The middle-class drug users who \’demand fairtrade coffee but ignore misery of cocaine supply lines\’
A police and crime commissioner (PCC) has said that middle class drug users are \”more concerned about their fair trade coffee\” than knowing where their cocaine is coming from.
Mr Lloyd’s remarks echo comments by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, who has hit out at middle-class cocaine users who worry about issues like the environment and fair trade but believe there is “no harm” in taking the class A drug.
“They may never set foot in a deprived area. They may never see an act of serious violence, but their illicit habits are adding fuel to the fire that is engulfing our communities.”
For complete story go to Middle Class Scar-face Wannabes!
DRUG CRISES OVER THE HORIZON
Two important aspects of the drug epidemic are at the forefront of national attention. The first is the legalization of the production, sale, and use of marijuana. The second is the explosion of drug overdose deaths that has resulted in overdose becoming the leading cause of death for Americans age 50 and younger[1] and has led to a remarkable decline in U.S. life expectancy for the third consecutive year.[2] These are the poles of drug policy: efforts to relax and even eliminate prohibition of marijuana on the one hand and increasing restrictions on opioids to discourage use and to reduce overdose deaths on the other. As we consider present and future drug crises, we can learn useful lessons both from expanding the focus beyond marijuana and opioids and from exploring the path that has led the nation to the current drug epidemic.
Conclusion
While ending the modern drug epidemic is impossible, there are many good and practical ways to limit the damage caused by commercialized recreational drug use. The first crucial step is widespread recognition that recreational pharmacology–especially polydrug recreational pharmacology–is unhealthy and dangerous. A public health corollary is that national policy must aim to reduce the use of intensely brain-stimulating chemicals for personal pleasure.
Just as the human brain’s vulnerability to addiction is not limited to any particular subset of the population, the drug epidemic is not limited to any one nation. Drug-using behaviors and drug supply, both legal and illegal, also are global issues. Therefore, solutions to this modern public health threat must be global, based on the recognition of our shared vulnerability.
Recreational pharmacology, sadly, will claim many more victims. Heightened commercialization of recreational pharmacology must be avoided in the interests of the public health. This modern, rapidly evolving drug epidemic will reshape our political decisions. Our nation’s ability to deal successfully with commercialized recreational pharmacology will be tested for generations to come–as it has been tested for generations past. May we think clearly and act wisely to prevent the harms that we bring upon ourselves.
–Robert L. DuPont, MD, is President of the Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc., and former Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Click here to download or print a PDF copy of this report
This report originally appeared on www.heritage.org
For complete blogpost https://www.ibhinc.org/blog/drug-crises-horizon-heritage
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome, Without the Hype
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is nothing new, but nonetheless lacks a diagnosis code. This means that nobody–including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is meant to track such things–knows the prevalence of the condition. It is, however, relatively rare. Medical sources say that it’s likely, as you’d expect, to become more common as nationwide cannabis use increases.
No one claims that CHS is lethal, but it is uncomfortable–and in an emergency room situation requires such medications as haloperidol, an antipsychotic, to relieve vomiting and pain. Business Insiderrecently reported the story of 29-year-old Alice Moon, who began using cannabis regularly to treat pain and nausea. She did so without problems for five years, but then began experiencing CHS symptoms monthly, and eventually weekly.
A study published last month, based on emergency room visits in a Colorado hospital, also found that CHS is more likely to be associated with smoked than edible cannabis. Of 2,567 ER visits that were at least partly attributed to cannabis use, 18 percent of patients who inhaled it were said to have CHS, versus 8.4 percent of those who ate it.
“The big issue is [CHS] is under-recognized,” said Marino, agreeing with Meltzer. “So a lot of patients get unnecessary testing.” For someone who comes in with a lot of nausea and vomiting, and is young and otherwise healthy, he says it’s important to ask about their marijuana use.
“I try to be as non-judgemental as possible” in asking those questions, he said. “I don’t care what people do in their free time, but in the medical history I try to include things that are pertinent.”
