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Today’s Cannabis: Why It’s More Dangerous, More Addictive, and More Damaging Than People Realize
Emily Kurnell Emily Kurnell

Today’s Cannabis: Why It’s More Dangerous, More Addictive, and More Damaging Than People Realize

As an addiction specialist, I meet many people who believe cannabis is harmless because “it’s natural,” “everyone uses it,” or “it’s legal now.” But the cannabis people are using today is not the same substance that existed 20 or 30 years ago. Modern cannabis is dramatically more potent, more addictive, and more capable of causing both short‑ and long‑term harm to the brain.

The science is clear: today’s high‑THC cannabis carries real risks—especially for young people, daily users, and anyone using it to cope with stress, anxiety, trauma, or emotional pain.

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Why Cannabis Is Not a Harm‑Reduction Medication for AUD or SUDA
Emily Kurnell Emily Kurnell

Why Cannabis Is Not a Harm‑Reduction Medication for AUD or SUDA

In recent years, cannabis has been promoted in some circles as a “safer alternative” to alcohol or other drugs. The idea sounds appealing: replace a harmful substance with something perceived as more natural or less dangerous. But from the standpoint of an addiction specialist, this approach is not only misleading—it can derail recovery and prolong suffering.

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The Grip of Today’s Cannabis: Understanding Addiction and the Path to Freedom
Emily Kurnell Emily Kurnell

The Grip of Today’s Cannabis: Understanding Addiction and the Path to Freedom

By: An Addiction Specialist

Cannabis has changed dramatically over the past decade. What was once a mild, low‑potency plant has evolved into a highly engineered substance with THC concentrations far beyond what previous generations ever encountered. As potency has risen, so have the rates of dependence, withdrawal, and cannabis‑induced mental health crises.

In my practice, I see more people than ever struggling with cannabis addiction—often shocked that something they believed was “safe” has taken such a powerful hold on their lives.

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