COLUMBUS, Ohio — This upcoming November Ohioans will decide the fate of recreational marijuana on the ballot.
State Issue 2 could legalize recreational marijuana for anyone 21-years-old and up, and those adults would have the right to buy, possess, and grow the substance. However, before constituents cast their vote, many people are weighing in on the pros and cons regarding the potential impact of recreational marijuana on health.
What You Need To Know
- Early voting begins next week as Ohioans will get the opportunity to decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana statewide
- There is research supporting both sides of the issue in regards to recreational marijuana and its health impact
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly three in 10 people who use marijuana develop marijuana use disorder.
As early voting begins next week, many Ohioans will be asked about State Issue 2. An aspect that could affect their vote could be messages they are hearing regarding how recreational marijuana affects health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about three in 10 people who use marijuana develop a marijuana use disorder.
“It is an addictive substance,” said Fran Gerbig, Executive Director of Prevention Action Alliance. “Knowing that the potency of THC in products has increased from 4% in 1995 to almost 95%, 98% in some products is very concerning because the higher the potency, the more at risk people are for developing addiction.”
Gerbig also suggested that recreational marijuana could have various consequences for Ohioans. She mentioned that the human brain continues developing until 25-years-old. Suggesting the use of marijuana could put people at higher risks of behavioral health, mental health disorders and psychosis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also says marijuana can affect a person’s heartbeat, which could lead to blood pressure issues, and risk of stroke. However, there is another argument to the matter that some researchers say poses some health benefits. Ohio State University Professor Gary Wenk helped conduct a research study that portrayed how the use of marijuana could reduce brain inflammation in certain groups of people.
“It all came down once again to stem cells,” Wenk said, “and that led us to looking for anti-inflammatories. Finally, it led me to cannabis. It was able to get in the brain, and rescue the stem cells and also reduce brain inflammation.”
Wenk said the benefits of marijuana depend on the age of the person using the substance.
“By the time we’re in our 50s, 60s and older, our brain has quite a bit of inflammation,” Wenk said. “Now, for the exact same reasons that the effects of marijuana on stem cells, inflammation is reduced. So if one were to ask the question, ‘Is marijuana harmful?’, you always have to ask sort of the counter question. ‘Well, for whom? For young people?’ Yes, for old people. No, it’s beneficial.”
This upcoming Wednesday, Spectrum News is hosting a forum in partnership with the Columbus Dispatch and the Cincinnati Enquirer to discuss State Issue 2.