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  What The Stats on Teens and Marijuana Don't Show

Posted by CN Staff on December 18, 2010 at 16:49:30 PT
By Bill Piper 
Source: Los Angeles Times 

USA -- The latest numbers are in and it's clear: For the first time since 1981, fewer high school seniors report having used cigarettes in the past month than marijuana. This is a victory for U.S. tobacco policy, which has used education, prevention and regulation to massively reduce cigarette smoking; it's also an embarrassment for marijuana prohibition, which has wasted enormous amounts of taxpayer money arresting millions of citizens with very little to show for it except construction of new prisons and shocking racial disparities.Yet instead of asking what can we learn from historically low tobacco use rates that might improve U.S. marijuana policy, White House drug czar Gil Kerlikowske points a finger at state medical marijuana laws, the national debate on Proposition 19,and, well, anything but the failed, counterproductive marijuana policies of the last 40 years. 
The Times' editorial board was right to call him to task for going too far ("One toke over the line," Dec. 16).According to the 2010 Monitoring the Future survey, teen marijuana use has risen for all prevalence periods (lifetime, past year, past 30 days and daily in the past 30 days). Daily marijuana use among high school seniors is now at 6.1%, the highest rate since the early 1980s. Overall, 21.4% of high school seniors used marijuana at least once last month, an increase of 0.8% over the past year."Though this upward shift is not yet very large, its duration and pervasiveness leave no doubt in our minds that it is real," said Lloyd Johnston, the principal investigator of the study. In contrast, teen tobacco use remains at record lows (although cuts to prevention efforts threaten that) and teen binge drinking is falling.Kerlikowske attributes the increase in teen marijuana use to the growing recognition that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol and other drugs, and that teenagers are starting to think marijuana is medicine."We have been telling young people, particularly for the past couple years, that marijuana is medicine," he told ABC News Radio. "So it shouldn't be a great surprise to us that young people are now misperceiving the dangers or the risks around marijuana."In a news release, he went further, saying, "Mixed messages about drug legalization, particularly marijuana, may be to blame." Of course tobacco and alcohol are legal, and widely used and promoted, but teen misuse of those drugs is decreasing or holding steady.Opponents of any change in America's failed drug policies always throw out the myth that talking about reform sends a dangerous message to teens. The evidence says otherwise. Fifteen states (plus the District of Columbia) have legalized marijuana for medical use, and 13 states have decriminalized marijuana for personal use. Research, including a 1999 Institute of Medicine report commissioned by the very agency Kerlikowske works for, has consistently demonstrated that marijuana-use rates in those states go up and down at roughly the same rates as in other states. Moreover, studies around the world have found that the relative harshness of drug laws matters surprisingly little. After all, rates of illegal drug use in the United States are the same as or higher than those in Europe, despite our more punitive policies.In terms of social experiments, it would be hard to find a better one than the drastically different policy approaches toward marijuana and tobacco. Marijuana is illegal and thus unregulated and untaxed, with profits from sales going to organized crime. Tobacco is legal and thus regulated and taxed, with part of the profits from sales going to treatment, prevention and education.Even though the United States made almost 860,000 arrests for marijuana last year, including 760,000 arrests for mere possession, teen marijuana use is on the rise. Policymakers haven't criminalized tobacco or made mass arrests of tobacco users, yet tobacco use remains far below its 1996 peak. The two very different drug policies have two very different results. It is long past time to make marijuana legal so it can be controlled, regulated and taxed as part of an effective, health-based drug policy.Bill Piper is director of national affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance. Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)Author: Bill Piper Published: December 20, 2010Copyright: 2010 Los Angeles TimesContact: letters latimes.comWebsite: http://www.latimes.com/URL: http://drugsense.org/url/gSgePZdpCannabisNews  -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml 

