The Drug Report

Can marijuana regulation backfire on public health? Join us on the Drug Report podcast as we celebrate International Recovery Day and tackle this provocative question with insights from experts like Michael Botticelli and John Kelly. We'll share highlights from a global webinar focused on the mechanisms and societal support necessary for successful recovery. We'll also respond to Robert Gebeloff's Washington Post column advocating for federal marijuana regulation, raising concerns about big tobacco's potential entry into the marijuana market and the resulting public health issues. Plus, you'll hear a detailed recount of the recent debate on Florida's Amendment 3 for recreational marijuana legalization, shedding light on the ongoing complexities in drug policy reform.

Are veterans being misled about marijuana's effects on PTSD? In a crucial segment of this episode, Kevin Sabet and I dismantle the misinformation spreading within veteran communities. Drawing on recent studies, including research from Yale University, we reveal that marijuana may actually worsen PTSD symptoms, contradicting popular belief. We underscore the importance of distributing accurate information to better support our veterans and encourage our listeners to help by leaving a five-star rating and writing a review. Gain valuable insights and join the conversation on drug policy and recovery by tuning in to this thought-provoking and informative episode.

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Can the FDA really pull THC-infused edibles off the shelves? We'll take you inside a gripping congressional hearing where FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, James Jones, found himself in the hot seat, interrogated by Congresswoman Kathy McMorris-Rogers. Unravel the complexities of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and understand the real-world implications of the Blumenauer Amendment, which ties the FDA's hands when it comes to medical marijuana dispensaries that also sell recreational products.

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Can a balanced approach to harm reduction and recovery really save lives? Join us in a thought-provoking conversation with Tom Wolf, a member of the Recovery community from San Francisco, offering a raw and unfiltered critique of today's drug policies. We scrutinize Vancouver's harm reduction model and its alarming overdose death rates, while Tom passionately argues for recovery-focused solutions in the face of new proposals advocating "safe" drug-use spaces and other radical drug provisions. This episode sheds light on the crucial need to integrate more sensible harm reduction interventions with prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives for a more humane and effective drug policy.

Dive deep into the broader debate on drug policy strategies as we question advocates' desire to legalize all drugs, scrutinize the opioid crisis, and expose the cultural influence of big corporations on advocacy. With Tom's powerful insights, we explore how recovery voices must lead the way in policymaking. Listen as we highlight real-life advocacy successes from San Francisco and discuss the vital role of individuals in recovery in shaping policies that truly address addiction. This episode is a comprehensive examination of the pressing issues in drug policy, offering a blueprint for a balanced and recovery-centric approach.

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Can marijuana use really be costing businesses millions? In this episode of the Drug Report Podcast, we unpack a revealing study from the American Journal of Preventative Medicine that draws a stark connection between cannabis use disorder and rising workplace absenteeism. From the financial strain on employers to the ripple effects on the economy, we analyze the true cost of marijuana in the workplace. We also bring to light alarming data from Quest Diagnostics, showing a surge in marijuana positivity rates, particularly following workplace accidents. Join us as we discuss the crucial need for robust drug prevention and treatment policies to sustain a safe and efficient work environment.

But that’s not all—we also expose a worrying trend within Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program. Through a gripping story from a Pennsylvania series, we uncover how doctors with checkered pasts, including drug dealing and revoked medical licenses, are still issuing medical marijuana cards. This revelation prompts us to question the integrity of medical marijuana programs and the potential for similar issues nationwide. We emphasize the vital role of media in shining a light on such misconduct and discuss the broader implications for the medical community and public trust. Tune in for a comprehensive look into these critical issues affecting workplace dynamics and public health.

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This episode of the Drug Report podcast unpacks the FDA's recent decision to reject Lykos' psilocybin product intended for treating PTSD, a move that has sparked fierce debate. We also delve into the significant fallout for Lykos, from massive layoffs and leadership upheavals to the company's uncertain future. Plus, the tragic case of Matthew Perry is intertwined with broader concerns about the safety and efficacy of psychedelic treatments.

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Can marijuana legalization really dismantle our overcrowded prisons? Find out in today's episode as we unravel the myths and misconceptions about marijuana possession and imprisonment. We begin by examining the widely held belief that legalizing marijuana will significantly reduce prison populations. Using President Biden's historic federal pardons as a case study, we expose the reality: no one was serving federal prison time for simple marijuana possession and the impact of these pardons was far less extensive than most believe.

In the second half, our focus shifts to the real data behind marijuana-related imprisonment in states like Michigan and Florida, revealing that very few people are incarcerated solely for minor marijuana offenses. We also bring to light the health risks associated with regular marijuana use, with a significant study from the University of Southern California showing a three to five-fold increased risk of developing head and neck cancers among daily users. As we draw parallels to the historical impact of tobacco, we stress the importance of informed public awareness to prevent a similar health crisis. Stay informed, stay engaged, and thank you for your continued support.

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What if the very strategies intended to reduce harm from drug use are actually endangering the very people they aim to protect? This episode of the Drug Report promises to tackle the complexities and controversies surrounding research into harm reduction in drug policy. With significant federal funding now backing harm reduction research, we stress the critical importance of reputable science in shaping effective policies. Hear our nuanced critique on the growing influence of drug normalization in policy-making, through revealing case studies like the Greater Harlem Coalition's experience with pro-drug Yale researchers.

But that’s not all. We dive into the murky waters of ethical concerns surrounding drug research, spotlighting the scandal involving Lykos (formerly MAPS) and its contentious clinical trials for psychedelic drugs. The Wall Street Journal's reports on unreported suicidal ideation among trial subjects raise alarming questions about participant safety and research ethics, echoing historical parallels with the tobacco industry. Finally, don't miss out on our exciting announcement about the TDR newsletter, brimming with insightful articles and a compelling editorial piece. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we hope you find this episode as thought-provoking as we do.

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Join us as we take you through the gripping details of Philip Morris' latest move to build a "Zyn" nicotine pouch factory in Aurora, Colorado—their first U.S. factory in half a century. This episode kicks off with a bold discussion on my recent op-ed critiquing the economic incentives granted by the Aurora City Council and the uncritical media coverage of this development. We expose the alarming health risks tied to these products, especially as they skyrocket in popularity among young people.

We'll also explore the dark history of Philip Morris, delving into their targeted marketing that has ravaged vulnerable communities—youth and people of color, in particular. From the aggressive advertising strategies to the public health crisis wrought by tobacco, this episode sheds light on the devastating consequences of these addictive products. Tune in to understand the ongoing battle against big tobacco and why staying informed about the repercussions of nicotine products is more crucial than ever.

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Can the profit motive in free markets lead to disastrous outcomes when it comes to addictive substances like marijuana? We explore this vital question with Charles Lehman from the Manhattan Institute, who brings a compelling analysis of the economic and societal impacts of marijuana legalization. Charles discusses the tension between individual rights and community well-being, emphasizing how addiction can significantly distort rational self-interest. We also shine a light on the often-overlooked societal costs, such as increased emergency services and workplace accidents, that accompany marijuana legalization. 

In our conversation, we unravel the complexities of addiction and the predictable failures of rationality it involves, using the opioid crisis as a striking example. We delve into Mark Kleiman's innovative ideas on marijuana regulation and the challenges of prohibition versus legalization. Political motivations behind marijuana pardons and changing public sentiments towards legal cannabis are also dissected. Tune in for personal reflections on marijuana use and insights from those in recovery, shaping a broader understanding of drug policy and addiction.

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