Marijuana Use Increases Risk of Heart Attacks, New Studies Suggest

Two new studies suggest that regular use of marijuana could be linked to a higher risk of heart failure or heart attack, especially among older people. 

The preliminary findings of the studies, which have yet to be published, will be presented next week at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2023 in Philadelphia.

When Will Ohioans Be Able to Purchase Recreational Marijuana?

What does Issue 2 do? 

Ohioans 21 years and older can legally consume or possess cannabis on and after Dec. 7. It legalizes 2.5 ounces of adult-use cannabis and 15 grams of extract. 

People may also grow up to six plants for personal use, with a limit of 12 plants per household. 

When can I buy recreational marijuana in Ohio? 

Getting legal products will be the biggest issue in the coming months. There won’t be licensed dispensaries for months as the Department of Commerce creates rules and regulations around licensing. “There will not be any place for Ohioans to purchase legal marijuana in a licensed dispensary because the dispensaries won't be licensed for six to nine months depending on how quickly the Department of Commerce will move," said Jana Hrdinova, who is the administrative director of the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center at the Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University. 

Ohio’s recreational marijuana law could also change before it goes into effect if the General Assembly works fast enough. Some lawmakers have signaled they want changes to the law or want to attempt to overturn it entirely.  “They do have the power to change anything about it. If there are provisions they don't like or feel won't be safe for the public, they can change anything they would like in the statute,” said Hrdinova.  

What does marijuana legalization mean for employers in Ohio?

Even though the law will take effect on Dec. 7, there aren’t protections for Ohio employees using marijuana.  

Department of Commerce Issues FAQ about Recreational Marijuana Implementation and Timeline

Voters approved the adult use marijuana legalization-initiated statute Issue 2 by a vote of 57 percent to 43 percent. Initiated statutes become effective 30 days after Election Day.

The new law establishes the Division of Cannabis Control under DOC and gives the division up to nine months to write rules and issue licenses.

Because of this process, adults ages 21 and older could have to wait nine months to purchase recreational marijuana from a dispensary in Ohio.

DOC also noted that the General Assembly could make changes to the law in the coming months.

Mind-Altering Ketamine Becomes Latest Pain Treatment, Despite Little Research or Regulation

As U.S. doctors scale back their use of opioid painkillers, a new option for hard-to-treat pain is taking root: ketamine, the decades-old surgical drug that is now a trendy psychedelic therapy.

Prescriptions for ketamine have soared in recent years, driven by for-profit clinics and telehealth services offering the medication as a treatment for pain, depression, anxiety and other conditions.

The generic drug can be purchased cheaply and prescribed by most physicians and some nurses, regardless of their training.

With limited research on its effectiveness against pain, some experts worry the U.S. may be repeating mistakes that gave rise to the opioid crisis: overprescribing a questionable drug that carries significant safety and abuse risks.