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Comment #26 posted by museman on December 22, 2010 at 09:03:01 PT
The Teapot Party
I am so down for that. Willie for Pres in 2012! Wow a real person who might actually represent somebody beside big corp.And some local positions need to be filled.I was ready to give up voting after the betrayal by the current administration, but the Teapot Party might just get more support than the greens did with Nader.I suggest folks go to the link and sign up.LEGALIZE FREEDOM
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Comment #25 posted by museman on December 22, 2010 at 08:47:34 PT
Gary 
Thank you. I took some offense at that remark as well, but felt I'd made my own position clear, I wanted to see some other takes before I chimed in.I don't celebrate the catholic 'holy days' either. They are corruptions of older 'pagan' celebrations -not that I personally have anything against pagans, but I feel if I am going to celebrate something like Yashua's birthday, I would want to get it right. And it wasn't December 25th. More like around the Spring Equinox. The gathering together of families is a good thing, regardless of the reasons, so I support that aspect of the 'holiday season' but I do agree with this statement;"Her method of intoxication is merriment, festivity, drink, and most of all, materialism. This materialism is the free enterprise, or capitalistic system."Those of us who do 'know' the scriptures -of which "the Bible" is just one version and very incomplete, do know or are pretty sure at this point that we are in the 'last days.' What that really means however, is open for discussion (somewhere, maybe not so much here).The materialism of xmas is a disgusting thing. The idea that people can be decent to each other for one day -that we have to have that day set aside because we can't muster 'generosity, love, compassion, peace, and sharing' any other time, doesn't say much for the religion that people are supposed to be reflecting in their actions EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR!In my experience, the 'christmas spirit' is more satanic than christlike. It breeds jealousy in children, false pride and arrogance in those who have wealth, and rather than the publicized and media glorified image of human decency, it often brings out the worst in people, because the distribution of the materialism is very lopsided in favor of the rich -who have many reasons for upholding the illusion of their piety through token charity, and many celebratory actions like xmas lights, buying of gifts (that almost 10% of the current population cannot afford this year because our government betrayed us by getting loans from China, then giving it to those who didn't need it, and already had more than they will ever need.) -and SANTA CLAUS- what a scam! More like SATAN'S CLAWS!Actually, personally, after being raised in poverty, bucked around by a system that is designed to keep you chasing after the carrot without actually ever getting it, and raising 7 children by the seat of my pants, I have had my fill of commercialisms being passed off as 'spiritual.' Materialism and it's every day worship may be (is in my mind) "religion" but it bears no resemblance to the 'mercy, love, kindness, gentleness,' to name a few, of the Great Teacher, Yashua ben Yoseph, so I stopped pretending it did many years ago.This song is for you mydnytmover;http://www.terryhubbard.com/Songlist/albums.htm#DWBthird song in the playlist.
lyrics; Do You Know What Time It Is?
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Comment #24 posted by John Tyler on December 21, 2010 at 20:56:46 PT
Willie Nelson and the Teapot Party 
A big name celebrity coming out big time.http://blog.norml.org/2010/12/12/marijuana-meetup-teapot-party-invitation/I hope it gets some traction.
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Comment #23 posted by runruff on December 21, 2010 at 18:46:44 PT
#17?
This pothead is confused? Your message seems a little like someone who has had a few drinks? I don't know, jes' sayin'?What is the meaning intended in your post?
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Comment #22 posted by Garry Minor on December 21, 2010 at 15:43:20 PT
mydnytmover
You said;"some here say they know the bible LOL u give potheads a bad name cause ya dont know jack"I personally don't celebrate "the holidays," and, I do know what the Book says. However, I take great offense at your remark. The people here at Cannabis News are some of the finest people on earth, and are most certainly doing the work of God, whether they all know it or not. So, just because they're enjoying themselves doesn't make them pagan.But, since you know so much about the Good Book, please share with us! Tell us what you know! Do it! We'll wait patiently.Ps- I find the word "pothead" rather derogatory and gives us "good people" a bad name, unless of course you're talking about having Holy Oil poured on your head, but, even then, I prefer Christian/Anointed One/Priest/Child of God!---just sounds better! Kaneh bosm!Psalm 133
