Pubdate: Fri, 11 Aug 2017
Source: Buffalo News (NY)
Copyright: 2017 The Buffalo News
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/GXIzebQL
Website: http://www.buffalonews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/61
Author: Neal Shifman

ANOTHER VOICE: LEGALIZED MARIJUANA IS HERE TO STAY

Whether you love it or hate it, it's a fact that 29 states so far have
some form of marijuana decriminalization or legalization, with more
considering the possibility. People have strong opinions about the
legalization of marijuana -- but how often are those opinions based on
science and an understanding of evolving best practices?

It's high time we have a national conversation that is rational,
science-based and open-minded around the many public health
implications. Substance use disorders, youth prevention, drugged
driving, health effects, pesticides -- the list is long, and these
questions make it a complex process for states working to translate
policy and legislation into reasonable regulation.

To date, the marijuana industry has been dominated by commercial
interests, and any national conference or gathering has been
overshadowed by these market drivers. Is this how we want public
policy to be determined? On the fly and pressured by interests more
concerned about profit than about public health and safety? Or do we
want to invest the time and energy into research, thoughtful
policy-making and application of best practices as they evolve?

We think the latter, which is why we've organized the National
Cannabis Summit to be held Aug. 28 to 30 in Denver, as the first forum
for states and stakeholders to gather and have a neutral, objective
and open conversation about the hard questions. This is a platform for
policy-makers, state officials, public health and medical
professionals to gain knowledge and bring back practical ideas to make
it work.

Let's stop pushing the mythology of marijuana and start focusing on
research and science. Let's stop making assumptions, jumping to
conclusions and firing off opinions not based in fact. For example,
some people are afraid that marijuana will be a gateway drug that
could make the opioid crisis worse. But two recent studies show that
medical marijuana is associated with lower opioid overdose mortality
rates.

Yet we can't assume these studies mean medical marijuana will
necessarily help with the opioid crisis -- both studies also caution
that it is still premature to assume a causal relationship. What's
clear is that more research is needed and is key to making good policy
decisions.

So while we're at it, let's encourage the federal government to remove
marijuana as a Schedule I drug, the most restrictive category reserved
for drugs with no medicinal value and high potential for abuse. This
will make it easier for researchers to conduct studies and add to the
body of knowledge that informs good public policy.

If you're tired of the endless debates fueled by high emotion, you're
invited to contribute to a conversation grounded in science, best
practices and real-world experience at the National Cannabis Summit.
Officials from states with advanced cannabis programs will share
lessons learned. Researchers and scientists will share the latest
knowledge. And you'll walk away with better information and more
confidence upon which to build policy and practice and to address the
issues in your state.

Neal Shifman is president and CEO of Advocates for Human Potential.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt