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A Review of Cases of Marijuana and Violence

Author

Listed:
  • Norman S. Miller

    (CEO of Health Advocates PLLC, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
    Department of Psychiatry Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Norman S. Miller & Redon Ipeku & Thersilla Oberbarnscheidt, 2020. "A Review of Cases of Marijuana and Violence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:5:p:1578-:d:326527
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Anees Bahji & Callum Stephenson, 2019. "International Perspectives on the Implications of Cannabis Legalization: A Systematic Review & Thematic Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-9, August.
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