The World Health Organization has revised its evaluation of the health harms linked to non-medical cannabis use, highlighting increased risks due to higher potency and evolving global patterns, amid ongoing debates on regulation and safety.
The World Health Organization has updated its assessment of the harms linked to non-medical cannabis use for the first time since 2016, saying the evidence base has changed enough that older conclusions no longer reflect current realities. The review, cited by the United Nations and reported by UNN, comes against a backdrop of stronger products, shifting laws and a larger body of research on how cannabis affects health.
Cannabis remains the world’s most widely used psychoactive drug, with the WHO noting that it is taken by millions of people each year and remains especially associated with early initiation among young people. The organisation says the latest review reflects major changes in cannabis composition, policy and science since the previous assessment.
One of the clearest concerns is potency. According to the WHO, many modern products contain far more tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, than those seen a decade ago, which can intensify both immediate and longer-term harm. The CDC says concentrated THC products are linked to more severe cannabis use disorder, a condition marked by dependency and difficulty controlling use.
The updated evidence also points to short-term dangers such as impaired judgement, attention and coordination, which can raise the risk of injury and road crashes. The review also refers to panic attacks, hallucinations and emergency-room visits. Longer-term use can lead to dependence, and the WHO says the risk is about one in 10 among people who have ever used cannabis. The organisation also flags particular risks for teenagers and young adults, including poorer cognitive development, psychosis and depression, while the NIH has reported that frequent smoking of cannabis may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
