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Chavanne D, Ahluwalia JS, Goodyear K. The effects of race and class on community-level stigmatization of opioid use and policy preferences. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 120:104147. [PMID: 37639913 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With opioid use and overdose rates continuing to plague minority communities in the U.S., we explored whether a geographic community's racial composition and social class affect how opioid use in the community is stigmatized and what policy preferences arise in response. METHODS We use case vignettes in a randomized, between-subjects study (N = 1478) with a nation-wide survey. The vignettes describe a community where opioids are harmfully used, varying whether the community was (1) wealthy or poor, (2) predominantly Black or White and (3) facing prevalent use of painkillers or heroin. We tested how these variables affect public stigmatization of opioid use (measured with ratings of responsibility, dangerousness, sympathy, concern, anger, and disappointment) preferred levels of social distance from communities with opioid use (measured with responses to questions about living, working, and interacting in the community), and policy preferences for responding to opioid use (measured with levels of support for providing a safe-consumption site in the community, treating drug use in the community punitively, treating drug use in the community as an illness, and funding drug treatment in the community through income redistribution). RESULTS Compared to wealthy communities with opioid use, poor communities with opioid use were less stigmatized in terms of responsibility, sympathy, concern, anger, and disappointment; they were also met with less support for punitiveness, more support for treating drug use as an illness, and preferences for greater social distance. Compared to White communities with opioid use, Black communities with opioid use were less stigmatized in terms of responsibility, and they were met with stronger preferences to not live and work there and with reduced support for using income redistribution to provide drug treatment for people in the community. Poor-Black communities with opioid use were also perceived to be more dangerous than both poor-White and wealthy-Black communities with opioid use. CONCLUSION These results point to class- and race-based territorial stigma affecting how communities with opioid use are judged and whether policies for providing communities with treatment are supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Chavanne
- Department of Economics, Connecticut College, New London, CT, USA.
| | - Jasjit S Ahluwalia
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kimberly Goodyear
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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2
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Fordjour E, Manful CF, Sey AA, Javed R, Pham TH, Thomas R, Cheema M. Cannabis: a multifaceted plant with endless potentials. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1200269. [PMID: 37397476 PMCID: PMC10308385 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1200269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa, also known as "hemp" or "weed," is a versatile plant with various uses in medicine, agriculture, food, and cosmetics. This review attempts to evaluate the available literature on the ecology, chemical composition, phytochemistry, pharmacology, traditional uses, industrial uses, and toxicology of Cannabis sativa. So far, 566 chemical compounds have been isolated from Cannabis, including 125 cannabinoids and 198 non-cannabinoids. The psychoactive and physiologically active part of the plant is a cannabinoid, mostly found in the flowers, but also present in smaller amounts in the leaves, stems, and seeds. Of all phytochemicals, terpenes form the largest composition in the plant. Pharmacological evidence reveals that the plants contain cannabinoids which exhibit potential as antioxidants, antibacterial agents, anticancer agents, and anti-inflammatory agents. Furthermore, the compounds in the plants have reported applications in the food and cosmetic industries. Significantly, Cannabis cultivation has a minimal negative impact on the environment in terms of cultivation. Most of the studies focused on the chemical make-up, phytochemistry, and pharmacological effects, but not much is known about the toxic effects. Overall, the Cannabis plant has enormous potential for biological and industrial uses, as well as traditional and other medicinal uses. However, further research is necessary to fully understand and explore the uses and beneficial properties of Cannabis sativa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Fordjour
- School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, NL, Canada
- Biotron Experimental Climate Change Research Centre/Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Charles F. Manful
- School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, NL, Canada
| | - Albert A. Sey
- School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, NL, Canada
| | - Rabia Javed
- School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, NL, Canada
| | - Thu Huong Pham
- School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, NL, Canada
| | - Raymond Thomas
- Biotron Experimental Climate Change Research Centre/Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Mumtaz Cheema
- School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, NL, Canada
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3
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González-Sala F, Tortosa-Pérez M, Peñaranda-Ortega M, Tortosa F. Effects of Cannabis Legalization on Road Safety: A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4655. [PMID: 36901669 PMCID: PMC10001957 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Legalizing medical and recreational cannabis and decriminalizing this substance may have unanticipated effects on traffic safety. The present study aimed to assess the impact of cannabis legalization on traffic accidents. METHODS A systematic review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) declaration of the articles included in the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases. The number of papers included in the review was 29. RESULTS The results show that in 15 papers, there is a relationship between the legalization of medical and/or recreational cannabis and the number of traffic accidents, while in 5 papers, no such relationship is observed. In addition, nine articles indicate a greater number of risk behaviors related to driving after consumption, identifying young, male, and alcohol consumption together with cannabis as the risk profile. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that the legalization of medical and/or recreational cannabis has negative effects on road safety when considering the number of jobs that affect the number of fatalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco González-Sala
