Australian Psychiatrist Patrick McGorry Plans to Dope “Anxious” 12 Year Olds with “Medical” Cannabis

“Citizens Commission on Human Rights International is opposing the world-first study that could lead to millions of Australian and American teens being doped with prescribed marijuana.” By CCHR International The Mental Health Industry Watchdog March 15, 2017

Australian psychiatrist Patrick McGorry, renowned for his debunked and dangerous theory that pre-drugging adolescents with antipsychotics can prevent psychosis, now plans to prescribe medical cannabis to treat “anxious” 12 year olds. His Australian study will give the drug to 12 to 25 year olds to treat anxiety and other “mental health issues.” Mental health watchdog, Citizens Commission on Human Rights International, is opposing the world-first study being given final approval by the Australian federal ethics committee later this month.[1] Prof. McGorry’s study could lead to millions of Australian and also American teens being doped up with prescribed marijuana, although it is argued that it is without psychoactive properties.[2] McGorry has strong ties to leading American psychiatrists and the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

For More https://www.cchrint.org/2017/03/15/patrick-mcgorry-plans-to-dope-12yearolds-with-cannabis/

 

Denver Colorado Dope Dispensaries Ramp UP

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Dear Smart Colorado Supporter:

On Monday, April 3rd at 3 p.m., the Denver City Council Marijuana Issues Committee will again consider extending marijuana dispensary hours from 7 p.m. until midnight. Denver, the epicenter of marijuana commercialization, should focus on reducing youth access rather than increasing exposure.

But we need your help! Please contact city council members listed below and ask that they DELAY the ordinance.  Currently, rules around the implementation of Initiated Ordinance 300 allowing for social consumption of marijuana are being determined.  These are 2 major changes in Denver marijuana policy.
Smart recommends that Denver evaluate the impacts of social consumption on youth for a period of 12-18 months before considering to further extend dispensary hours.

According to the latest state-sponsored Healthy Kids Colorado Survey:

  • Nearly half of Denver students reported that they had used marijuana,  compared to 38% statewide.
  • More than a quarter of Denver students said they had used marijuana in the past month, compared to 21% statewide.
  • 29.2% of Denver male high school students reported using marijuana in the past month, compared to 24.4% used alcohol.
  • 61% of Denver students reported it was sort of or very easy to get marijuana compared to 55.7% statewide.

https://www.facebook.com/smartcolorado/

 

New Acting Director at ONDCP

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SAM Statement on the Appointment of Richard Baum as ONDCP Acting Director

[email protected] +1 (703) 828-8182
[Alexandria, VA, March 29, 2017] — Today, SAM President Kevin Sabet, a three-time drug policy staffer at the White House, commented on the selection of Richard Baum as Acting Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP):
\”Rich Baum is exceptionally qualified to steer such a critical office at a time when drugs from marijuana to heroin are threatening public health in the United States. He has been a critical voice advancing progress among several important areas – like criminal justice innovation and international partnerships – and he remains a trusted voice both here and abroad in advancing a balanced, evidence-based drug policy.
\”We\’re hopeful that with the imminent announcement of a new opioid task force that ONDCP will remain the central national voice for drug policy. The office is vital to the mission of so many groups working every day to reduce drug use, stem addiction, promote recovery, and protect public safety.
\”At SAM, we are particularly concerned about marijuana policy developments being driven by profits and greed rather than public health. We do not want to see a new \’War on Drugs\’ centered on arrests for marijuana possession, but the Big Marijuana special interest lobby must be held accountable for endangering the health and safety of American communities. ONDCP is doing meaningful work to combat the opioid overdose epidemic, prevent drug use among youth, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.\”
A February 17 New York Times story reported that ONDCP was on the White House\’s list of programs that could be cut to rein in domestic spending. On February 23, a sign-on letter from more than 70 medical and drug policy organizations, including SAM, was sent to White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney. The letter urged the Trump Administration to save ONDCP.
Evidence demonstrates that marijuana – which has skyrocketed in average potency over the past decades – is  addictive and harmful to the human brain, especially when used by adolescents. In states that have already legalized the drug, there has been an increase in  drugged driving crashes and  youth marijuana use. These states have also seen a  black market that continues to thrive, sustained marijuana arrest rates, and a consistent  rise in alcohol sales.

 

National wastewater drug monitoring program: report 1, 2017 – Australia

National wastewater drug monitoring program: report 1, 2017

Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission 26 March 2017 Download file

The National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program will provide leading-edge, coordinated national research and intelligence on illicit drugs and licit drugs that can be abused, with a specific focus on methylamphetamine and 12 other substances.

For more http://apo.org.au/node/74833

 

CANADA: Liberals to announce marijuana will be legal by July 1, 2018

Raids raise questions

Trudeau referred again to that rough timetable a few weeks ago when he said the legislation would be introduced before the summer. But at the same time he also warned that it wasn\’t yet open season for the legal sale of marijuana.

