In a new paper, Jim Keddy explores the intersections between two dynamics having an enormous impact on the country: cannabis legalization and the opioid epidemic. The paper reveals the intersections between these two dynamics and suggests that, through policy development and narrative change, we could seize this opportunity and change the direction of the country when it comes to drug policy and addiction. If we take what we have learned through decriminalizing and legalizing cannabis, and add to the analysis the tragic lessons from the opioid epidemic, we can begin to see a new consensus that prioritizes harm reduction and prevention over stigma and punishment.
2 Comments
4/10/2019 11:31:26 am
So interesting. What if we're past the point of prevention. I'm considering a therapeutic Boarding school for my addicted teen. Marijuana has been Big part of his life the past 6 months and I see it escalating.
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Jim Keddy
5/3/2019 10:31:25 am
Thanks Rick for your comment and for sharing your situation. As I'm watching the evolution of the cannabis industry and the development of new products with very high THC levels, I am becoming more and more concerned about the impact of legalization on teens. I am working on a new blog post on how we are organizing in Sacramento (where I live) to rein in the cannabis industry with stronger public health protections in city policy. Hope your son is doing better.
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