Democracy Dies in Darkness

Opinion I’m a marijuana enthusiast, but weed is getting a pass on health issues

By
December 26, 2023 at 5:45 a.m. EST
Marijuana plants are seen growing in Akron, Ohio, in January 2019. (Tony Dejak/AP)
5 min

Frances Story is the founder and host of the Writing Workshop KC.

As a lifelong marijuana enthusiast, now middle aged, it’s easy to see weed through green-colored glasses. Advocacy slogans read, “You can’t spell healthcare without THC,” and TV portrays an attractive counterculture, from “Broad City” to “Bob’s Burgers” to “Survival of Thickest.” There’s also a lot of eye-rolling from enthusiasts when it comes to any talk about its negative effects. And there are many enthusiasts.