David L. Nathan, professor at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, was elected Distinguished Member at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association. Teaches and practices adult psychiatry in Princeton, NJ.
It has become a cliche: the tide is changing in the marijuana debate. Sanjay Gupta, CNN medical correspondent, publicly modified his position and today supports medical cannabis. New Jersey Governor Republican Chris Christie has just expanded the state’s medical marijuana laws. Last month, New Hampshire and Illinois became states 19 and 20 to approve its medical or therapeutic use.
But the debate over medical marijuana covers an even more important issue: the failure of our cannabis war and the path to smart legalization.
I had the opportunity to explore the broad spectrum of perspectives in the marijuana debate during the Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association. What I learned can be summed up like this: national legalization of cannabis is imminent and the key to success lies in sensible regulation.
During the convention, held in San Francisco, I listened and spoke with the most respected opponents of the legalization of cannabis, mostly people specialized in the treatment of disorders associated with its use.
San Francisco is clear proof of the laws on decriminalizing marijuana. Amanda Reiman, director of policy for the California branch of the pro-legalization group Drug Policy Alliance , took me on a tour of the city’s marijuana dispensaries. And Oaksterdam University, the first medical marijuana university, invited me to visit its new headquarters (the previous one was closed after a DEA raid last year).
Dispensaries are often self-regulating, yet their facilities are immaculate, security is high, and staff members are knowledgeable in the science of cannabis. Of course, all the points of sale are not as well managed as these dispensaries, but they could be. And this will only be possible with legalization and regulation.
Most advocates and opponents of legalization share concerns about underage use, an opposition to criminalizing users, and an acknowledgment that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol.
Most argue that public opinion has changed in favor of decriminalization, despite the fact that the two groups show different positions on this change. A minority of advocates call for the country to “release marijuana” with few restrictions, while those who oppose within the American Psychiatric Association fear that legalization will lead to “a nation of drug addicts” following a surge in consumption. teenager of this and other drugs.
The substance abuse community has legitimate concerns and recreational drugs should not be legalized for minors.
If national polls are correct, and wisdom prevails, the United States seems to be heading in the direction of decriminalizing cannabis for adults. We should end the discussion on an adult’s right to use a relatively safe drug and discuss how to get it properly regulated by the federal government.
Firstly, it is necessary to consider the four pillars of marijuana regulation: prevent it from reaching the hands of minors; reduce harm to adult consumers; prevent collateral damage for the rest of the public and obtain the maximum economic benefits from its legalization.
Our approach to federal regulation should synthesize the perspectives of both advocates and opponents of decriminalization. We should investigate the laws that control alcohol, tobacco and gambling. We can also learn from Colorado and Washington, states that have developed regulations for recreational cannabis, and 18 other states that have legalized medical marijuana.
We can achieve these regulatory objectives if:
- We require appropriate labels for cannabis products, including quantities of key ingredients like THC and CBD.
- We analyze cannabis products.
- We demand that the government supervise all facilities involved in the production, distribution and marketing of cannabis.
- We limit the advertising, sales and public consumption of these products as we do with alcohol and / or tobacco.
- We prohibit packages and advertisements that target or attract minor users.
- We require child-proof packages for edible cannabis products.
- We impose penalties on adults that allow children to obtain marijuana.
- We allow adults to grow a small number of cannabis plants for personal consumption.
- We punish driving vehicles under the influence of cannabis.
- We continue with the restrictions on the consumption of marijuana in the face of scientific evidence.
- We strengthen state and municipal powers to restrict cannabis trafficking across borders.
- We fund adult education on the use and abuse of cannabis.
- We finance youth education on the dangers of underage drinking.
- We finance the treatment of adults and minors with disorders associated with cannabis use.
- Place high taxes on the sale of cannabis to finance regulation, education and treatment.
Just as responsible fishermen support the conservation of marine ecosystems, marijuana enthusiasts can offer clever ideas for successful decriminalization. Proponents and opponents of legalization must come together for an open discussion on the regulation of marijuana in the United States.
Do you agree? Do you think legalization is the right way? Tell us in the comments.