Your MSANI Board regretfully decided to postpone this spring’s conference to later this fall. With the current COVID limitations and upcoming events, the decision was regretful, but a fall date will be announced shortly.
**UPDATE: New date is Oct 28-30, 2021**
(Alexandria, VA) – Today, state-level data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the most authoritative study on drug use conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), found significant increases in youth marijuana use in several recently legalized marijuana states versus last year. At the same time, mental illness indicators worsened across the country while alcohol, cocaine, and tobacco use dropped, especially among young people. “Once again, marijuana is the stubborn outlier – the only drug significantly going up in several areas across the country and across several different age groups,” said Dr. Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and a former senior drug policy advisor to the Obama Administration. “Weed normalization and commercialization has consequences, and unfortunately we are being hit hard while for-profit pot companies continue to enrich themselves.” According to the data, adolescents aged 12-17 using marijuana in the past year significantly increased versus last year in the legalized states of Nevada, Oregon, and California. All other legal states showed increases as well, but versus last year they did not reach statistical levels of significance. There were large increases not witnessed in non-legal states: Nevada experienced a 17.4% increase, while Oregon and California witnessed increases of 15.4 percent and 14.5 percent, respectively.
The data additionally show a statistically significant, 25.5 percent increase in past-month use in California among those aged 12-17.
The data also show us that youth use in states that have “legalized” marijuana far outstrips use in states that have not. Past-month marijuana use among young people aged 12-17 in “legal” states is 54.5 percent higher than past-month marijuana use among 12-17-year-olds in “non-legal” states (10% versus 6.47%). Past-year marijuana use among this age group in “legal” states is 41 percent higher than that of 12-17-year-olds in “non-legal” states (17.12% versus 12.14%).
Finally, the data also show that Washington D.C. has catapulted to the top of the list for youth first-time use, closely followed by Vermont. This is concerning given that Vermont’s legislature just recently passed a bill allowing for commercial sales. Maine and Nevada also witnessed statistically significant increases in this metric as well.Versus ten years ago, legal Vermont, DC, and Maine show significant increases in past month adolescent use, while non-legal states levels are flat across the U.S. as a whole. Use among young adults aged 18-25 skyrocketed, especially in legal states. In non-legal Virginia and New York, adolescent past year marijuana use significantly fell, as it did in the non-legal Southern region of the United States.At the same time, mental health indicators, including major depressive episodes, suicidal thoughts, and serious mental illness have worsened.”Today’s data further cements the need to hit pause on the rush to expand the commercialization of marijuana,” said Sabet. “We call on state lawmakers across the nation to halt all efforts to legalize marijuana and we urge Congress to pass a bill to streamline the process for research on the potential health & safety impacts of marijuana. With the year over year increases in use, we cannot afford to continue this misguided approach to drug policy – an approach that puts profits over our youth.”###
About SAM:
Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is the nation’s leading nonpartisan, non-profit public health alliance of concerned citizens and professionals who oppose marijuana legalization and support science-backed marijuana policies. SAM and its 30+ state affiliates have successfully prevented marijuana legalization in dozens of state legislatures and at the ballot box.
For more information about marijuana use and its effects, visit www.learnaboutsam.org
| A day after New Zealand voters rejected legalization, Germany’s Parliament does too |
| (Berlin, Germany) – Today, the federal parliament of Germany, led by German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Union Party, soundly rejected an effort to legalize marijuana. Major marijuana executives in North America had predicted Germany would legalize. Only two countries on earth have instituted marijuana legalization, both by legislation. “Once again, a robust democracy looking at the science has rejected the legalization of marijuana,” said SAM President Kevin Sabet. “This multi-partisan vote shows how wide and deep opposition to marijuana legalization in Germany really is.” “We hear so often of Europe’s lax approach to marijuana. But in reality, the policies implemented in several US states are far weaker than any European policies. And, as witnessed today, legalization is often outright rejected.” |
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 around the world and in virtually every US state.
