Groups representing doctors in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Delaware released a rare joint statement Friday opposing the legalization of recreational marijuana in their states.
“As physician leaders, we agree, as one voice, that the legalization of recreational marijuana does not serve the best interests of our patients nor will it serve the best interest of our states,” the presidents of the four state medical societies said.
Lawmakers in all four states are considering legalizing weed.
“We have serious concerns about the lack of scientific evidence that supports recreational marijuana use by adults and young adults. Most importantly, not enough research has been done to prove marijuana is safe,” they said.
The doctors said legislators need to look at potential “significant harms” — driving while impaired and accidents, creating and worsening mental health issues and “negative impacts on developing minds.”
“The huge increase in teen vaping causes great concern and it is very possible that we will have a similar situation with legalized marijuana. We need to learn the lessons from history to ensure that any legalized marijuana product does not become the Big Tobacco of the 21st Century,” the statement read.
The statement was signed by Thomas Madejski, president of New York Medical Society, John Poole of the New Jersey Medical Society, Claudi Gruss of the Connecticut Medical Society and Andrew Dahlke of the Delaware Medical Society.
“States that are rushing towards legalization of recreational marijuana are ignoring how profit-driven corporations hooked generations of Americans on cigarettes and opioids, killing millions and straining public resources,” they said.
The doctors said they believe that cannabis should be studied further before it’s legalized.
“When we have the science, we can make qualified and quantified decisions about legalization. To date, ten states have legalized recreational marijuana. Let’s stop the tide now,” they said.