Category Archives: Washington

Marijuana and Pedestrian, Cyclists Deaths

Ramming into People at Bus Stops, on Sidewalks

A 65- year old driver rammed into pedestrians waiting at a bus stop in Vallejo, California on June 19. The mother of a 4-year-old girl was killed quickly, while the daughter and 4 others waiting for the bus were injured. The matter is still under investigation. Early reports said the driver had recently left a medical marijuana dispensary and he had pot on him.

On June 10, a driver in Ferndale, near Bellingham, struck and killed two Windward High School students on the sidewalk Continue reading Marijuana and Pedestrian, Cyclists Deaths

Raise the Age of Medical Marijuana to Save Brains

The Seattle Times calls on raising the age to buy tobacco products from 18 to age 21, but it’s more urgent that  “medical” marijuana be added to the substances with age limits.  Teen admissions to substance abuse treatment have skyrocketed, and marijuana is the most common substance for which they are seeking treatment.  The advent of e-cigarettes and vape pens has made this consideration very urgent.

In Colorado, 18-20-year olds easily obtain doctors’ recommendations to use pot and give or sell this “medical” marijuana to even younger children.  Clearing the Haze, a 4-part, 18-article series in The Gazette, a Colorado Springs newspaper, gives insight how medical marijuana card holders end up selling to children.  As much as 75% of the “medical” marijuana in Oregon is sold on the black market. California and Washington also have big problems of marijuana diversion to children.    Continue reading Raise the Age of Medical Marijuana to Save Brains

15 Deaths in Crashes, Fires, Shootings Caused by Pot

For the state of Washington, we’ve tracked 15 deaths in which marijuana was a direct causal factor, since marijuana possession became legal.  In 3 more deaths,  it’s likely that pot was a contributing cause.  Here’s the tally beginning December, 5, 2012:

3 teens killed in crash by student driver high on marijuana                         5 pedestrian deaths in Vancouver, WA                                                                   5 deaths in a school shooting including the gunman                                     2 neighbors died after hash oil explosions                                                            2 shooting deaths for robbing a marijuana grow.                                               1 motorcyclist killed by a stoned driver

“THE world is watching Washington’s historic experiment with marijuana legalization, and we’re screwing it up.” claimed a recent editorial in the Seattle Times.    Continue reading 15 Deaths in Crashes, Fires, Shootings Caused by Pot

Pedestrian Deaths Soar in Vancouver with Legal Pot

A driver was stoned when he hit 7-year old Cadence Boyer on Halloween in Vancouver, Washington. She died two days later. The car had jumped the curb when it crashed into the trick-or-treaters. The little girl’s mother and her 6-year old friend were also hospitalized, but survived. The friend’s mother ended up in intensive care and was in critical condition. It wasn’t a fun way to spend Halloween, and for Cadence there will be no more Halloweens.

The driver, 47-year old Duane C. Abbot told police that he smokes two to three grams of marijuana a day, and that he had smoked about a few hours before the crash.  Where is MADD Continue reading Pedestrian Deaths Soar in Vancouver with Legal Pot