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The Drug Report episodes
- National Youth Marijuana Use Trends & Gov. Wes Moore's Pardons
Excerpt from Luke's interview on WMAL DMV Talkshow: Could the commercialization of marijuana be putting our youth at risk? Join us in our latest episode as we sit down with Luke Niferatos, the Executive Vice President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), to unpack the alarming rise in daily marijuana use among teenagers and young adults. Luke sheds light on the health risks linked to high-potency marijuana, such as psychosis, depression, and academic decline, and how these concerns have been overlooked by states hurrying to legalize recreational cannabis. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the well-being of our younger generations and the unforeseen public health consequences of marijuana legalization.
Luke also explores the intricate landscape of marijuana legalization policies, including potential rollbacks and societal impacts witnessed in places like Thailand and Colorado. We expose the misuse of social justice arguments by the marijuana industry and argue for genuine reforms such as decriminalizing low-level possession and expunging records. Using Denver as a case study, we discuss the glaring disparities in marijuana shop locations and ownership within minority communities, while also highlighting recent legislative changes in Maryland. Tune in to understand why it's crucial for policymakers to rely on scientific research, particularly concerning the mental health effects of today's high-potency marijuana.Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below:
https://learnaboutsam.org/
https://gooddrugpolicy.org/
https://thedrugreport.org/
On X:
https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam
https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy
https://twitter.com/KevinSabet
https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam17 min - Uncovering Contaminated Marijuana: Health Risks, Regulatory Failures, and Environmental Harm in Legal Marijuana Markets
Is the safety of legal marijuana a myth? Join me, Luke Nioratos, on this week's TDR Podcast as we expose shocking truths revealed by the LA Times in their eye-opening series, "California's Problem with Contaminated Weed." Legal cannabis was supposed to offer a safer alternative, but our exploration uncovers a disturbing reality—pesticide-tainted products that have been knowingly left on the shelves by California regulators. Discover how these dangerous cultivation practices not only pose significant health risks to consumers but also have severe environmental impacts, threatening wildlife and ecosystems.
We'll broaden our investigation to other states like Oregon and Colorado, where similar issues plague the legal marijuana industry. In Oregon, a 2019 review by the state's Secretary of State revealed alarming deficiencies in product testing and regulation, further emphasizing the urgent need for reform. This episode is a call to action for stricter oversight and accountability to protect both consumers and the environment. Don't miss this critical conversation that pulls back the curtain on the dark side of legal marijuana and the dire need for systemic change.Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below:
https://learnaboutsam.org/
https://gooddrugpolicy.org/
https://thedrugreport.org/
On X:
https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam
https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy
https://twitter.com/KevinSabet
https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam9 min - Drug Policy News Update: Vermont Injection Site Controversy, Youth Marijuana Use Myths, and More
Join us as we dissect Vermont's legislative decision to establish an injection site in Burlington, despite Governor Phil Scott's veto. We'll scrutinize the mixed results from British Columbia and other regions to question the efficacy and safety of these facilities. Then, let's debunk the myths around youth marijuana use trends from the Colorado Healthy Kids Survey. We'll expose how changes in data collection methods have created misleading results, urging us to reconsider if our resources could be better spent on prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives.
This episode also dives into the ongoing efforts surrounding marijuana rescheduling, emphasizing the importance of public involvement in shaping drug policy. Stay informed and engaged by visiting learnaboutsam.org and thedrugreport.org for more details and twice-weekly updates. Don't miss this essential conversation that cuts through the noise to propose more effective approaches to today's drug policy challenges.Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below:
https://learnaboutsam.org/
https://gooddrugpolicy.org/
https://thedrugreport.org/
On X:
https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam
https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy
https://twitter.com/KevinSabet
https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam10 min - Understanding Drug Scheduling: Marijuana Rescheduling, Safety Concerns, and Public Perception
Join us for this audio version of last week's zoom webinar on rescheduling, a deep dive into the intricate world of drug scheduling and addiction with our esteemed guests: Kevin Sabet, President and CEO of SAM, CADCA policy consultant Sue Thau, and Dr. Russ Kamer. We kick things off by breaking down the history and impact of the 1970 Controlled Substances Act, using relatable analogies to dispel common misconceptions about drug classification. This sets the stage for a compelling discussion on public perception, medical use, and the complexities of drug policy reform.
Get ready for an eye-opening analysis of President Biden's efforts to reschedule marijuana. Starting with a review by the Department of Health and Human Services in October 2022, the process reached an unexpected climax in August 2023. We dissect the irregularities of potentially moving marijuana to Schedule 3 and consider the implications for tax obligations, FDA oversight, and research opportunities. Our panelists bring their unique perspectives to unravel the complexities and uncertainties surrounding this significant policy shift.
Public safety and health implications of rising marijuana use are our final focus. Learn how marijuana's prevalence compares to alcohol and why it's crucial to address misconceptions about its safety. We delve into the challenges of measuring marijuana impairment and emphasize the urgent need for reliable testing methods. With insights from Kevin Sabet, Sue Thau, and Dr. Russ Kamer, we encourage you to engage thoughtfully in the regulatory process and consider the broader implications of these monumental changes in drug policy. Tune in and stay informed!Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below:
https://learnaboutsam.org/
https://gooddrugpolicy.org/
https://thedrugreport.org/
On X:
https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam
https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy
https://twitter.com/KevinSabet
https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam42 min - Capitol Hill Update: Delta-8-THC Ban, Farm Bill, SAFE Banking, and More with Jordan Davidson
Join us for an eye-opening discussion with Jordan Davidson as he unpacks the latest legislative movements on Capitol Hill. From the inclusion of a Delta-8-THC ban in critical bills to the intricate lobbying efforts that shape these laws, Jordan brings firsthand insights that you won't want to miss. This episode is packed with updates on the Farm Bill, the agriculture appropriations bill, and the powerful forces working behind the scenes.