Media Contact:
Colton Grace(864) 492-6719 Colton@learnaboutsam.org
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 17, 2020 |
| (Alexandria, VA) – Today, after weeks of pushback, House Democratic leaders cancelled a vote on the MORE Act, a bill to federally legalize and commercialize marijuana. Dr. Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and a former senior drug policy advisor to the Obama Administration released the following statement in response: “This is a massive victory for public health, safety, and quite frankly commonsense. Thanks to the actions taken by our thousands of supporters and the many coalition members we have activated nationwide, we have defeated the MORE Act. “While almost 200,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 and millions more are desperate for aid due to the resulting economic fallout, the fact that marijuana legalization was even on anyone’s mind is inconceivable. “This bill was a non-starter from the very beginning. It would accomplish nothing more than greatly benefiting an addiction-for-profit industry and make our country less-safe by removing marijuana testing requirements from safety sensitive positions such as truck drivers and airline pilots. “Furthermore, encouraging marijuana use in disadvantaged communities is a social injustice. In states that have expanded this industry, pot shops are disproportionately located in communities of color and low income. Overall, less than two percent of the marijuana industry is owned by minorities from any community. Those most harmed by previous drug laws are not the ones benefited by commercialization. This bill would only enrich the wealthy, white investors from Big Tobacco, alcohol conglomerates, and Big Pharma. “Today’s news tells us many things. Creating new addiction-for-profit drug industries is untenable with the electorate during an election year. Once again, we learn that marijuana legalization is not inevitable – despite what well-paid lobbyists are telling us. And finally, SAM and it’s allies have ensured no new marijuana legalization bills have made significant progress for yet another congress.” |
| 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. Media Contact:Colton Grace(864) 492-6719Colton@learnaboutsam.org |
| (Alexandria, VA) – Today, researchers from institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital’s Center for Addiction Medicine, and the University of Colorado sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and members of House Leadership expressing their concern with the rush to vote on the MORE Act, a bill that would legalize marijuana at the federal level. “We write with concern regarding the reported push to vote on the “MORE” Act, which would fully legalize and commercialize marijuana. This is not about decriminalization or rescheduling marijuana. This is about full, commercial legalization. We write to emphasize that there is consensus in the scientific community that such a rush to put engineered, high potency marijuana products in the commercial marketplace would put decades of public health progress in jeopardy,” said the researchers, who sit on the Scientific Advisory Board for Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). The letter lays out examples of some of the harms the current body of research has associated with marijuana commercialization including the drug’s addictive properties and its potential links to mental illness; youth marijuana use and the increased likelihood of prescription opioid misuse; the drug’s harms on brain development; and increases in marijuana-impaired driving. The signatories also point out that while the effort to pass the MORE Act is couched as a well-intended solution to social injustices, marijuana commercialization has routinely failed to make good on any promises of social justice or equity: “Racially biased marijuana policing and penalties for low-level possession must be reformed, but legalization and commercialization of the drug will not correct these injustices and will result in further social injustice. The marijuana industry promoting gummies, candies, and high-powered vapes and concentrates containing up to 99% THC actually exploits vulnerable populations. In Denver alone, there is one pot shop for every 43 residents of color in minority neighborhoods, worsening the achievement gap in communities of color…Legalization is not social justice—only 2% of the entire industry today has any form of minority ownership. Criminal justice reform can and must proceed. Creating a new addiction-for-profit industry will not aid or speed needed criminal justice reform. This is why decriminalization and expungements are prudent, while commercialization of the next Big Tobacco is not. Communities historically impacted by biased policing through marijuana enforcement require criminal justice reform, not billionaire-backed pot shops.” Signers of the letter: Hoover Adger, Jr, M.D., M.P.H.Director, Adolescent MedicineProfessor of PediatricsJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineJudge Arthur L. Burnett, Sr.First Black United States Magistrate JudgeExecutive Director, National African American Drug Policy CoalitionEden Evins, M.D., M.P.H.Cox Family Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical SchoolFounding Director, Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General HospitalJodi Gilman, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical SchoolDirector for Neuroscience, Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General HospitalSion Kim Harris, Ph.D., C.P.H.Co-Director, Center for Adolescent Behavioral Health ResearchDivision of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s HospitalAssociate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical SchoolMarilyn A. Huestis, PhDInstitute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson UniversityYifrah Kaminer, M.D., M.B.A.Professor of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of MedicineProfessor of Pediatrics, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center’s Injury Prevention CenterChristine Miller, Ph.D.Former Research AssociateJohns Hopkins School of MedicineKimber P. Richter, Ph.D., M.P.H.Professor and Director, UKanQuitKUMed Hospital Tobacco Treatment ServiceChristian Thurstone, M.D.Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Colorado, DenverAaron Weiner, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.Licensed Clinical PsychologistOwner, Bridge Forward Group LLCKathryn Wells, MDAssociate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Colorado ### |
| Media Contact:Colton Grace864-492-6719Colton@learnaboutsam.org |
The MSANI Board regrets to inform you that due to COVID restrictions, CanAm 2020 has been cancelled. We are moving forward with our 2021 Conference, May 26-28, 2021, and we would love to have you attend!
