MISSOULA — The potency of recreational marijuana has increased in recent decades, with medical experts informing the Missoula City Council that messaging portraying the drug as safe and natural is misleading. They emphasized the potential health risks, especially among youth, including irreversible impacts like schizophrenia and suicide driven by anxiety and depression.
Advocates for regulating marijuana sales in Missoula highlighted the dangers associated with high THC levels in current products. They expressed concerns about health issues related to cannabis use, especially among youth who are more susceptible to developing cannabis-use disorders.
Members of the City Council scheduled a public hearing in July to evaluate proposals aimed at reducing youth marijuana use. The proposals include a moratorium on new business licenses for recreational dispensaries, criminal sanctions for selling marijuana to individuals under 21, and stricter enforcement of indoor vaping laws.
The city’s health department has been monitoring the number of dispensaries in Missoula, which has seen an increase since the legalization of recreational marijuana. Efforts are being made to prevent saturation and address the high density of dispensaries in relation to the city’s population.
Concerns were raised about the increased THC potency in marijuana products and its impact on youth. Officials highlighted the negative health effects, such as anxiety, depression, respiratory issues, cognitive impairment, and lower educational attainment associated with early marijuana use.
Health professionals emphasized the need for changing the perception of marijuana’s safety, especially for youth. The proposed measures to address youth marijuana use received support from local educators, family services, and law enforcement officials, with a focus on compliance checks and enforcement of laws against marketing to youth.
While most council members supported the recommendations, there were some dissenting opinions on certain aspects of the proposed resolution. However, the majority approved moving forward with the public hearing in early July to further discuss the potential regulations.
Local news from KPAX
