Three years ago when Mark Zuckerberg traveled around the country, his biggest surprise was learning the extent of the addiction crisis. He was genuinely concerned about the problem, realizing that he comes from a position of privilege, and that he didn’t face economic loss like so many other Americans. Perhaps his awakened awareness had something to do with why he and his wife donated $500,000 to pass Measure 100 in Oregon this year, the Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative
The choice of the donation reflects a naiveté similar to the naiveté he had in 2017. It doesn’t appear that Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan consulted treatment and addiction specialists before donating the money. People who work in recovery are concerned the measure would largely eliminate the court system’s ability to mandate treatment for people. The couple’s intentions Continue reading Zuckerberg still doesn’t understand addiction→
Smart Approaches to Marijuana released its latest report in September 2020. From the various graphs, data and statistics, it is clear that the harmful consequences of marijuana use are more extreme in states that have legalized marijuana. State regulation fails in a number of ways highlighted in the report:
In legal pot states, youth use at higher rates and they “dab” at higher rates than the states without a marijuana industry. There’s a 25% increase in youths with Cannabis Use Disorder in states that legalized pot. The increase follows the increase in marijuana potency, as pot shops sell the most addictive products that create the highest demand. Between 30-40% of teen pot users in Oregon and Colorado report dabbing; dabs have upwards of 50% THC content.
At least 18% of traffic fatalities in Colorado and Washington involve drivers impaired by THC. Driving under the influence of THC remains a huge problem, as pot users believe they aren’t impaired.
Parents Opposed to Pot cancelled The Voices of Truth: A Victory Rally over Marijuana. We hoped to hold the event this coming weekend, October 1-3, after COVID-19 made our plans for a May rally impossible. Enthusiasts from all over the country, particularly the West Coast, planned to attend.
We explored the possibility of holding a virtual meeting for marijuana victims and their supporters, but decided that a smaller distance meeting could create the same outcomes. Continue reading Voices of Truth Rally Cancelled………for Now→
One man has been arrested for starting six fires around Portland, and another for the Sweet Creek fire near Eugene. Officials have also arrested two men in Washington and one woman in California. In southern Oregon, Michael Jarrod Bakkela started a fire which merged with the Almeda fire. The Jackson County sheriff’s office alleges significant damage from the fire Bakkela started in the town of Phoenix. Since he also violated probation on an original charge of unlawful possession of methamphetamine, it’s important that we look into his drug history and test for drugs in those arrested for starting fires.
