LF: Major Study Destroys Drug War Fear Propaganda – As States Legalize Marijuana, Teen Use Plummets

Title: Major Study Destroys Drug War Fear Propaganda – As States Legalize Marijuana, Teen Use Plummets
Source: Activist Post
URL Source: http://www.activistpost.com/2016/06 ... rijuana-teen-use-plummets.html
Published: Jun 2, 2016
Author: Justin Gardner
Post Date: 2016-06-02 08:12:05 by Deckard
Keywords: None
Views: 10671
Comments: 54

A curious thing is happening as the war on weed crumbles before knowledge and reason. The propaganda campaign orchestrated during the 20^th century by the State and its corporate allies is unraveling, exposing the absurdity of prohibition.

Since the gates have been pried open–to an extent–for medical cannabis research, we are discovering amazing benefits of this plant for a variety of ailments. Yet it is still classified by federal government as a Schedule 1 drug with “no medicinal value and high potential for addiction.”

Meanwhile, alcohol and cigarettes—other psychoactive drugs that actually do kill people—have no medicinal value and are highly addictive, yet are not subject to Controlled Substances classification.

Researchers examined 12 years of data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Instances of cannabis use fell by 10 percent, while “the number of adolescents who had problems related to marijuana — such as becoming dependent on the drug or having trouble in school and in relationships — declined by 24 percent…”

This raised an important point. While responsible adult cannabis use is far less harmful than “legal drug” use, the abuse of any drug—including cannabis—is detrimental to one’s health, especially on the developing adolescent brain. Cannabis has legitimate therapeutic benefits, but like any drug can exacerbate problems that kids have in dealing with school or troubling facets of their life.

“We were surprised to see substantial declines in marijuana use and abuse,” said study author Richard A. Grucza. “We don’t know how legalization is affecting young marijuana users, but it could be that many kids with behavioral problems are more likely to get treatment earlier in childhood, making them less likely to turn to pot during adolescence. But whatever is happening with these behavioral issues, it seems to be outweighing any effects of marijuana decriminalization.”

While this study cannot show a causal connection between the decline in cannabis use in adolescents and state legalization, the fear-mongering of prohibitionists that hordes of kids are going to start smoking weed has been proven wrong.

The results of this study suggest another intriguing reality—as the taboo of something is removed, it can become less appealing or less ripe for abuse. Since kids can get real information on cannabis instead of lies and disinformation, they can make better choices.

If this is true, as well as teen cannabis use declining in part due of legalization, it follows that government is once again promoting sustained harm on the well-being of the populace. By keeping cannabis illegal, while stifling real information and pushing propaganda, the State may have increased abuse and behavioral problems among our nation’s youth.

“Adolescent crime rates have been declining for about 20 years,” Grucza told Forbes. “Teenage pregnancy rates are at an all time low. Binge drinking among high school students is dropping. (Though you wouldn’t know any of this from news coverage).”

Attaboy, Deckard … you can chalk another child killed for your crusade … Attaboy, Deckard!

Keep it up with the … “Fuck the Propaganda - Fuck the War on Drugs” … keep it up, Deckard!

Cocaine And Marijuana Found In Infant At Time Of Death

Post mortem examinations revealed that a 17-month- old child had cocaine and marijuana in his system when he was allegedly killed by his mother's boyfriend.

Chloe Thomas, 25, and her boyfriend Sean Buckley, 28, are accused of repeatedly beating 17-month-old Finley Thomas, the Daily Mail reported. Buckley is accused of killing the child.

Toxicology exams indicated that the couple indulged in a "a considerable use of drugs" leading up to the child’s death. It was also revealed that the infant was exposed to a cocktail of drugs prior to his death.

"These two people were responsible for the care and upbringing of this child," prosecuting attorney, Roger Thomas, told Cardiff Crown Court on May 26, according to the Daily Mail. "Allowing him to suffer drug contamination is evidence of a lack of care and a lack of concern amounting to neglect."

The court heard messages on Buckley’s phone, which indicated that he had fallen into debt from buying and selling marijuana and cocaine.

Text messages between Chloe and Buckley reportedly revealed how the couple tried to “get the story straight” about how Finley “fell down the stairs,” along with explanations for other injuries found on the child's post mortem examination.

Roger said the messages also showed Chloe’s “infatuation” with Buckley.

“It summarizes her view of Buckley,” Roger said. “She saw no wrong in him and she put the interest of her child second to that of Buckley, and ignored what was plainly in front of her eyes.

“It was said she had been a good mother, but her affection was subordinate to her desires for Mr. Buckley.”

