In this episode, The Disagreement asks a wide range of important questions about marijuana legalization.

Is marijuana harmful? And if so, what is the nature of the harm?
Has the increasing regulation of marijuana over the past few years been positive or negative for public health, criminal justice, and the US economy?
What are the most compelling arguments for and against regulation?

Guests

Paul Armentano is the Political Director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and a leading national advocate for legalizing marijuana. He has written many books and policy papers, including: Marijuana is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink? and Emerging Clinical Applications for Cannabis and Cannabinoids.

Dr. Stuart Gitlow is a psychiatrist and internationally recognized addiction expert. He previously served as President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. In 2016, he testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee opposing the legalization of marijuana. He is the author of Substance Use Disorders: A Practical Guide.

Show Notes

Comparison with seatbelt laws [05:12]
Effects on criminal justice [07:15]
Economic impacts [11:29]
Impact on productivity [12:52]
Public health implications [14:36]
Comparison with alcohol [17:27]
Substance dependence [19:39]
Basis of addictive disease [23:03]
Profit motive [26:50]
Issue of psychosis [31:46]
Impact of THC on psychosis [34:14]
Steelmanning [37:26]

Resources

Link to the Lancet study referenced in the podcast on cannabis use and psychosis
Link to a Journal of the American Medical Association study that shows the disproportionate impact of anti-marijuana laws on African-Americans

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