Marijuana in Wisconsin by the Wisconsin State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Committee, Marijuana Ad-hoc Committee, June 2016
Marijuana in Wisconsin; Research-Based Review and Recommendations for Reducing the Public Health Impact of Marijuana; Wisconsin State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Committee Marijuana Ad-hoc Committee, June 2016
Some selected excerpts:
"...Progression from Marijuana to Other Substance Use Scientists have explored the influence of early marijuana use on the eventual use of other illicit drugs. While the term "gateway drug" has been controversial, research findings strongly suggest that adolescent marijuana use can contribute to increased curiosity and willingness to try other substances; marijuana use during adolescence may also sensitize the brain's reward-system and make one more likely to use other drugs. A recently published study of over 6,500 adults who started marijuana use before using any other drug found that nearly 45% progressed to other illicit drug use in their lives, a rate that is significantly higher than the general population (Secades-Villa, GarciaRodriguez, Jin, Wang, & Blanco, 2015; IJDP 2015). While the study did confirm marijuana's "gateway" effect, it also uncovered risk factors that predicted who was most vulnerable to making the transition to other drugs, a finding that the researchers hope will inform prevention and early intervention efforts. The presence of any of the following increased the likelihood that initiating substance use with marijuana would lead to other illicit drug use: mood disorder, anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, personality disorder, and family history of substance use disorder (Secades-Villa et al., 2015). Other Vulnerable Populations Studies looking at the impact of toxic stress on the developing brain strongly suggest that children and adolescents who have experienced adverse childhood experiences are at increased risk for adopting unhealthy coping strategies including early initiation of marijuana use (Anda & Brown, 2010). Additional information on this relationship and adverse childhood experiences can be found in Appendix E.
In addition to individuals who experience adverse childhood experiences, individuals within other groups may also be at increased risk for experiencing the harmful effects of marijuana use. For the purpose of this report, vulnerable individuals are those who do not have access to evidence-based prevention services and/or are unable to make fully informed decisions for themselves. This vulnerability can result from developmental problems, personal incapacities, disadvantaged social status, inadequacy of interpersonal networks and supports, degraded neighborhoods and environments, and the complex interactions of these factors throughout the lifespan (Mechani & Tanner, 2007). ..."
Cannabinoid Research Recommendations
Recommendation 1: Cannabis, cannabinoid pharmaceuticals and cannabis/cannabinoid delivery systems should be subject to the same rigorous standards for approval that are applicable to other prescription medications and medical devices and should not be available for use by patients until such a time as they have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Recommendation 2: The state and federal government should encourage and promote further research and development focused on the study of specific pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoid compounds and preparations (including whole plant preparations) for various clinical applications. After clinical trial studies are conducted to determine the benefits and long-term side effects of marijuana use on health, laws should only be considered that: Are limited in scope to individuals with identified conditions shown through research to benefit from the medicinal properties of marijuana plant extracts. Provide clear guidelines for dosing amounts. Provide consistent quality control testing of the cannabinoid dosing and additives. Identify restrictions on packaging and distribution that are equivalent to any other prescribed medication.
Recommendation 3: Smoked cannabis is not a safe delivery system for cannabinoids, and should not be legalized in any form since it appears to have similar clinical efficacy via inhalation (vaporized route), sublingual, and oral routes which are safer, and that may have decreased abuse potential.
Recommendation 4: Non-pharmaceutical grade oral formulations (edibles) and oral formulations are not approved by the FDA and should not be permitted. There is significant variability in dosing between samples, inconsistent distribution of cannabinoids and there are current FDA-approved oral cannabinoids by prescription, in the form of Dronabinol (Marinol®) and Nabilone (Cesament®).
Recommendation 5: Cannabis and cannabis extract(s) for use in individuals younger than age 21 should not be legalized in any form unless specifically FDA approved. A growing body of evidence links early cannabis exposure with neurobiological brain abnormalities, an increased risk of addiction, potential to be a gateway drug leading to other drug abuse, permanent neurocognitive decline, lower school performance, and compromised lifetime achievement.
"...In conclusion, the committee agrees with the following statement: Colorado and Washington serve as experimental labs for the nation to determine the impact of legalizing marijuana. This is an important opportunity to gather and examine meaningful data and facts. Citizens and policymakers may want to delay any decisions on this important issue until there is sufficient and accurate data to make an informed decision (RMHIDTA). ..."
"...Prevention As demonstrated throughout this report, marijuana is not harmless. The previous sections of this report highlight the adverse effects that marijuana use can have on both mental and physical health. Despite this growing body of knowledge, marijuana continues to increase in popularity as both a mind-altering substance and an unapproved, unregulated herbal remedy. This section of the report focuses primarily on the need to prevent the initiation of marijuana use by adolescents. Targeting prevention efforts to this age group is critical for preventing the negative health and social outcomes experienced by adults who began using during their teen years. Preventing Teen Marijuana Use Must be a Priority As shown in Figure 12, marijuana is the second most commonly initiated substance by teens in Wisconsin (SAMHSA, 2015). Looking exclusively at substance use disorders, it is estimated that approximately 9% of those older than 18 who experiment with marijuana will become addicted. This rate goes up to nearly 17% among those who begin using as teenagers, and between 25% and 50% for young people who develop a daily pattern of use (Volkow, Baler, Compton, & Weiss, 2014). ..."
In Wisconsin, there is a coordinated effort underway by some county boards to rush through an advisory cannabis referendum, presumably to legalize recreational marijuana. This blog is in response to the lack of information provided. Important data is missing from this referendum. Where is the expert testimony, victim testimony, environmental impact studies and state comparative data? Why no data? Good question. Here is some information to provide to your own county board.