The court was shown a video of how the meshing on the chair Buckley allegedly used to kill the infant matched the marks on the child’s scalp.

“The death was caused by Buckley on a defenseless 17-month-old child, with what we claim was quite senseless violence, by shaking him and forcing him against a chair,” Roger added. “We submit there was great tension in the household, over money, tension between each other over Buckley's habits, and claims about other women.

“Tensions had exploded. Chloe Thomas came out of the house and the only other person left is the crying child.”

The child suffered “catastrophic” head trauma after the attack. Doctors found evidence of further abuse on the child, with multiple bleeds and injuries to his head and spine. The injuries were considered “non- accidental.”

Buckley pleaded not guilty to murder charges. He and Chloe also pleaded not guilty to cruelty to a young person under 16.

The trial is expected to continue into June.

Sources: Daily Mail, Daily Mirror / Photo Credit: Wales News Service via Daily Mirror

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/health/its-bad-enough-beautiful-baby-was- killed-his-mothers-boyfriend-what-was-discovered-his

Of course anything and everything that might be used to kill someone else should be outlawed.

Wait, it is. PCP is illegal. PCP is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

But if libertarians have their way, everyone will be able to pick up some at the local convenience store.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but you need a rationale for determining what things should be outlawed and what things shouldn't. The "But it's evil" argument doesn't work for me but maybe you're okay with it.

If “cause” is to mean that the "use of drugs and alcohol" are implicated in approximately 80% of the arrests and incarcerations, then the answer is probably … yes.

I will add that it should be important to note that an estimated 60% of those arrested and incarcerated for most types of crimes test positive for illegal drug use.

"Alcohol, more than any illegal drug, was found to be closely associated with violent crimes, including murder, rape, assault, child and spousal abuse. About 3 million violent crimes occur each year in which victims perceive the offender to have been drinking and statistics related to alcohol use by violent offenders generally show that about half of all homicides and assaults are committed when the offender, victim, or both have been drinking. Among violent crimes, with the exception of robberies, the offender is far more likely to have been drinking than under the influence of other drugs." - https://www.ncadd.org/about-addiction/alcohol-drugs-and-crime

Like things should be treated in like manner; IF currently outlawed drugs ought to remain outlawed because they are implicated in arrests and incarcerations, then since alcohol is likewise implicated in arrests and incarcerations it also ought to be outlawed.

That’s one view point. Another would be that if alcohol is legal and causes the majority of crimes, then if currently outlawed drugs were made legal …would that crime rate increase to the level of alcohol with more drugs easily accessible?

I am aware of what has happened in Portugal with the decriminalized all drugs 16 years agi and many drug advocates for decriminalizing or legalizing illicit drugs have gloried in Portugal's success. They said it works. Buy some social scientists have other factors were involved in the decrease of overdoses, disease and usage.

If that were true (and it's an empirical hypothesis for which there's no evidence currently on the table) it wouldn't contradict what I said.

Do you hold that currently outlawed drugs ought to remain outlawed because they are implicated in arrests and incarcerations? If so, then since alcohol is likewise implicated in arrests and incarcerations, as I have shown, do you hold that it also ought to be outlawed?

I hold that the bastards who want to overindulge and overdose and kill themselves should be freely allowed to do that … and the sooner the better for society. During one year in the recent past, there were 80,000 drug and alcohol overdose deaths … good riddance. I do have grave concern for those innocent folks who are killed or maimed in accidents and criminal activities caused by those under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

I do not hold that alcohol should be outlawed, that was tried and did not work. I anticipate that the reported number of 9.9 million Americans who drove during one recent year while under the influence of illicit drugs will grow in number with legalizing cocaine, heroin and other illegal drugs … and this will result in an increase in accidents and deaths.

I can foresee that perhaps the legalization of drugs will increase the use in the general population and lead to the use of more drugs by young folks. I can see the possibility this will exacerbate the existing deleterious effects that drug use already has on our society. I am aware that with drug legalization will come more government subsidization of the addicts and this would be a drag on our economy … why should I have to pay for that?

Hear, hear! And those who want to use to a moderate degree should be freely allowed to do that.

It's not clear that outlawing other drugs is working for anyone but the cartels and criminals who reap the profits inflated by the law-created oligopoly.

Doesn't add up - people who didn't do drugs when they were illegal will continue to not drive under the influence, which will remain illegal.

The available evidence points the other way: young people for years have reported that they can get illegal-for-all marijuana more easily than legal- for-adults-only beer or cigarettes.