No Easy Cure
There was one medication which briefly showed promise for CHS–ribonabant–but it was removed from the market due to psychiatric side effects (suicidal ideation). “The target is so new,” Vemuri said. “But NIDA is definitely interested, and no one ever gave up on the target, and no one ever gave up on cannabis, and no one ever gave up on the antagonists. Recently I was at a conference where I got to know companies that are pursuing both CB1 and CB2.”
While hot showers may provide temporary relief, and anti-emetics and intravenous hydration can help “someone in the throes of repetitive vomiting,” for now, the best way for CHS patients to avoid further symptoms for good is to stop using cannabis, said Lisa Gangarosa, the gastroenterologist.
“That is always the recommendation,” agreed Marino. “It seems to be the only thing that makes it better or makes it go away. But it’s not always the easiest thing. It’s easy for me to say.”
The implications of quitting for people who use cannabis for medical reasons–and the difficulties for people who are addicted–are clear. But for now, the unknown minority of cannabis users unfortunate enough to experience cannabis hyperemesis syndrome have no other reliable recourse.
For complete story https://filtermag.org/2019/04/25/cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome-without-the-hype/
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Marijuana investors are forgetting about legal risks faced by cannabis companies
Lawsuits could easily arise out of health risks and for several other reasons, lawyers say
Like stoners, cannabis investors seem euphorically oblivious to marijuana risks. Weed smokers face health risks. Investors in companies including TilrayTLRY, +3.67% Canopy Growth CGC, +3.55% Cronos CRON, +3.87% and Green Thumb Industries GTBIF, +0.13% are taking on serious litigation risk.
Marijuana-stock investors could see their investments tank if lawyers launch legal assaults based on product-liability claims. Lawsuits could easily arise out of the health risks and for several other reasons.
But how is that possible? Cannabis-product liability law is unclear because there is no body of case law, making it harder for weed companies to know how to operate within the law.
The catch is that those companies have some inherent protections against legal claims. Cigarette companies get a pass because they disclose health risks, and federal law guides them on how to do this to stay out of trouble. Next, wherever risks are widely known, as with alcohol and sugar, companies get off the hook because of the “assumed risk” doctrine in law. Consumers assume the risk when they use the products.
So, any downside is their fault.
1. Confusion about health risks
2. There are no clear guidelines on how to warn
3. Warnings won’t be enough
4. It’ll be tempting for weed companies to cross the line
5. Cannabis-liability law is uncharted territory
6. The black-swan risk for weed investors
For complete article https://www.marketwatch.com/story/marijuana-investors-are-forgetting-about-legal-risks-faced-by-cannabis-companies-2019-04-23
![\"\"](\"http://www.dontlegalizedrugs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/MACLogo.png\" "\\"MACLogo\\"")
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 4, 2019
CONTACT: Luke Niforatos [email protected] 303-335-7584
Denver City Council Fails to Pass Pot Consumption Site Setback Reduction
Bill would have allowed pot consumption sites to be 500 feet closer to daycare facilities, treatment centers, and parks.
(Denver, CO) – Tonight, the Denver City Council voted 7-5, missing the 9 votes required to pass a bill that would have allowed pot consumption sites to be closer to areas where children congregate. Luke Niforatos, Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) Senior Policy Advisor and Marijuana Accountability Coalition (MAC) spokesperson released the following statement:
\”We are thankful to the 5 members of the Denver City Council who voted in opposition to allowing pot consumption sites to be closer to areas where children and those with substance use disorders congregate. While this is a victory for the city, it is unthinkable that a majority of the council would vote in favor of such a measure- it would have passed had the bill received 9 votes. Unfortunately, Denver continues to roll out the red carpet to the Big Marijuana industry in spite of its blatant violation of state and federal laws as well as it\’s targeting of youth. Foreign pot shops are operating in Denver- a violation of state law, 70% of pot shops are recommending products to pregnant mothers – also a violation of state law, and we continue to see child-friendly candies and other products. We will continue to apply direct pressure on all members of statewide and local governments to hold this Big Tobacco-type industry accountable and refuse their endless requests for a longer leash.\”
About MAC: The Marijuana Accountability Coalition (MAC) is a coalition made up of individuals and organizations united for one common purpose: to fearlessly investigate, expose, challenge, and hold the marijuana industry accountable. If you care about the future of Colorado and holding Big Tobacco 2.0 (The Marijuana Industry) accountable, please join us.
