I recently read Carl Ochsner’s (4/24/25) cautionary piece on chronic cannabis use. His observations underscore the reality that prolonged, heavy cannabis consumption is not without consequence. Both psychological and physical health issues have been well-documented, particularly when cannabis use begins early in life. The younger the age of initiation, the greater the risk for serious adverse outcomes—including the potential development of schizophrenia.
My last non-technical medical article on this topic was published in 2012, titled "Marijuana: Modern Medical Chimaera," and appeared in the Journal of Drug Education. It remains accessible online via PubMed and provides a comprehensive overview of the medical concerns associated with cannabis use as they were understood at that time.
Despite being over a decade old, much of the data and insights discussed in that article remain alarmingly relevant today. If anything, the risks are now amplified by the rise of highly potent THC products that dominate the legal cannabis market. We are witnessing THC concentrations far exceeding those of cannabis available in the 20th century. This is especially concerning for older adults, who may be more vulnerable to these intensified effects due to age-related physiological changes.
Cannabis may not be physically addictive in the classical sense, but it can become psychologically habit-forming. My article outlines the potential withdrawal symptoms, which vary depending on the length and frequency of use. For many, stopping regular cannabis use brings about significant discomfort—further evidence of its impact on mental and emotional regulation.
To be clear, this is not a blanket condemnation of psychedelic substances. I have long supported their controlled use in clinical settings, including psychedelics such as LSD and MDMA (ecstasy), especially when backed by sound research and therapeutic intent. However, our collective desire for personal freedom must be balanced with an honest assessment of risk. We are not immune to the consequences of ignoring emerging scientific evidence.
For those interested in the history and science of psychedelics, I highly recommend "LSD: My Problem Child," authored by the late Dr. Albert Hofmann, the Swiss chemist who first synthesized LSD. His account offers an insightful and personal reflection on the potential and pitfalls of psychedelic use.
