Super-weed linked to psychotic disorders

By Fusion Staff  |  February 17, 2015 | 3:02pm
Latest

A new study found users of potent cannabis are three times more likely to develop symptoms of psychosis than non-users.

Researchers at King’s College London studied the impact of what they called “skunk-like” cannabis on people who use it every day. The daily users were five times more likely to begin suffering from a psychotic disorder.

On the bright side, the study found that people who use hash — the typically low-potency marijuana resin found in Europe — had no increased chance of psychosis, even if consumed on a daily basis.

D.C. may have legal pot — but no place to get it

D.C. could soon be known as the Wild West of marijuana, according to The Washington Post.

Marijuana legalization is set to go into effect in the nation’s capital in a little more than a week. The rollout, however, could be a bit messy.

Congress is blocking the District from installing a regulatory system that would allow the drug to be sold and taxed. As a result, residents in the nation’s capital will be able to legally possess enough pot to roll 100 joints, but won’t be able to buy or sell it.

Getty Images/Sean Gallup

“Where can it be bought? Sold? Eaten? Smoked? We’re not going to have answers to any of that, and that makes me very concerned,” D.C. Councilmember David Grosso told the Post.

In California, meanwhile, medical pot looks a lot like full legalization

An investigation by NBC’s Bay Area affiliate found out what a lot of people have been saying for years: it’s easy to get a recommendation for medical marijuana in California.

The investigative unit went undercover at “HempCon,” an annual medical marijuana expo (tough assignment!). They found that it was easy to get medical marijuana for a relatively minor condition — heartburn.

California’s medical marijuana guidelines do not limit cannabis to patients suffering from a set list of conditions. Instead, physicians are required to confirm the patient has a “serious medical condition” and that marijuana use is “appropriate.”

And in case you were worried about those investigative reporters running around all high and everything, they finish the piece with this note:

“The NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit plans to destroy the medical marijuana evaluation and card without using it to purchase marijuana.”

No word on the status of the heartburn.

Ted Hesson was formerly the immigration editor at Fusion, covering the issue from Washington, D.C. He also writes about drug laws and (occasionally) baseball. On the side: guitars, urban biking, and fiction.

 
Join the discussion...