Marijuana, opioids, and alcohol: It is time to change the paradigm
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America needs a paradigm shift when it comes to how it deals with products that affect our moods, psyche, and our overall well-being. We must do so based on data instead of ideology, and deprogramming many will be difficult. But marijuana must be completelyMarijuana, opioids, and alcohol: It is time to change the paradigm
America needs a paradigm shift when it comes to how it deals with products that affect our moods, psyche, and our overall well-being. We must do so based on data instead of ideology, and deprogramming many will be difficult. But marijuana must be completely decriminalized. Houston cannabis activist Ashley Miller appeared on Politics Done Right to bring awareness to many issues about marijuana, aka weed, aka cannabis. Her first goal was to dispel the notion that there are any valid reasons why marijuana is illegal. Second, she hoped to activate Americans both locally and throughout the country. As one listens to all the arguments and discourse about marijuana, there can only be one conclusion: the product should not be illegal. Here are some interesting facts about alcohol. 2,000+ Americans die every year from alcohol poisoning. 1.4 million alcohol-related acts of violence are committed each year. Nearly 10,000 people are killed annually on U.S. roadways for alcohol-related accidents. Alcohol is involved in more homicides across the United States compared to other substances, like heroin and cocaine. In fact, about 40 percent of convicted murderers had used alcohol before or during the crime. An estimated 37 percent of sexual assaults and rapes are committed by offenders who were under the influence of alcohol. Roughly four in 10 child abusers have admitted to being under the influence of alcohol during the time of the offense. And here are some interesting fact about opioids. Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them. Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder. An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin. About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids. Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states. The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017. Opioid overdoses in large cities increased by 54 percent in 16 states. And now, the facts on marijuana: Read more