A Review of Cases of Marijuana and Violence

Norman S. Miller, Redon Ipeku and Thersilla Oberbarnscheidt
Additional contact information
Norman S. Miller: CEO of Health Advocates PLLC, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
Redon Ipeku: College of Law, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
Thersilla Oberbarnscheidt: Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-14

Abstract: Marijuana is the most consumed illicit drug in the world, with over 192 million users. Due to the current legalization push of marijuana in the United States, there has been a lack of oversight regarding its public health policies, as marijuana advocates downplay the drug’s negative effects. This paper’s approach is from a public health perspective, focusing specifically on the cases of violence amongst some marijuana users. Here, we present 14 cases of violence with chronic marijuana users that highlight reoccurring consequences of: marijuana induced paranoia (exaggerated, unfounded distrust) and marijuana induced psychosis (radical personality change, loss of contact with reality). When individuals suffering from pre-existing medical conditions use marijuana in an attempt to alleviate their symptoms, ultimately this worsens their conditions over time. Although marijuana effects depend on the individual’s endocannabinoid receptors (which control behavioral functions, like aggression) and the potency level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the drug, scientifically documented links between certain marijuana users and violence do exist. Wider public awareness of the risks and side effects of marijuana, as well as a more prudent health policy, and government agency monitoring of the drug’s composition, creation, and distribution, are needed and recommended.

Keywords: marijuana; cannabis; tetrahydrocannabinol; THC; violence; law; paranoia; delusions; psychosis; public policies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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