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Filter OptionalAuthor: Filter Optional
Addiction Counselor Chico West and his wife Shannon lend their years of experience to listeners from all walks of life offering a unique perspective from both the filter (Shannon) and the no filter (Chico). Welcome to Filter Optional. Language: en Genres: Education, Self-Improvement Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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We Need To Admit We Have A Marijuana Problem | #21
Tuesday, 24 March, 2026
In this episode of Filter Optional, Chico and Shannon West tackle a controversial but increasingly urgent topic: the real impact of marijuana use in today’s culture.With shifting laws, rising THC potency, and changing public perception, cannabis has been widely labeled as “harmless.” But new research, hospital data, and even a major reversal from The New York Times suggest a different story—one that includes increased addiction rates, mental health risks, and long-term consequences .Drawing from clinical experience, research, and real-life stories, Chico and Shannon unpack what’s changed, what people are missing, and why awareness—not fear—is the goal of this conversation.Key Takeaways:- Why the narrative that marijuana is “harmless” is being challenged- The rise in THC potency and its impact on the brain - Understanding cannabis use disorder and addiction rates- The link between marijuana use and anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal- What is cannabis-induced psychosis and who is most at risk- Why lack of regulation and education creates hidden dangers- The cultural shift: from normalization to growing concernTakeaway:Marijuana may be legal, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Awareness, education, and honest conversations are essential to understanding the real risks and making informed choices.
