from the National Household Survey on D

Young men with cannabis use disorder (CUD) are at an increased risk of developing schizophrenia, a new study has found. Researchers estimated that up to 30% of cases of schizophrenia among men aged 21-30 might have been prevented if CUD had been averted. Previous research has found that the use of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, can trigger or worsen schizophrenia, and that this risk increases along with the frequency of cannabis use. This study sought to