Adding Lithium to Drinking Water for Suicide Prevention: Controversial Public Health Proposal

Suicide is a major global public health problem, accounting for over 800,000 deaths worldwide each year. Lithium, a mood stabilizing medication, has been proposed as a novel population-level suicide prevention strategy through supplementation of trace doses into the public drinking water supply. This controversial idea has sparked much debate around its ethics, risks, benefits and …

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Up In Smoke: The Highs & Lows of Marijuana Legalization

Cannabis legalization is spreading, but what does it mean for public health? A new review summarizes the research on the impacts of legalizing recreational cannabis use. Key Facts: Recreational cannabis is now legal nationally in Canada, Uruguay, and Malta. 18 U.S. states plus D.C. have also legalized recreational use. Research finds mixed evidence for effects …

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Hidden Dangers: Study Links Marijuana Use to Increased Levels of Toxic Metals

Summary: A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that people who exclusively use marijuana have higher levels of toxic metals like cadmium and lead in their blood and urine compared to people who do not use marijuana or tobacco. Key Facts: Exclusive marijuana users had 22% higher blood cadmium levels and 27% higher …

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