By Howard Meitiner

Published December 20, 2011

In his recent New York Times “Invitation to Dialogue,” David Evans’s position on medical marijuana is absolutely sound. Marijuana is an addictive drug and should be subject to the same scientific approval process as any other medicine.

First, we must remember that marijuana wreaks havoc on our youth. At Phoenix House, the drug is a problem for nearly all the teens we treat; about 76 percent of our adolescent admissions list marijuana as their primary drug of choice. Our experience mirrors national trends, according to the latest SAMHSA data. Far too many young people are in treatment because marijuana has had serious negative consequences in their lives, making it impossible for them to succeed in school, ruining their relationships with their families, and often, leading them to try even more harmful drugs when they seek an even greater high.

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By Sue Rusche

Published December 16, 2011

In many state legislatures around the country, or by ballot (direct voter) referendum, important decisions are or will be made as to legalization of marijuana in some form. Before voters cast their ballots, or their elected officials decide, think about what will happen to children if marijuana becomes accessible to adults, much like alcohol.

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By Kevin A. Sabet, Ph.D

Published December 5, 2011

Findings from a working discussion paper that links medical marijuana with a reduction in alcohol crash fatalities, published as part of an online labor institute discussion series — not a peer-reviewed study in a scientific journal — are being reported as scientific fact by a surprising number of top newspapers and magazines.

The discussion paper concludes that alcohol traffic fatalities are reduced in medical marijuana states because, as the author’s assert, “alcohol and marijuana are substitutes.” Essentially, the headlines read that because A happened at the same time B happened, A caused B.

There are numerous problems here. (Prevention groups like CADCA have also responded, and rumor is that the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy will also have a response soon).

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