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on December 21, 2010 at 06:55:50 PT
Happy Holidays Everyone!
I hope this slow news time is the calm before the storm. I hope 2011 brings more good changes for our cause. I am still trying to figure out how to connect my computer and this new one so Stick and I can both be online at the same time.If I can get this figured out I will be very happy! LOL!
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Comment #20 posted by RevRayGreen on December 20, 2010 at 19:36:34 PT
Three Wise Men BRING IT w/me!Show18!
http://tiny.cc/ns7k4 Green Central Station 12/18/10. Iowa Transplant Farmer John calling into the show LIVE via NORML webcam from KUSH CON II.Happy Holidays All !!!! 
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Comment #19 posted by ekim on December 20, 2010 at 17:37:01 PT
anyone see 60 minutes last night
seems that municipal bonds are in quite a squeeze.so watching Professor Mirrion (sic) talking to the Judge on Freedomwatch tonight was very interesting when the Prof was telling why he is against Prohibition and for saving billions in court costs and law enforcement and prisions.the Judge asked if regulating Cannabis would cut down on the drug cartels on the TX border and the Prof said yes it would.i kept smiling as the Judge razzed the Prof about teaching at Harvard but the Prof said he has good talks all the time.
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Comment #18 posted by greenmed on December 20, 2010 at 17:30:25 PT
Hope and All
Happy Holidays and Happy Yule, which is tonight, to all!Here's a brief article on tonight's lunar eclipsehttp://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/12/solstice-lunar-eclipse/and for those enjoying the snow where you are, you can still see the eclipsehttp://www.eclipse-live.com/?lang=en
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Comment #17 posted by mydnytmover on December 20, 2010 at 16:53:37 PT
LOL smoke this pagans
The Pagan History of Christmasby 
Dr. Joel Ehrlichhttp://www.sabbatarian.com/Paganism/XmasHistory.htmlsome here say they know the bible LOL u give potheads a bad name cause ya dont know jackseventeenth chapter of the book of Revelation speaks of a mysterious woman who rides a beast. It shows that at the end of the age, most of the earth would be drinking out of her handthat time has arrived. Her method of intoxication is merriment, festivity, drink, and most of all, materialism. This materialism is the free enterprise, or capitalistic system.
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Comment #16 posted by runruff on December 20, 2010 at 14:04:05 PT
Steve, your post made me smile!
I thought, hey a chance to meet and greet a c/news family friend. And such a long time friend at that! I will make contact with you the next time we travel north, It would be my pleasure to meet you face to face sometime.Peace, Jerry
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Comment #15 posted by Hope on December 20, 2010 at 10:47:01 PT
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah,
Happy New Year and Ho! Ho! Ho! to you too, dear, dear Steve!And there's a total eclipse of the moon tonight.
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Comment #14 posted by herbdoc215 on December 20, 2010 at 10:40:35 PT
I don't wan to sound all sappy....
But I love you people and pray you all have a safe and happy holidays! FoM has kept this home for all of us to become family and I say thanks! 
Hope, it sure is great to see you in such good spirits. After all these years what a long strange trip it's been? 
Runruff, if your still in Portland or next time you get up this way I ain't too far away north and would love to sit down with you and burn a few...same for quite a few others here as well as it's only about an hour from here on I-5 north of Portland...also if anybody here is interested the steelhead are starting their winter run and are a lot of fun if you dress right? Happy Holidays and peace, Steve Tuck
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Comment #13 posted by Hope on December 20, 2010 at 09:53:55 PT
Ho! Ho! Ho!
To you, too!Ho! Ho! Ho! to everyone.Lets have a good one!
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on December 20, 2010 at 08:50:09 PT
Just a Note
I guess the news will be really slow because of Christmas. We are going shopping before the possible storm hits tomorrow. I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. Stay safe everyone! Ho! Ho! Ho!
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on December 20, 2010 at 05:44:54 PT

