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