When Will Jones speaks, you can't help but listen. The Director of Community Engagement and Outreach at SAM brought his intense passion for marijuana policy to our conversation, enlightening us on the often overlooked complexities and challenges surrounding substance abuse in our society. His journey, deeply rooted in the experiences of his community and church, highlights the stark reality of alcohol and tobacco's impact, prompting us to consider if a third recreational substance is a burden we're prepared to shoulder. Our discussion navigates through the implications of the "Two is Enough" campaign and delves into Will's compelling reasons for opposing Initiative 71 in DC, offering a perspective that often goes unheard amidst the pro-legalization clamor.

Our chat takes a turn into the murky waters of big tobacco, vaping, and their questionable affiliations with social justice. I bring to light the disturbing past of tobacco moguls who once denied nicotine's addictive qualities, tying it back to our eye-opening video on the Smart Approaches to Marijuana YouTube channel. Will and I dissect how these industries have co-opted social justice narratives, despite data that contradicts their claims of reducing arrests or incarceration rates for marginalized communities. As we unpack these complexities, Will invites our listeners to join the conversation on social media and online forums, challenging us to critically assess the data and ally ourselves with genuine social justice causes.

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Kevin joins us to untangle the complex shifts in North American legislation. Our discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the Milgram’s stunning hearing, a perhaps unexpected twist. 

Next we take you to the front lines of the drug decriminalization debate in British Columbia. Here, the government just announced the roll-back of its all-drug decriminalization policy amid a rising tide of public health emergencies and societal concerns. With Kevin's expert insight, we break down the political chess game influencing Canada's approach to drugs, spotlighting the importance of balancing criminal justice with public health. This is an unflinching exploration of the policies that shape our communities and the lives at stake in the throes of opioid crises and beyond.

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We sit down with Jordan, our head of federal affairs, to dissect the implications of marijuana potentially moving to Schedule III. This seismic shift has the industry abuzz, with financial windfalls and NASDAQ listings in sight for players like Curaleaf, but it's not all green pastures. Listen closely as we explore the critical social justice issues that could be overshadowed by the allure of tax deductions and the upcoming budget hearing with DEA Administrator Ann Milgram, where the conversation will undoubtedly continue.

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One of his best interviews, we're calling it the Encyclopedia Sabet-annica...

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Kevin Sabet joins the conversation, bringing a laser-sharp focus to the seismic shifts that may redefine the cannabis landscape. Prepare to arm yourself with knowledge as we dissect the implications of potentially reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 substance, an issue that's got stakeholders from Wall Street to Main Street perched on the edge of their seats. As rumors of an imminent decision swirl, we cut through the haze to analyze what this monumental move would mean.

Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below:

https://learnaboutsam.org/
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https://thedrugreport.org/

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Discover the unsettling truth behind vaping addiction and its intrusion into youth culture as addiction psychologist Dr. Aaron Weiner joins us to unravel the threads of behavioral health entwined with corporate profit.  Dr. Weiner's expertise shines a harsh but necessary light on the over two million kids now embroiled in nicotine use, and the shadowy influence of THC on young adults. This isn't just a health crisis; it's a maze where capitalism meets drug markets, and our exploration is set to offer both clarity and a call to action.

Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below:

https://learnaboutsam.org/
https://gooddrugpolicy.org/
https://thedrugreport.org/

On X:
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https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy
https://twitter.com/KevinSabet
https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos

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Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below:

https://learnaboutsam.org/
https://gooddrugpolicy.org/
https://thedrugreport.org/

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https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy
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Discover the dark underbelly of the U.S. marijuana market as expert Jordan Davidson joins us to expose the role of Chinese criminal syndicates in cannabis trade and the complex implications for U.S. drug policy. We also discuss the Safe Banking Act and its unintended consequences, offering a financial lifeline to those laundering profits from deadly substances like fentanyl. Also, the VA's recent findings on marijuana's ineffectiveness in treating PTSD, challenging the hype often seen on social media with cold, hard science. This episode strips back the curtain on the intricate and hidden connection between marijuana businesses and illicit drug trafficking.

This conversation also steers us into the haze of 420 celebrations and the widespread normalization of cannabis use. As we witness the cultural shift around this high-potency plant, we question the silent messages sent to our youth and consider the plight of individuals struggling with cannabis use disorders amidst aggressive marijuana marketing. We explore Colorado's challenges in keeping these public festivities adult-exclusive and scrutinize the role of public officials like Governor Jared Polis in stoking the industry's flames. 

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Critical examination of marijuana legalization with Dr. Eric Voth, a leading voice in internal medicine, pain management, and addiction medicine, and the president of the International Academy on the Science and Impact of Cannabis. Dr. Voth explains the maze of medical and scientific considerations that accompany the shifting sands of "medical marijuana" policy. As we navigate the complexities of public health and safety implications, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the stark realities and challenges the medical community faces in states like Kansas, where the battle against legalization is fierce. This episode promises to arm you with knowledge and perspective on an issue that is as controversial as it is current.

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Luke interviews Dr. Gary Kirkilas, as the Phoenix, AZ pediatrician takes us behind the scenes of his mobile medical unit, revealing the startling transformation in how today's youth perceive and use marijuana. Dr. Kirkilas shares eye-opening anecdotes from at-risk communities, showing a trend where teens now view cannabis as a go-to remedy for common ailments such as ADHD and anxiety. This episode digs into the troubling normalization of marijuana and the resulting increase in cannabis use disorder and hyperemesis in children—conditions that are alarmingly under-recognized.

 Hear the inside story of how disparate groups, including medical professionals, substance abuse advocates, and even billboard companies, came together to shape a bill that addresses the void left by the 2020 voter initiative. From the consensus on banning cartoon imagery to the establishment of billboard distance regulations, this episode illuminates the triumphs and challenges in navigating public health advocacy in a state with commercial marijuana.

Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below:

https://learnaboutsam.org/
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https://thedrugreport.org/

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https://twitter.com/KevinSabet
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