Storm Crow
I love to read articles like that one. We are slowly moving forward and that is really great.
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Comment #10 posted by Hope on December 19, 2010 at 21:45:41 PT

Comment 9 Storm Crow
That's amazing. Thank you.
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Comment #9 posted by Storm Crow on December 19, 2010 at 21:10:31 PT

A Joyful Bit of News!
And a very cool sign of the times!http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/potential_montana_jurors_stage_mutiny_in_pot_case/21094/Potential Montana Jurors Stage ‘Mutiny’ in Pot CaseBy Associated Press , 12-19-10
MISSOULA – Potential jurors staged a "mutiny" during a felony drug case, a Missoula County prosecutor says, and authorities worry the result will be viewed as a game-changer when it comes to future attempts at prosecuting drug cases in Montana.Nearly all 27 Missoula County residents during the jury selection process on Thursday told District Court Judge Dusty Deschamps there was no way they would convict anybody of having a couple of buds of marijuana."I thought, 'Geez, I don't know if we can seat a jury,'" said Deschamps, who called a recess. (snipped)Two words...Jury nullification!
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Comment #8 posted by Hope on December 19, 2010 at 21:09:15 PT

Mr. Bill Piper has written a fine column, here.
There should be some TV and radio shows calling on him, and other representatives from DPA, for some speaking engagements.Way to go!Excellent work. Well said, honest, and true.
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Comment #7 posted by Hope on December 19, 2010 at 21:04:34 PT

Comment 3
The Nines!Whoo Hoo!You'll have fun!I'm so happy for you!
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Comment #6 posted by runruff on December 19, 2010 at 08:15:30 PT

Portland Cannabis club closed...
...until after the fist of the year. I am disappointed. We were looking forward to stopping in to say hi to our friends there."I'll be back!"
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Comment #5 posted by DrDunkleosteus on December 18, 2010 at 22:04:23 PT:

The L.A. Times wrote this?
"Bill Piper is director of national affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance"Oh, well maybe they don't deserve THAT much credit, then. Still, a mainstream media source putting out a pro-cannabis, anti-drug czar piece? Bravo. Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, USA Today... I'm looking at you...
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on December 18, 2010 at 19:40:48 PT

runruff
I went and looked up the Nines. Pretty spiffy! Tell Linda hello and have a wonderful time. You both deserve it.
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Comment #3 posted by runruff on December 18, 2010 at 19:32:58 PT

Hi all!
Linda and I are on a long weekend in Portland, Or. We are staying at the Nines, google the Nines and check it out. It is fun and festive here in the middle of downtown.We are watching the Rolling Stones World Tour on the big scene. Right now, Mick is dancing around on stage like a chicken on acid but then that is his shtick after all.The feeling of the Christmas Holiday is everywhere and I admit, the gala atmosphere is very stimulating!I hope all of you are having a very good experience right now.I love the piece about the Drug czar's latest effort to try and create a renewed atmosphere of fear and confusion about the herb/re-teens. He is being faced big time everywhere! the goal of course is to make sure he is a national laughing stock.Peace out! 
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Comment #2 posted by Sam Adams on December 18, 2010 at 18:04:06 PT

one problem
"We have been telling young people, particularly for the past couple years, that marijuana is medicine," he told ABC News Radio. "So it shouldn't be a great surprise to us that young people are now misperceiving the dangers or the risks around marijuana."Of course, cannabis IS medicine. That is the elephant in the room. Poor kids - just haven't been around long enough for the brainwashing to kick in. They're still able to think for themselves.OK I take back what I said about the LA Times!

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Comment #1 posted by The GCW on December 18, 2010 at 17:18:02 PT

New Orleans news.
This good news has an interesting note.New Orleans City Council reclassifies pot possession, prostitution to reduce criminal docketshttp://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/12/new_orleans_city_council_recla.htmlThe interesting note? It seems to accept medical use......The four crimes involved are:•Possession of "marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol or chemical derivatives thereof, or synthetic cannabinoids" unless the substance was "obtained directly or pursuant to a valid prescription or order from a practitioner."Cont.
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