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.
![\"\"](\"http://www.dontlegalizedrugs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/SAM-LOGO1.png\" "\\"SAM"){kind=logo}
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2019
CONTACT: Colton Grace [email protected] (864)-492-6719
BREAKING: New Study Shows Marijuana Use in Conjunction with Opioids Offers More Harms; No Benefit
(Alexandria, VA) – Today, a new study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine shows that sufferers from chronic pain who use marijuana in conjunction with prescription opioids demonstrated higher instances of mental health issues and further substance abuse problems than those who used opioids alone. According to the study, instances of depression and anxiety as well as opioid addiction, alcohol, and cocaine use were higher in patients who used both drugs. Additionally, there was no reported difference in pain for either groups.
\”Once again, another study completely shreds the arguments perpetuated by marijuana lobbyists that legalization can help solve the opioid epidemic,\” said Dr. Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana and a former senior drug policy advisor to the Obama Administration. \”As previous researchhas shown, marijuana use by those suffering with pain usually results in the necessity to prescribe more, stronger medications as marijuana lowers pain thresholds. Simply put, lawmakers must stop rushing ahead of the literature when it comes to expanding the use of this drug and possibly adding fuel to the addiction fire that is devastating our communities.\”
\”The things psychologists would be most worried about were worse, but the thing patients were using the cannabis to hopefully help with, namely pain, was no different,\” said Andrew Rogers, author of the study in an interviewwith MedPage Today. \”Co-use of substances generally leads to worse outcomes. As you pour on more substances to regulate anxiety and depression, symptoms can go up.\”
Proponents of marijuana legalization often claim that the commercialization of the drug can help buffet the current opioid epidemic. This study, in concert with another recent studyconducted by Dr. Keith Humphries which found marijuana users more likely to abuse prescription opioids, deflates those arguments.
\”These results are not surprising and indeed replicate other studies showing that cannabis use by pain patients is associated with higher doses of opioids and no pain relief benefits,\” said Dr. Keith Humphries in an interview with MedPage Today. \”This is one of many examples where claims about the benefits of medical cannabis are not supported by evidence.\”
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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.
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 costs that far outweigh pot revenues.These states have seen a black market that continues to thrive, sustained disparities in marijuana arrest rates, and tobacco company investment in marijuana.
Marijuana is not a harmless drug. View the stories of its victims here.
Legalization of cannabis sparks curiosity in people who haven’t used it in years — or ever
Government oversight and the now legal promotion of ‘getting high’ under government legislation, sees Canadian Government as the new promoter, permitter and pusher of weed! Regardless of outcomes! (Dont Legalize Drugs)
Legalization has drawn a whole new segment of people who prefer to use legal cannabis and are willing to pay more for it, said Jennifer Lee, the lead partner managing the cannabis sector for consulting firm Deloitte.
“Government oversight does bring a whole new cohort to the market,” she said. “They could have tried it on the black market. They just chose not to, because they wanted to know it was a safe product.”
Generally, she said her research has shown that people over 55 are most enticed by this market, because they dabbled in marijuana years ago and can afford to pay more for legal weed.
People with no cannabis experience often ask for cannabidiol, also known as CBD, a non-psychoactive extract that is used to treat pain and anxiety, said Mike Babins, owner of Evergreen Cannabis in Vancouver.
“They come in here saying, ‘I have no desire to get high. I just want CBD,’ ” Babins said. “And we say, ‘Why? What’s so wrong with being high? Do you think it’s like all those old propaganda movies and you’re going to think you’re a bird and you’re going to jump out the window with all the pretty colours and your family will find you dead on the front lawn?’ ”
Sometimes people still want to stick with CBD, but for those who are willing to try cannabis containing THC, the mind-altering ingredient, staff guide them toward lower-dose products and