Tune in to understand how public health advocates are making strides in a space traditionally dominated by industry lobbyists. Jordan and I also discuss the potential impacts of the Safe Banking Act and the Harris rider amendment, providing you with a comprehensive look at what's next for marijuana and hemp regulation. Whether you're a policy wonk or just curious about how these legislative processes unfold, this episode promises to enlighten and inform.Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below:
https://learnaboutsam.org/
https://gooddrugpolicy.org/
https://thedrugreport.org/
On X:
https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam
https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy
https://twitter.com/KevinSabet
https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam14 min - STEP Denver's Unique Approach to Addiction Recovery with Paul ScudoWhat happens when a man transforms his life from the depths of addiction and homelessness to leading a top recovery program? Join us as Paul Scudo, CEO of STEP Denver, opens up about his harrowing yet inspiring journey. Paul shares an intimate look at his battle with addiction, the support that pulled him through, and his remarkable rise from volunteer to CEO, blending his lived experiences with business expertise to revolutionize addiction recovery.
Discover the unique approach of STEP Denver, a men's residential recovery program that's breaking the mold. This isn't your typical clinical treatment facility; instead, STEP emphasizes real-world responsibilities like holding a full-time job, saving money, and learning financial literacy. Paul highlights the power of community and accountability in their program, which has led to impressive success rates and life-changing results for many men.
We also dive into the broader societal issues of addiction and homelessness, examining the evolving public policies and their impact. Paul offers a critical perspective on the importance of personal accountability amidst these challenges and discusses STEP Denver's no-government-funding stance. This conversation not only sheds light on the transformative work being done at STEP but also contemplates the future of addiction recovery and public health policies. Tune in to understand the profound impact one individual can make and the importance of fostering independence in recovery.Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below:
https://learnaboutsam.org/
https://gooddrugpolicy.org/
https://thedrugreport.org/
On X:
https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam
https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy
https://twitter.com/KevinSabet
https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam30 min - Media Hype vs FDA Reality: The MDMA Decision
Why did an FDA panel recently decisively reject MDMA for medical use despite some supportive scientific studies? Join us on the TDR podcast as we grapple with this critical and controversial topic alongside our distinguished guest, Kevin Sabet. In this episode, we unpack the intricate history and ambitions of MAPS, the organization led by Rick Doblin, which transformed into the for-profit Lycos Therapeutics. Kevin offers his expertise on the mixed results from rigorous studies submitted to the FDA and the factors behind the panel's overwhelming vote against MDMA for treating PTSD. This discussion sheds light on the broader implications for psychedelic therapies and FDA regulations.
We also delve into the media frenzy and the optimistic anticipation within the psychedelics advocacy community leading up to the panel's decision. Despite the buzz and support from certain quarters, the committee's vote of 10 to 1 against MDMA underscores the complexities and risks associated with approving psychedelics for medical use. Get ready for a comprehensive analysis of this pivotal decision and its potential impact on the future landscape of PTSD treatments. Tune in for valuable insights on what lies ahead for MDMA in therapeutic settings and the FDA's ultimate stance.Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below:
https://learnaboutsam.org/
https://gooddrugpolicy.org/
https://thedrugreport.org/
On X:
https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam
https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy
https://twitter.com/KevinSabet
https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam15 min - The Shift Toward High-Intensity Cannabis Use: Insights from Dr. Jonathan Caulkins
What if the rise in marijuana use mirrors the patterns of cigarette smoking more than alcohol consumption? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Jonathan Caulkins, a preeminent expert on drug policy, to explore his groundbreaking research on cannabis use trends from 1979 to 2022. Dr. Calkins unveils a startling shift towards high-intensity use, revealing that daily or near-daily users now dominate the market and consume significantly higher amounts of THC. This transformation carries enormous implications, particularly as increased availability and societal normalization continue to reshape the marijuana landscape.
We further discuss the growing prevalence of daily marijuana use and its potential links to substance use disorders, affecting nearly half of these daily users and their communities. The episode delves into whether marijuana is replacing alcohol or tobacco consumption and examines how high-potency cannabis, diverse consumption methods, and lower THC prices are influencing these trends. Dr. Calkins dispels the persistent myth that marijuana isn't addictive, backing his claims with solid scientific evidence. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that challenges conventional wisdom and offers deep insights into the evolving nature of marijuana consumption.Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below:
https://learnaboutsam.org/
https://gooddrugpolicy.org/
https://thedrugreport.org/
On X:
https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam
https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy
https://twitter.com/KevinSabet
https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam23 min - Special Excerpt: Luke's Debate with Top Libertarian in Colorado
Enjoy this 10-minute highlight from Luke's marijuana legalization debate with top Colorado libertarian Jon Caldara, head of the Independence Institute. The full episode can be found on SAM's YouTube Channel.
Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below:
https://learnaboutsam.org/
https://gooddrugpolicy.org/
https://thedrugreport.org/
On X:
https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam
https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy
https://twitter.com/KevinSabet
https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam11 min - Challenging Systemic Barriers, from Public Housing Concerns to the Marijuana Industry
Navigating the intricate maze of advocacy and injustice requires both courage and tenacity, qualities that the former president of the Illinois State Conference of the NAACP has in abundance. Join us for this uplifting and exciting conversation on advocacy and making real change.
Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below:
https://learnaboutsam.org/
https://gooddrugpolicy.org/
https://thedrugreport.org/
On X:
https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam
https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy
https://twitter.com/KevinSabet
https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam17 min
About The Drug Report
From the publisher's feed
Expert drug policy news and analysis brought to you by the leading drug policy organizations, Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and The Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS).