As marijuana becomes increasingly legal and socially accepted across the United States, discussion about its use often focus on criminal justice reform, regulation, and personal freedom. What receives far less attention is the impact marijuana may have on mental health- particularly in high stress professions like the practice of law.
The legal profession has been facing a well-documented well-being crisis for years. A landmark study from 2016 of 12,825 practicing attorneys found that 28% experienced symptoms of depression, 19% experienced anxiety, and 23% reported significant stress levels. The same study found that 20.6% of lawyers scored at a level consistent with problematic drinking, with younger attorneys demonstrating the highest rates of problematic substance use. [americanbar.org]
Against this backdrop of elevated stress and mental health concerns, marijuana deserves thoughtful consideration. While experiences vary from person to person, regular cannabis use may affect concentration, memory, motivation, and decision-making. Additionally, some individuals may find that marijuana worsens anxiety or increases mood-related problems rather than alleviating them. What begins as an effort to manage stress can sometimes evolve into a cycle where increasing use is needed to achieve the same effect. The issue is not whether an attorney occasionally uses marijuana; the more important question is whether use is interfering with professional performance, personal relationships, and/or overall well-being.
According to the CDC, approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder, meaning marijuana use can become difficult to control even when it begins as an effort to manage stress or relax. Today’s marijuana is often much more potent than in past decades. According to NIDA’s analysis of DEA-seized cannabis samples, average THC levels have risen substantially since the 1990s- from 4% in 1995 to 16% in 2022. DEA materials note that concentrates and oils may contain 40% to 80% THC—far higher than many traditional forms of marijuana. [nida.nih.gov], [dea.gov], [cdc.gov]
Higher THC potency matters because THC is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. As THC levels increase, so do the likelihood of stronger intoxication, impaired judgment, anxiety, paranoia, and problems with attention and memory. High-potency products such as concentrates and oils may also increase the risk of dependence because they deliver much larger doses than traditional smokable marijuana. For attorneys, these risks are especially important because legal work depends on focus, sound judgment, memory, and careful decision-making.
The conversation about marijuana should not be framed as a matter of punishment or stigma. Instead, it should be part of the broader discussion surrounding attorney well-being. A lawyer’s relationship with marijuana should be evaluated not by its legal status, but by its impact on mental health, daily functioning, and the ability to practice law competently and effectively.
Please reach out to LAP if you or someone you know is experiencing mental health or substance use problems. Give us a call at 312-726-6607 or email gethelp@illinoislap.org.
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