In the debate about the legalization of marijuana, supporters of the marijuana industry often resort to botched arguments, outdated research, and exaggerated “busting marijuana myths.”
First, advocates of marijuana legalization often deny that the drug is a “gateway” to more dangerous substances. Although most people who use marijuana do not continue to use other drugs, the vast majority of people who have tried heroin or cocaine or prescription drugs use marijuana first. Yes, they also “drink milk first,” some people cried sarcastically, but there is no mechanism that links milk to drug use.
In contrast, research shows Cannabis users are 2.6 times more likely to abuse opioids than the latter, possibly because the brain desires higher levels of excitement.
Some people misunderstood the “gateway theory” to imply the use of marijuana reason People who use heroin immediately afterwards. This is usually not the case. The fact is simple, drug addicts usually do not only smoke one type.
In addition, a Peer-reviewed analysis of several studies Recently published in famous journals addiction It is found that cannabis users are 2.8 times more likely to start using opioids than non-users. Researchers also found that marijuana users are 2.5 times more likely to become addicted to opioids. Citing multiple studies In this matter, the NIH concluded that “These findings are consistent with the idea of marijuana as a’gateway drug’.”
Second, supporters of legalization claim that there is zero evidence of a link between marijuana and crime.For example, in the recent Washington post Column, Previous postal Reporter Christopher Ingraham eagerly dismissed the possible link, which was mainly based on the work of a researcher with economic links to the cannabis industry (Mr. Ingraham did not disclose this fact), and an eight-year study Comment, the comment did not consider updated findings.
Although it is difficult to say whether the legalization of marijuana will lead to crime, a large number of studies have shown that there is a close connection between the two. A study in 2019 It was concluded that the presence of Denver marijuana dispensaries was significantly associated with increased crime rates. According to another new reportSince its legalization, Colorado has seen an increase in marijuana-related criminal activity.
Marijuana dispensaries are the main target of the robbery-because there are a large number of products behind the counter, which can later be sold in the underground market.
In “legal” jurisdictions, the underground market is booming.Since the legalization of marijuana, marijuana crime rates have increased in several states and cities, including Angel, Oregon And Colorado.In its 2019 National Drug Threat Assessment, DEA found that the state with the highest cannabis clearance rate is the cannabis state or the state bordering them.
Legalization provides cover for drug dealers, including violent transnational criminal organizations, such as The Notorious Sinaloa Cartel.
Third, legalization advocates deny the effects of marijuana’s potency. Today’s cannabis is 50 times stronger than the cannabis used in the past, allowing people to do more than just “relax.” Only a few decades ago, the average THC concentration that determined efficacy was only 3%. Now we see 99% of products. These products are now edible, patted, waxed and crushed.A sort of 2020 research findings 90% of these products sold as “drugs” contain more than 15% THC-which is approximately two to three times the amount of neuropathic pain relief.
Scientists have confirmed the harmfulness of these products. Lancet It was found that people who regularly use potent marijuana are five times more likely to suffer from schizophrenia or psychosis.In fact, almost Six dozen Peer-reviewed research Confirm the link between high potency cannabis and psychosis.
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A sort of Study in the Netherlands in 2018 Reveals the dangers of high performance. The THC intensity in the Netherlands doubled from 9% in 2000 to 20% in 2004. This is followed by an increase in the number of people seeking treatment for cannabis problems. When potency declined in 2015, treatment admissions for cannabis problems fell. All in all, researchers estimate that for every 3% increase in the effectiveness of THC, one in 100,000 people will seek the first treatment with cannabis. These discoveries allowed the Dutch to limit the potency of cannabis.
In 2020, Vermont became the first state in the United States to implement a cap on the potency of cannabis.And in Colorado – there are Shocking report It was found that since 2017, the number of young people in the state who smoked marijuana has increased fivefold, and the number of people who smoked marijuana has doubled-lawmakers have recently begun to explore the possibility of setting an upper limit on the efficacy of the drug. In the short and long term, higher potency cannabis clearly exacerbates many of the hazards of cannabis use, but it turns into an important moneymaker in the industry. No wonder it consistently opposes such wise regulations.
More and more cannabis products can mask the dangers of users. Today’s cannabis options are a dizzying array of flavors, strengths and strains. Their differences are touted by the cannabis industry as if they are as obvious as Granny Smith apples and red delicacy.
The reality is that what is sold in marijuana shops is usually not as advertised. The legalization state has entrusted regulatory laboratory analysis to for-profit cannabis testing laboratories. Pot growers must pay for private laboratories to conduct safety testing and efficacy analysis of their products before they are sold.Across the country, due to the expansion of the effectiveness of THC, laboratories have been accused of fraud, treating moldy marijuana as safe and completely falsifying the results-as I pointed out in the book Smokescreen: What the marijuana industry doesn’t want you to knowThis kind of laboratory corruption is widespread; the motivation for cheating is high, and law enforcement is weak.
Finally, supporters of legalization often argue as if they have science on their side. The fact is the opposite: every major medical association opposes legalization. Often citing non-peer-reviewed papers, or papers in low-quality journals, legitimization advocates are critical of those who are interested in the truth.
For example, marijuana proponents claimed to be “inconclusive” about the link between easing policies and road safety. Research by the Highway Loss Data Institute It was discovered that the legalization of marijuana coincided with an increase in collision claims. In Colorado, the number of traffic accident deaths has increased by more than 30% since 2013, while the number of traffic accident deaths in which drivers tested positive for marijuana has also increased. In all, 20% of fatalities in traffic accidents A driver in Colorado in 2018 was positive for smoking marijuana, most likely the most recent marijuana use.
In Canada, where marijuana is legal nationwide, a report released last week found that driving costs due to marijuana have increased by 43% since the legalization of marijuana.
Some legalization supporters tout what has now been debunked learn Claims that in states that use medical marijuana, opioid deaths have fallen by 25%.But the researchers at Stanford University renew The 2019 study found that if the states that legalized marijuana from 2010 to 2017 were expanded to include marijuana legalization, 25% Increase Among the deaths from opioids.
We must stop perpetuating the misconception that cannabis is the solution to opioid abuse.Research shows that marijuana users are actually More than twice More likely to abuse prescription opioids Need a higher dose Opioids for pain relief. Another study found that people who have recovered from opioid use disorder use marijuana to relapse in less than a week, and found that marijuana increases users’ urge to use opioids.
But don’t believe me.Read the position paper American Medical Association, This American Academy of Pediatrics And other well-known health organizations.
Turning in millions of Americans CDC Advising on COVID-19 with NIH, health warnings about marijuana issued by these agencies were ignored and favored claims made by marijuana speculators.
Why double standards?
Dr. Kevin Sabet is a former senior drug policy adviser in the Obama administration and currently serves as the president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana. His latest book “Smoke Screen: What the Cannabis Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know” was published by Simon & Schuster on April 20 and can be seen everywhere.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author.
