Pubdate: Thu, 26 Dec 2013 Source: Detroit News (MI) Copyright: 2013 The Detroit News Contact: http://www.detroitnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/126 Author: Margaret Farenger CHALLENGING THE RHETORIC OF DRUG POLICY Last week, delegates of the American Medical Association voted to affirm the AMA's position that "cannabis is a dangerous drug and as such is a public health concern." The body turned down proposals to endorse legalizing marijuana. It's a high-profile decision that deserves the attention of parents, policymakers and the community. It's time that we step back, take a harder look at existing health data, and talk about the options we have to reduce drug use and make people the priority. Generally, the public only hears choices surrounding drug policy presented in the extreme: We can accept complete drug legalization or mass incarceration. Why has it been so difficult to have a fact-based discussion of other options? Loaded language is part of the problem. Words like "prohibition," "war on drugs" and "reefer madness" are inflammatory and too vague to add to generate solutions. Similarly, use of the words "legalization" and "decriminalization" interchangeably serves to distort communication. Recently, I was approached after a community meeting by a sharp-thinking Ferndale resident who wanted to know why the city's new marijuana ordinance, which stated that it protects the "transfer" of the drug, was described as decriminalization. Good question. If transferring the drug is legal, this is legalization. Decriminalization only removes criminal penalties from the user, sometimes in favor of treatment or other remedies, while drug manufacture and sales are still criminal. According to the of the AMA's Council on Science and Public Health council, "Somewhat lost in the debate about legalization of cannabis are the recognized harms. Cannabis continues to be the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S. with patterns of use trending upwards, particularly among youth." A growing body of evidence, accessible through the National Institutes of Health, confirms marijuana's effects on learning, memory and IQ. Adolescent use and daily use appear to carry the highest level of risk. When use begins during adolescence, the percentage of those addicted rises to 17 percent, or fully 1 in 6 users. Reform of drug policy must continue and should seek to balance public health and safety. Health care reform has the potential to expand access to treatment and increase early screening for substance use disorders. Drug courts and mental health courts, both gaining support in southeast Michigan, are part of a multifaceted approach to policy reform. This should come as further encouragement for community members who volunteer their time with prevention coalitions and recovery and family advocacy groups. Their voices are crucial to achieving just and effective reforms. Legalization would mean the formation of a commercial marijuana industry operating in our communities. The danger in this development requires honest and careful consideration. Would Big Marijuana hold itself to a higher standard than Big Tobacco when it comes to advertising aimed at minors? For this reason and others, legalization is not the best option for reform when risks versus benefits are analyzed. We need a nuanced discussion informed by health data, and it must involve members of the community who have so much at stake. Challenging the rhetoric of two choices is the next step forward. Photo: Pot is still not as safe as some would argue. (Ben Margot) * About the Author: Margaret Farenger is a public health advocate and consultant working in southeast Michigan. *End* - --- MAP posted-by: Matt