The article discusses concerns raised by a New York Times editorial about the increasing legalization and use of cannabis and questions whether a similar caution will be applied to psychedelics.
The New York Times recently published an editorial expressing concern over the legalization of cannabis in the U.S., suggesting that while it supports decriminalization, there are serious negative effects associated with its commercialization. Since no states permitted recreational use 13 years ago, the situation has drastically changed, with a majority of Americans now able to legally smoke cannabis. The editorial points out alarming statistics, including that 18 million Americans (7% of the adult population) use cannabis nearly daily, which is three times more than in 2012. This has resulted in more people using cannabis daily than alcohol, leading to unforeseen consequences.
Among these consequences is cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, a condition that causes constant vomiting, affecting approximately 2.8 million people in the U.S. There is also an increase in emergency hospital visits related to psychotic episodes tied to cannabis use. The editorial raises concerns that a similar trend may emerge with psychedelics, particularly substances like psilocybin found in