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Macarena Tortosa-Pérez
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Internacional de Valencia-VIU, 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Peñaranda-Ortega
- Departamento de Psicología Básica y Metodología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Tortosa
- Instituto de Investigación en Tráfico y Seguridad Vial-INTRAS, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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4
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Edelstein OE. Attitudes and beliefs of medicine and social work students about medical cannabis use for epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 127:108522. [PMID: 34999501 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The current study sought: (i) to explore whether health profession students possess formal medical cannabis (MC) education, feel prepared to answer questions about MC, and perceive it as an effective therapy for epilepsy; (ii) to assess students' attitudes and beliefs about MC use; and (iii) to explore the associations between students' background characteristics, MC-related attitudes and beliefs regarding its effectiveness for epilepsy. A sample of 310 students (141 from medicine and 169 from social work) voluntarily participated in the anonymous online survey. The vast majority (92.5%) indicated they had no formal education about MC, and only 11.2 % reported being prepared to answer clients' MC-related questions. Participants reported favorable beliefs about MC benefits, the need for training, and recreational marijuana use legalization. Less supportive attitudes were reported regarding MC risks. Prior cannabis use (e.g., self-use, friends, or family) and individuals from a secular background were associated with more positive beliefs about MC benefits and its legalization for recreational purposes. Prior recreational cannabis use [OR=1.541] and having friends who recreationally use the substance [OR=1.891] were associated with the belief that MC is an effective therapy for epilepsy. These findings indicate an urgent need for students' MC education to provide future physicians and social workers with MC-related capacities. Development of curricula and training programs in Israel are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Offer E Edelstein
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, The Spitzer Department of Social Work, Beer-Sheva 841050, Israel.
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5
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Bohigues A, Fernández-i-Marín X. Drug Legalization, Elite Support, and Government Effectiveness in Latin America. JOURNAL OF DRUG ISSUES 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/00220426211055434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In Latin America, the legalization of drugs—where it occurred—has been driven mainly by elites, although much attention has been placed on public opinion. Considering that efforts toward legalization have been top-down, analysis should concentrate on opinions of the governing elites. To undertake such an analysis, we draw on data from surveys conducted in 18 Latin American parliaments (2012–2018), and we examine elite perspectives on the legalization of all drugs. Results from a Bayesian hierarchical logistic analysis show that in countries where the government is less effective, and where public health problems persist, legislators are less likely to support legalization. We argue that this is due to a lack of trust by MPs in legalization as a solution to trafficking. Wherever those concerned with drug trafficking see the current government as problematic, they will be less likely to support so challenging and complex a policy as drug legalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asbel Bohigues
- University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- University of Barcelona, Barceloana, Spain
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6
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Edelstein OE, Wacht O, Isralowitz R, Reznik A, Bachner YG. Beliefs and Attitudes of Graduate Gerontology Students about Medical Marijuana Use for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. Complement Ther Med 2020; 52:102418. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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Laqueur H, Rivera-Aguirre A, Shev A, Castillo-Carniglia A, Rudolph KE, Ramirez J, Martins SS, Cerdá M. The impact of cannabis legalization in Uruguay on adolescent cannabis use. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 80:102748. [PMID: 32388170 PMCID: PMC10686048 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalize recreational cannabis, instituting a non-commercial state regulatory model of production and supply. This study provides the first empirical evidence on its impacts on adolescent use of cannabis and related risks. METHODS We use a generalization of the synthetic control method (SCM) to estimate the impact of legalization in Uruguay on adolescent past year and month cannabis use, perceived availability of cannabis and perceived risk of cannabis use. We compare biennial high school student self-reported survey data from Montevideo and regions in the interior of Uruguay post-legalization (2014-2018) and post initial implementation (2015-2018) to a synthetic counterfactual constructed using a weighted combination of 15 control regions in Chile. RESULTS We find no evidence of an impact on cannabis use or the perceived risk of use. We find an increase in student perception of cannabis availability (58% observed vs. 51% synthetic control) following legalization. CONCLUSION Our findings provide some support for the thesis that Uruguay's state regulatory approach to cannabis supply may minimize the impact of legalization on adolescent cannabis use. At the same time, our study period represents a period of transition: pharmacy access, by far the most popular means of access, was not available until the summer of 2017. Additional study will be important to assess the longer-term impacts of the fully implemented legalization regime on substance use outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Laqueur
- Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Ariadne Rivera-Aguirre
- Department of Population Health, Division of Epidemiology, New York University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Aaron Shev
- Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, United States
| | - Alvaro Castillo-Carniglia
- Department of Population Health, Division of Epidemiology, New York University School of Medicine, United States; Society and Health Research Center and School of Public Health, Universidad Mayor, Chile
| | - Kara E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, United States
| | - Jessica Ramirez
- National Drug Observatory of Uruguay, Executive Tower Building, 10th Floor, Plaza Independencia 710, Montevideo C11000, Uruguay
| | - Silvia S Martins
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, United States
| | - Magdalena Cerdá
- Department of Population Health, Division of Epidemiology, New York University School of Medicine, United States
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8
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Jones NS, Comparin JH. Interpol review of controlled substances 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:608-669. [PMID: 33385148 PMCID: PMC7770462 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in controlled substances from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Comparin
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
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9
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Queirolo R, Rossel C, Álvarez E, Repetto L. Why Uruguay legalized marijuana? The open window of public insecurity. Addiction 2019; 114:1313-1321. [PMID: 30536953 DOI: 10.1111/add.14523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to fully regulate its marijuana market. This ambitious policy was also an unexpected one: none of the usual explanations for legalization of marijuana in other contexts was present in the Uruguayan case. This paper offers an explanation of why Uruguay legalized marijuana. Drawing on Kingdon's theoretical approach, we argue that a window of opportunity opened in mid-2012, making it both necessary and possible for the government to move towards legalization. METHODS A congruence case study using evidence from a series of interviews with political actors and policy makers, media reports and official documents. RESULTS There is evidence that marijuana legalization was possible in Uruguay because of the coincidence of a demand for more public safety (problem stream) with the presence of pro-legalization leaders in strategic political positions (policy stream) and a favorable political environment (political stream) CONCLUSIONS: Applying Kingdon's theory of windows of opportunity, Uruguay may have moved towards full regulation of its marijuana market in 2013 because of the convergence of a specific set of problem, policy and political circumstances in May 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Queirolo
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Universidad Catolica Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cecilia Rossel
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Universidad Catolica Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Eliana Álvarez
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Universidad Catolica Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Lorena Repetto
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Universidad Catolica Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
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10
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Ellis JD, Resko SM, Szechy K, Smith R, Early TJ. Characteristics Associated with Attitudes toward Marijuana Legalization in Michigan. J Psychoactive Drugs 2019; 51:335-342. [DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1610199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stella M. Resko
- School of Social Work, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kathryn Szechy
- School of Social Work, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Richard Smith
- School of Social Work, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Theresa J. Early
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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11
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Cruz JM, Boidi MF, Queirolo R. The status of support for cannabis regulation in Uruguay 4 years after reform: Evidence from public opinion surveys. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017; 37 Suppl 1:S429-S434. [PMID: 29230888 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS The objective of this study was to measure the public support for marijuana legalisation in Uruguay, both overall and in its provisions, in nearly 4 years after its implementation. DESIGN AND METHODS Three separate cross-national surveys were conducted in early 2014, late 2015 and mid-2017 with national representative samples of adults. The first study was carried out during the initial months of implementation of the law and used face-to-face interviews (N = 1490); the second survey was conducted using a computer-assisted telephone interviewing system (N = 703); and the third study (N = 1515), using face-to-face interviews, was completed just before the implementation of pharmacy sales. RESULTS About 60.7% of respondents in 2014 were against marijuana legalisation; in 2017, 54.1% remained opposed to the marijuana law. In 2015, half of the people interviewed (49.9%) supported access to marijuana through self-cultivation, while 38.6% favoured the provision of cannabis clubs and 33.1% agreed with the pharmacy retail provision. Support for medical cannabis was high in 2015, with 74.5% favouring it. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This study shows a change in the public opinion toward legalisation of marijuana although most people still remain opposed to the law. However, the data do not provide indication of a significant change in its use. Results suggest that opposition to legalisation may be focused on the pharmacy retail provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Miguel Cruz
- Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center, Florida International University, Miami, USA
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12
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Marsiglia FF, Kulis SS, Kiehne E, Ayers SL, Libisch Recalde CA, Sulca LB. Adolescent substance-use prevention and legalization of marijuana in Uruguay: A feasibility trial of the keepin’ it REAL prevention program. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2017.1358308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Flavio F. Marsiglia
- Center for International Translational Intervention Research, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Stephen S. Kulis
- Center for International Translational Intervention Research, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Elizabeth Kiehne
- Center for International Translational Intervention Research, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Ayers
- Center for International Translational Intervention Research, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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13
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Pardal M, Tieberghien J. An analysis of media framing of and by Cannabis Social Clubs in Belgium: making the news? DRUGS-EDUCATION PREVENTION AND POLICY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2017.1336509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda Pardal
- Institute for Social Drug Research (ISD), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Julie Tieberghien
- Institute for Social Drug Research (ISD), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Subbaraman MS, Kerr WC. Support for marijuana legalization in the US state of Washington has continued to increase through 2016. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 175:205-209. [PMID: 28448904 PMCID: PMC5509359 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Support for the legalization of recreational marijuana continues to increase across the United States and globally. In 2016, recreational marijuana was legalized in the most populous US state of California, as well as three other states. The primary aim of this study was to examine trends in support for recreational marijuana legalization in Washington, a state which has had legal recreational marijuana for almost four years, using data collected over the four years post-legalization. A secondary aim was to examine trends in support for the cultivation of marijuana for personal use. METHODS Data come from geographically representative general population samples of adult (aged 18 and over) Washington residents collected over five timepoints (every six months) between January 2014 and April 2016 (N=4101). Random Digit Dial was used for recruitment. Statistical analyses involved bivariate comparisons of proportions across timepoints and subgroups (defined by age, gender, and marijuana user status), and multivariable logistic regression controlling for timepoint (time) to formally test for trend while controlling for demographic and substance use covariates. All analyses adjusted for probability of selection. RESULTS Support for legalization in Washington has significantly increased: support was 64.0% (95% CI: 61.2%-67.8%) at timepoint 1 and 77.9% (95% CI: 73.2%-81.9%) at timepoint 5. With each six months' passing, support increased 19% on average. We found no statistically significant change in support for home-growing. CONCLUSIONS Support for marijuana legalization has continued to significantly increase in a state that has experienced the policy change for almost four years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William C. Kerr
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, CA
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15
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Uruguay's middle-ground approach to cannabis legalization. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 42:118-120. [PMID: 28366597 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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16
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Cruz JM, Boidi MF, Queirolo R. Saying no to weed: Public opinion towards cannabis legalisation in Uruguay. DRUGS-EDUCATION PREVENTION AND POLICY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2016.1237475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- José Miguel Cruz
- Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA,
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17
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Boidi MF, Queirolo R, Cruz JM. Cannabis consumption patterns among frequent consumers in Uruguay. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2016; 34:34-40. [PMID: 27397717 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2013, Uruguay became the first country to fully regulate the cannabis market, which now operates under state control. Cannabis can be legally acquired in three ways: growing it for personal use (self-cultivation), cannabis club membership, and from pharmacies (not yet implemented). Users must be entered into a confidential official registry to gain access. METHODS This article presents findings of a Respondent Driven Sample survey of 294 high-frequency cannabis consumers in the Montevideo metropolitan area. RESULTS Frequent consumers resort to more than one method for acquiring cannabis, with illegal means still predominating after 1 year of the new regulation law. Cannabis users overwhelmingly support the current regulation, but many of them are reluctant to register. CONCLUSIONS Some of the attitudes and behaviors of the high-frequency consumers pose a challenge to the success of the cannabis law. Individuals relying on more than one method of access defy the single access clause, a prerequisite for legal use, while the maximum amount of cannabis individuals can access monthly seems too high even for most frequent consumers, which might promote the emergence of a grey market. Reluctance to register among a significant proportion of high-frequency consumers raises doubts about the law's ability to achieve its stated objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosario Queirolo
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Universidad Católica del Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - José Miguel Cruz
- Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
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