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Advertising drives higher youth use of marijuana in legalization states

In states where recreational marijuana is legal, adolescents ages 12 to 17 reported a 25% higher increase than in states without legalized cannabis.  The spike in marijuana usage that came with legalization is most dramatic among young people, and advertising probably drives the increase.

The unstated goals of the legalization movement – seen in the billboards, push polls, lobbying, political donations and empty promises – are making money and increasing usage. Continue reading Advertising drives higher youth use of marijuana in legalization states →

Reviews

Whoa Dude! New book on understanding weed

Think on these things before getting too deep into smoking Weed*    * Or what the science of marijuana is telling us about the harmful effects of marijuana for you, your friends, or your kids.

A book by Kevin G. Becker Ph.D. reviewed by Sally Schindel

 

It is a long title for a 222 page VERY readable book.

I have read dozens of books about marijuana – the drug and the industry, mental health harms caused by marijuana, substance use disorders and treatment and recovery.  Additionally, I’ve read books about the reasons so many feel commercializing and normalizing marijuana is acceptable public policy.

Many of the books left me feeling buried and over my head.

I’m not a scientist or medical professional. I’m a retired accountant/financial advisor and a Mom forever grieving the loss of my son Andy to marijuana-induced suicide.

I am insatiable about learning all I can find about marijuana risks and harms. Continue reading Whoa Dude! New book on understanding weed →

Addiction

Don’t Believe the False Claim that Marijuana Reduces Opiate Deaths

Today SAM issued a statement refuting the notion that states with medical marijuana have fewer opiate deaths.  We have noticed that marijuana is an adjunct to opiate dependence and abuse, not a replacement.   Here is what the SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) statement said:

Top-Line Understanding (Download Full PDF Here):

A recent study found that before 2009, the existence of legally protected pot dispensaries in a state correlates with a lower number of opiate deaths in that state.

This correlation disappears after 2009. Authors interpret this as the “post-Ogden memo era” and surmise that pot dispensaries were more strictly controlled after 2009.

The study does not control for naloxone distribution Continue reading Don’t Believe the False Claim that Marijuana Reduces Opiate Deaths →