As the COVID-19 response continues to evolve, the MSANI Board intends to make a final decision on postponement or cancellation on April 15th, 2020. Please stay tuned!
**UPDATE**Due to concerns over COVID-19 and the current Governer’s executive orders limiting group size, your MSANI Board has regretfully postponed the spring CanAm Conference to October 28-30, 2020. The location will remain the same, at Grandview Lodge on beautiful Gull Lake. The lineup may be adjusted slightly with details to follow on the MSANI.org website.
If you made reservations at the hotel, they will be moved to the new dates without issue.
If you already registered for CanAm through BCA, your registration will be moved to the new date as well.
If these dates do not work for you and you are unable to find a replacement attendee, please let the BCA and Resort know so they can refund your fees and make room for other attendees.
Thank you for your patience and know that this was a difficult decision, but was the best for the safety of our members and their communities.
V/R
MSANI Board
Editor’s Note: The following position paper opposing the legalization of recreational marijuana was written by Dakota County Attorney James C. Backstrom and Dakota County Sheriff Tim Leslie.
MSANI opposes the legalization of recreational marijuana in Minnesota as do the Minnesota Sheriffs Association, the Chiefs of Police Association, the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association and the Minnesota County Attorneys Association.
By James C. Backstrom and Tim Leslie
Legalizing the recreational use of marijuana would not be good for Minnesota.
Restricting marijuana use to just those ages 21 or older will not keep underage youth safe. In fact, one in four 12th-graders report that they would try marijuana, or that their use would increase, if the drug were legalized.
Chemical addiction and illegal drug use are the largest contributor to crime. The proponents of legalization don’t want to acknowledge that marijuana is an addictive substance. Unfortunately, most people in America are unaware of this, but it is a fact that cannot be ignored. The marijuana available today is much more potent (and consequently more addictive) than the marijuana smoked in the 1960s.
Marijuana can directly worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. A recent marijuana study has also linked its use to higher risk of stroke and heart failure.
Marijuana is a gateway drug for many to the use of other illegal drugs… methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine. Studies have confirmed that the use of marijuana lowers inhibitions about drug use and exposes users to a culture that encourages the use of other illegal drugs.
While some initial studies in the scientific literature concluded that marijuana legalization reduces opioid use, subsequent studies have exposed flaws in those prior studies debunking these findings. These more recent reports in fact show the opposite trend… that recreational marijuana will increase opioid abuse.
America’s prisons are NOT filled with low-level, nonviolent marijuana users. Pro-marijuana advocates have spread this misinformation, but that is a fallacy. The actual statistics are:
Less than half of one percent of individuals in Minnesota prisons are there for a marijuana offense – and 70 percent of those individuals had prior felony convictions.
The reality is that you don’t go to prison for a marijuana offense unless you are in possession of or dealing large quantities of this controlled substance.
Many prosecutors regularly refer non-violent drug offenders to drug courts and diversion programs for low-level drugs, allowing them to obtain dismissals of their criminal charge if they complete treatment, attend counseling and stay sober. These types of common-sense efforts are designed to keep drug offenders out of jail and prison and help address their drug addictions, which are destroying their lives and adversely impacting public safety.
Lowering the criminal penalties for marijuana use is a completely different topic from legalization of this substance. The Minnesota Legislature reduced criminal penalties for low-level drug offenders, including marijuana users, four years ago.
Legalization would not reduce the burden of the criminal justice system, nor would it curb drug-related violence.
It is a complete fallacy to believe that legalizing marijuana will eliminate black market sales of this controlled substance by drug dealers and cartels. Black market activity has increased, not decreased, in states where recreational use of marijuana is legal. Black market sales of marijuana in Colorado have never been higher. Highway seizures of illegal marijuana in that state have increased by 39 percent since recreational marijuana was legalized.
One of the most serious and fastest growing crime problems in states that have legalized marijuana use is vehicle crashes. Since recreational marijuana was legalized in Colorado in 2013, marijuana-related traffic deaths have increased 151 percent — an increase of 83 traffic deaths every year. And the number of persons seriously injured in marijuana-related crashes far exceeds that number.
In the state of Washington, drivers involved in fatal car crashes who tested positive for marijuana doubled in the five-year period after legalization. One in five drivers involved in fatal car crashes in 2017 tested positive for marijuana. Recent research study shows that frequent marijuana users are dangerous drivers even when sober. Legalization of marijuana in Minnesota will result in more traffic deaths and injuries than occur from impaired driving today.
