The Drug Report

Could the defeat of Florida's marijuana legalization measure signal a turning tide in drug policy across America? Despite an avalanche of financial backing and celebrity endorsements, Florida's initiative fell short, leaving many to question the power dynamics at play. Join us as we unpack the surprising outcome, delving into the influential role of grassroots campaigns and bipartisan voices, such as the powerful advocacy from former congresswoman Donna Shalala. Discover how "Don't Let Florida Go to Pot" captured the public's attention and vote, challenging the narrative that financial clout guarantees success in the ballot box. Explore the broader shift in drug policy attitudes nationwide, as marijuana legalization efforts face unexpected setbacks in states like North and South Dakota. These defeats highlight the power of community coalitions and parental advocacy in steering public opinion. With concerns over youth usage and black market proliferation, the narrative that marijuana legalization is an unstoppable force is being rewritten. Celebrate these grassroots victories as we spotlight the relentless efforts of local communities standing up to well-funded legalization campaigns. Look to Massachusetts, where the conversation takes a fascinating turn towards psychedelic legalization in progressive hubs like Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville. Uncover the state's storied connection to psychedelics and the surprising voting patterns that emerged. Meanwhile, in Colorado Springs, a significant ban on marijuana sales underscores a commitment to public health priorities. We acknowledge the unwavering dedication of organizations like SAM and the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions, whose work has been instrumental in these recent victories, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for sensible drug policies. Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below: https://learnaboutsam.org/ [https://learnaboutsam.org/] https://gooddrugpolicy.org/ [https://gooddrugpolicy.org/] https://thedrugreport.org/ [https://thedrugreport.org/] On X: https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam [https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam] https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy [https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy] https://twitter.com/KevinSabet [https://twitter.com/KevinSabet] https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos [https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos] On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam [https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam]

Discover the complexities of today's drug policy landscape with insights from around the globe. We promise an enlightening journey as Kevin Sabat and I unpack the highlights from the recent Lisbon Addictions Conference. We bring you the latest updates and debates on harm reduction versus legalization, spotlighting data-driven discussions from regions like Oregon and British Columbia. As we shift focus to the United States, uncover the stories behind various drug policy ballot measures, including marijuana legalization efforts in Florida and the Dakotas. The challenges New York faces in its legalization journey serve as a cautionary tale, and we even touch on an intriguing psychedelics measure in Massachusetts, hinting at the evolving dynamics in drug policy. In a special segment, Kevin joins me to highlight the importance of staying informed through resources like newsletters from learnaboutsamorg and thedrugreportorg. We emphasize the value of evidence-based policies and encourage robust discussions among our listeners. Make sure to engage with us by subscribing to these newsletters for the latest updates and leave a review to help amplify the conversation. Tune in for a comprehensive understanding of the forces shaping the future of drug policy around the world. Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below: https://learnaboutsam.org/ [https://learnaboutsam.org/] https://gooddrugpolicy.org/ [https://gooddrugpolicy.org/] https://thedrugreport.org/ [https://thedrugreport.org/] On X: https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam [https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam] https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy [https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy] https://twitter.com/KevinSabet [https://twitter.com/KevinSabet] https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos [https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos] On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam [https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam]

Is federal marijuana legalization truly a win for Black men, or are there hidden pitfalls? Join us as we take a hard look at Vice President Kamala Harris's proposal, focusing on its goal to dismantle systemic barriers and whether it achieves this when it poses new public health risks. With insightful commentary from Will Jones of SAM, we unravel the intricate dynamics between promising business opportunities and the risks of corporate exploitation in the marijuana industry. By drawing parallels with historical public health challenges like the tobacco industry's impact, we critically question whether this federal move could inadvertently harm the communities it seeks to empower. Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below: https://learnaboutsam.org/ [https://learnaboutsam.org/] https://gooddrugpolicy.org/ [https://gooddrugpolicy.org/] https://thedrugreport.org/ [https://thedrugreport.org/] On X: https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam [https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam] https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy [https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy] https://twitter.com/KevinSabet [https://twitter.com/KevinSabet] https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos [https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos] On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam [https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam]

Can marijuana regulation backfire on public health? Join us on the Drug Report podcast as we celebrate International Recovery Day and tackle this provocative question with insights from experts like Michael Botticelli and John Kelly. We'll share highlights from a global webinar focused on the mechanisms and societal support necessary for successful recovery. We'll also respond to Robert Gebeloff's Washington Post column advocating for federal marijuana regulation, raising concerns about big tobacco's potential entry into the marijuana market and the resulting public health issues. Plus, you'll hear a detailed recount of the recent debate on Florida's Amendment 3 for recreational marijuana legalization, shedding light on the ongoing complexities in drug policy reform. Are veterans being misled about marijuana's effects on PTSD? In a crucial segment of this episode, Kevin Sabet and I dismantle the misinformation spreading within veteran communities. Drawing on recent studies, including research from Yale University, we reveal that marijuana may actually worsen PTSD symptoms, contradicting popular belief. We underscore the importance of distributing accurate information to better support our veterans and encourage our listeners to help by leaving a five-star rating and writing a review. Gain valuable insights and join the conversation on drug policy and recovery by tuning in to this thought-provoking and informative episode. Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below: https://learnaboutsam.org/ [https://learnaboutsam.org/] https://gooddrugpolicy.org/ [https://gooddrugpolicy.org/] https://thedrugreport.org/ [https://thedrugreport.org/] On X: https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam [https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam] https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy [https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy] https://twitter.com/KevinSabet [https://twitter.com/KevinSabet] https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos [https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos] On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam [https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam]

Can the FDA really pull THC-infused edibles off the shelves? We'll take you inside a gripping congressional hearing where FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, James Jones, found himself in the hot seat, interrogated by Congresswoman Kathy McMorris-Rogers. Unravel the complexities of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and understand the real-world implications of the Blumenauer Amendment, which ties the FDA's hands when it comes to medical marijuana dispensaries that also sell recreational products. Follow the work of SAM and FDPS below: https://learnaboutsam.org/ [https://learnaboutsam.org/] https://gooddrugpolicy.org/ [https://gooddrugpolicy.org/] https://thedrugreport.org/ [https://thedrugreport.org/] On X: https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam [https://twitter.com/learnaboutsam] https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy [https://twitter.com/GoodDrugPolicy] https://twitter.com/KevinSabet [https://twitter.com/KevinSabet] https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos [https://twitter.com/LukeNiforatos] On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam [https://www.facebook.com/learnaboutsam]