\”Until we have a framework to control and regulate marijuana, the current laws apply,\” Trudeau said in Esquimalt, B.C. on March 1.

That warning became more concrete a week later, when police in Toronto, Vancouver and other cities carried out raids on marijuana dispensaries and charged several people with possession and trafficking, including noted pot advocates Marc and Jodie Emery.

For more Maple Leaf to WEED

4th ANNUAL SAM SUMMIT – APRIL 20, 2017 – ATLANTA

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4th ANNUAL SAM SUMMIT – APRIL 20, 2017 – ATLANTA

SAM is proud today to announce Former White House Drug Czar and SAM Honorary Advisor General Barry McCaffrey as our newest keynote speaker at the 4th Annual SAM Summit on April 20, 2017! You can register for the SAM Summit alone or as part of your National Rx Abuse and Heroin Summit registration.
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General Barry McCaffrey

Arguably one of the most outspoken drug czars to date, General Barry McCaffrey served as President Clinton\’s second Director of National Drug Control Policy from 1996-2000. When he retired from the Army to join the Administration, he was the most decorated General serving in the United States Army, having been awarded three Purple Heart Medals for wounds received in combat, two Distinguished Service Crosses (the nation\’s second highest award for valor), and two Silver Stars for valor.
Upon leaving government service, he served as the Bradley Distinguished Professor of International Security Studies from 2001-2005, and an Adjunct Professor of International Security Studies from 2006-2010 at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
You can register for the SAM Summit only at the registration form here. Register soon to take advantage of our discount.
If your organization would like to  sponsor our Summit, we have special sponsorship benefits, too. Email  [email protected] .
We look forward to seeing you again in Atlanta! You will not want to miss this.
Sincerely yours,
Kevin
President, SAM

9:00 a.m.
President\’s Address

Kevin A. Sabet, PhD, Director, Drug Policy Institute, University of Florida,
and President, SAM
9:30 a.m.
Featured Keynote

Gov. Doug Ducey (AZ)
10:15 a.m.
Featured Keynote
General Barry McCaffrey
11:15 a.m.
Linking the Recovery Movement With Marijuana Education Efforts
Justin Luke Riley, CEO, Young People in Recovery
11:45 a.m.
Science Keynote

The NAS Report for Dummies
12:45 p.m.
Skills Building
Engaging with Chambers of Commerce and Other Key Allies: The Ohio Speakers
Tony Coder, Director, State and Local Affairs, Smart Approaches to Marijuana
1:45 p.m.
Skills Building
Communications Strategies for Success
Rafael Lemaitre, former White House official
2:30 p.m.
Skills Building
The Arizona Experience and Lessons Learned from Maine
Merilee Fowler and Scott Gagnon
3:15 p.m.
Skills Building
Engaging Low Income Communities
Jeff Zinsmeister, Executive Vice President, SAM
3:45 p.m.
Skills Building
An Update from the Trenches: Colorado and What You Should Know for Your State
Ben Cort, Board of Directors, SAM
4:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Kevin A. Sabet, PhD, Director, Drug Policy Institute, University of Florida, and Co-Founder & President, SAM

 

Marijuana Legalization Bill Defeated in New Hampshire

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Marijuana Legalization Bill Defeated in New Hampshire
Senate Marijuana Legalization Proposal Dies in 19-4 Vote
Contact: Anisha Gianchandani
+1 (703) 828-8182
[Alexandria , VA, March 17, 2017] –  Yesterday, a coalition of public health experts, elected officials, educators, and concerned citizens soundly defeated Senate Bill 233 in a 19-4 vote in New Hampshire, which would have legalized the possession of up to 60 joints\’ worth of marijuana as well as six marijuana plants. The bill also would have created a study committee comprised of nine pro-marijuana legislators who would devise commercial marijuana sale and taxation proposals. SAM\’s New Hampshire affiliate New Futures was the primary coalition organizer and SB233 opponent.  Another bill removing criminal penalties is currently in the legislature.
\”This is a big victory in the effort to put common sense and public health before industry profit,\” said SAM President and CEO Kevin A. Sabet. \”New Hampshire legislators were right to reject Big Marijuana, especially in light of the opioid epidemic. Since Colorado legalized marijuana, there have been more kids getting high, more stoned drivers on the roads, and costly headaches for employers. And the state is increasingly in debt. Today was a bad day for the marijuana special interests in New Hampshire.\”
\”New Futures applauds the NH Senate for listening to their constituents and voting down SB 233 yesterday, which would have legalized marijuana in New Hampshire. The Senate and their constituents have sent a clear message: Big Marijuana CEO\’s and pot lobbyists are not welcome in our state. Legalizing a harmful substance in the midst of New Hampshire\’s current public health crisis is irresponsible and lacks sound judgement,\” said Kate Frey, VP of Advocacy at New Futures, a local SAM affiliate which is supporting a bill to remove criminal penalties but not legalize the drug. \”Together, our coalition and grassroots advocate community will continue to stand up to Big Marijuana interests by focusing on reducing all drug problems associated with alcohol and other drugs through prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives for the sake of New Hampshire\’s public health, quality of life, and overall economy.\”
Evidence shows that marijuana – which has skyrocketed in average potency over the past decades – is  addictive and harmful to the human brain, especially when used by adolescents. In states that have already legalized the drug, there has been an increase in  drugged driving crashes,  youth marijuana use, and rising debt. These states have seen a  black market that continues to thrive, sustained marijuana arrest rates, and a consistent  rise in alcohol sales.