Commercializing marijuana increases public health and public safety costs beyond any economic tax benefits projected to be gained from legalization of the substance. The negative social and health costs of marijuana use far outweigh any anticipated tax revenues from commercialization. For every dollar gained in tax revenue from legalized sales of marijuana in Colorado, it is estimated that over $4.50 was spent to mitigate the social costs of legalization.
Legalizing marijuana in Minnesota would likely increase its use among teens, lead to more addiction, cause more traffic deaths and injuries, lead to more mental health problems, and increase the use of other illegal drugs.
We should not be legalizing this dangerous and addictive substance and encouraging more people to use it.
Event info updated and registration now open!
1. Cannabis is NOT a safe drug.
a. Cannabis is NOT a harmless drug; the part of the plant that gets you high, THC, is addictive (between 9% to 30% may develop a cannabis use disorder), and the THC potency these days is much stronger than in the past.
b. THC contributes to many health problems (e.g., mental illness, learning and memory impairment and impaired driving)
c. We have enough problems already with the two legal “recreational” drugs (nicotine and alcohol); adding a third legal intoxicant is a bad idea.
2. Cannabis may or may not be a medicine that helps Vets (or non-Vets).
a. It is too early to say if the marijuana plant is effective medicine in treating pain or PTSD, although there are many studies underway.
b. Current research showed insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about the benefits and harms. One study showed it was significantly associated with worse outcomes for PTSD.
c. Smoking marijuana is not medicine. d. MN has a medical marijuana program that could be improved. We do not need to commercialize it to improve this program.
3. Marijuana does not replace opioids for pain
a. February 1, 2019 study showed low strength evidence that marijuana alleviated neuropathic pain and that marijuana as an efficacious treatment for opioid use was even weaker.
b. New study reverses finding of 2014 study and found an increase of 23% in opioid deaths
4. The state will not benefit from sizeable tax revenues.
a. Commercialization backers rarely discuss the costs associated with widespread use of the drug on health care, mental health services, law enforcement, businesses and consumers.
i. Estimated health and social costs per dollar of tax revenue
1. Alcohol $13
2. Tobacco $9
3. Estimated marijuana $4.5
b. California’s pot-related tax revenue missed projections by more than 50 percent, and the former governor of Colorado has said tax revenue from pot won’t solve fiscal challenges faced by states and municipalities.
5. Adolescent use will likely increase because the minimum legal age will be 21.
a. The US Surgeon General just stated “No amount of marijuana use during pregnancy or adolescence is known to be safe.”
b. Recent data indicate an overall higher rate of underage cannabis use in commercial cannabis states vs non-commercial cannabis states.
c. If history is informative, the rate of drug use by adolescents eventually increases if that drug becomes more accessible.
d. How is the minimum legal age of 21 for alcohol working?
6. Cannabis users have been unjustly punished by law enforcement.
a. Commercializing cannabis has not resolved social injustice issues. African Americans are twice as likely to be arrested for marijuana in commercialization states of Colorado and Washington. Denver: cannabis stores are clustered in minority neighborhoods, similar to liquor stores in low income areas.
b. Minnesota: Possession of less than 1 ½ ounces is a petty misdemeanor.
c. A very small percent of Minnesotans are incarcerated for cannabis use, and many of those had prior felony convictions.
d. We support decriminalization not commercialization
7. The black Market will not be eliminated.
a. The opposite is occurring in legalization states. In 2018 CA grew 15 million pounds of pot but only sold 2.5 million.
b. The black market is expanding as they undercut the retail price.
8. Cannabis is not commonly used.
a. Most Minnesotans older than 25 do not use cannabis (~11% report prior year use); the majority of users are in the 18-25year-old range (~37% report prior year use).
b. These MN rates are similar to the national average.
9. Legalization is not necessarily inevitable.
a. 10 states in the past two years have applied the brakes to full legalization efforts (CT, FL, MN, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, WI, VT).
b. What does legalization mean? When poll questions are properly asked, only about one-third of Americans favor full, commercial legalization.
10. Prohibition was not a failed policy.
a. Governments legislate all kinds of “prohibitions” in the name of public health and public safety and they work (e.g., indoor smoking restrictions)
b. The prohibition on alcohol decreased liver disease, domestic abuse and public drunkenness
c. We have enough problems with the two legal recreational drugs – nicotine and alcohol. We do not need another one added to the legal list. d. Should we lift the prohibition on all illicit drugs?
References