I have now encountered two billboards advertising cannabis use to the general population, and I will not be surprised to see other direct-to-consumer advertising follow.
We restrict such advertising of alcohol and tobacco products, as it is indiscriminate and encourages use among children and adolescents. Why have we not restricted cannabis advertising similarly?
One billboard touted cannabis for fun, for health, and for life. While no doubt many experience pleasure with cannabis use, others experience paranoia, anxiety, depression, vomiting, delirium and addiction.
We are long overdue for research on the health benefits of cannabis, but a 2017 Cochrane review of what research is available found no convincing data that cannabis is good for your health.
Adults will need to decide for themselves whether cannabis enhances their life, but consensus is developing that in utero, childhood and adolescent exposure to cannabis is harmful to brain development.
As we move from decriminalization to legalization, we are moving too rapidly toward normalization. Children should not be exposed to cannabis, should not be transported or supervised by adults affected by psychoactive cannabis and should not be encouraged to use cannabis.
This message needs to be clear to children and to the public. The billboards need to come down.
Stephen Boos
Northampton