 

O.N.D.C.P STILL IN PLAY!

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President Trump\’s New Budget Blueprint Retains White House Office of National Drug Control Policy

Contact: Anisha Gianchandani
+1 (703) 828-8182
[Alexandria, VA, March 16, 2017] — Today, SAM President Kevin Sabet commented on President Trump\’s 2018 Budget Blueprint that retains the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) as a critical office overseeing strategies and programs aimed at reducing drug use and its consequences:
\”The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy is vital to the mission of so many groups working every day to reduce drug use, stem addiction, promote recovery, and protect public safety. We don\’t want to see a new \’War on Drugs\’ centered on arrests for marijuana possession, but the Big Marijuana special interest lobby must be held accountable for endangering the health and safety of American communities. This office is doing meaningful work to combat the opioid overdose epidemic, prevent drug use among youth, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations. We\’re glad that the Administration is acknowledging the serious effects of drug use in our country by supporting an office that prioritizes public health and prevention. We\’re hopeful that the release of a more detailed budget in the coming weeks will advance smart approaches to drug policy that will reduce drug use and its consequences.\”
A February 17 New York Times story reported that ONDCP was on The White House\’s list of programs that could be cut to rein in domestic spending. On February 23, a sign-on letter from more than 70 medical and drug policy organizations, including SAM, was sent to White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney. The letter urged the Trump Administration to save ONDCP.
Evidence demonstrates that marijuana – which has skyrocketed in average potency over the past decades – is  addictive and harmful to the human brain, especially when used by adolescents. In states that have already legalized the drug, there has been an increase in  drugged driving crashes and  youth marijuana use. These states have also seen a  black market that continues to thrive, sustained marijuana arrest rates, and a consistent  rise in alcohol sales.
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About SAM

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is a nonpartisan, non-profit alliance of physicians, policy makers, prevention workers, treatment and recovery professionals, scientists, and other concerned citizens opposed to marijuana legalization who want health and scientific evidence to guide marijuana policies. SAM has affiliates in more than 30 states. For more information about marijuana use and its effects, visit http://www.learnaboutsam.org.

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New Anti-Big Marijuana Ad released today in Providence

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Providence Press Conference with Local Officials and Advocacy Groups Marks Official Unveiling of Our New Ad Campaign Opposing Marijuana Legalization in Rhode Island

Dear Friend,
Today, SAM Action joined Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, Ocean State Prevention Alliance, and What\’s the Rush, RI? to announce our united opposition against Rhode Island House Bill No. 5555 and Senate Bill No. 420, which would legalize the commercialization and sales of marijuana in Rhode Island. As part of this big announcement, today also marks the official rollout of our bold new ad campaign called  \”Are We Sure?\”
These ads, which will run in bus stops throughout Providence and online, highlight the unintended health and safety consequences of marijuana legalization. We want to lift the \”smoke screen\” created by marijuana lobbyists and expose them for who they really are: the next Big Tobacco.
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We hope to ask the questions many legislators aren\’t asking:  Are we sure we want to commercialize another addictive industry?  Are we sure we\’re ready for more stoned drivers on our roads, and a future with pot shops on every block?
It\’s time we had an honest conversation about legalized marijuana and its harmful effects. We know that marijuana – which has skyrocketed in average potency over the past decades – is  addictive and harmful to the human brain, especially when used by adolescents. In states that have already legalized the drug, there has been an increase in drugged driving crashes and  youth marijuana use. These states have also seen a  black market that continues to thrive, sustained marijuana arrest rates, and a consistent  rise in alcohol sales.
Please visit our new \”Are We Sure?\” website for more information or toorder campaign yard signs and wall posters.
Thanks again for all that you do to support SAM Action\’s efforts!

__________________________________________________________________
About SAM Action

SAM  Action is a non-profit, 501(c)(4) social welfare organization dedicated to promoting healthy marijuana policies that do not involve legalizing drugs. Learn more about  SAM  Action and its work at visit www.samaction.net.

 

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