Is marijuana use more dangerous because of edibles?

Recreational marijuana has been legal in the California since 2016, but not many people know the risks of marijuana use.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), “Approximately 1 in 10 people who use marijuana will become addicted. When they start before age 18, the rate of addiction rises to 1 in 6”. 

As a reminder, use of cannabis in not permitted on campus, including in the dorms. According to Sonoma State Police Chief Nader Oweis, “Anyone caught may be subject to disciplinary actions through the Dean of Students Office”. He also explained that under federal law, cannabis is illegal in the United States. Smoking cannabis in public is prohibited, especially where the use of tobacco is also prohibited. 

The legal aspect of cannabis and the casualty of its use makes people forget that it can potentially be dangerous and life threatening. There are a lot of risks related to marijuana consumption. According to SAMHSA, those risks include health issues such as brain damage and mental health issues, “Studies link marijuana use to depression, anxiety, suicide planning, and psychotic episodes.”

Risks related to cannabis are amplified when it is consumed in an edible form. Cannabis can be in be gummies, baked goods or even beverages. According to Oweis “Many people who consume edibles are unaware of the dangers associated with their use. The amount of THC is difficult to measure and is often unknown in many edibles. Many products contain significantly more THC than labeled and people who consume these edibles can be caught off-guard.”

He also touched on one large difference between smoking marijuana and consuming edibles, “The most prominent difference…is the delayed onset of effects associated with edibles -- it can take up to two hours to feel the effects. Unfortunately, this causes some people to consume a greater amount of drug before it has taken effect”. 

Students at SSU are not aware of these risks. The police have reported being called on “acute marijuana intoxication”, which is the term used to describe marijuana overdose. The symptoms from edibles are usually more severe than the one from smoking according to Oweis. He also expressed that students should call 911 if someone experiences those symptoms which include but are not limited to vomiting, anxiety, panic attack, agitation or paranoia.

Students may be nervous to call the police, but they ensure that students safety is always  their top priority.

Lastly, the chief encouraged students to join the discussion about drugs and alcohol, “One Pill Can Kill” that will take place on March 6 in Ball Room A. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the risks that are involved with drug use.