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When she opened it, all of the evils, ills, diseases, and burdensome labor that mankind had not known previously, escaped from the jar.

Since 1996, 13 States have Since 1996, 13 States have Legalized Medical MarijuanaLegalized Medical Marijuana

Alaska Alaska California California Colorado Colorado HawaiiHawaii MaineMaine MichiganMichigan Montana Montana

NevadaNevada New Mexico New Mexico Oregon Oregon Rhode IslandRhode Island Vermont Vermont WashingtonWashington

StateState Year Year Possession LimitPossession Limit

AlaskaAlaska 19981998 1 oz, 3 mature , 3 immature1 oz, 3 mature , 3 immature

California California 19961996 8 oz, 6 mature, 12 immature8 oz, 6 mature, 12 immature

ColoradoColorado 20002000 2 oz, 3 mature, 3 immature 2 oz, 3 mature, 3 immature

HawaiiHawaii 20002000 1 oz, 3 mature, 4 immature 1 oz, 3 mature, 4 immature

MaineMaine 19991999 1.25 oz, 3 mature, 3 immature1.25 oz, 3 mature, 3 immature

MichiganMichigan 20082008 2.5 oz, 12 plants2.5 oz, 12 plants

MontanaMontana 20042004 1 oz, 6 plants1 oz, 6 plants

NevadaNevada 20002000 1 oz, 3 mature, 4 immature1 oz, 3 mature, 4 immature

New MexicoNew Mexico 20072007 6 oz, 4 mature, 3 immature6 oz, 4 mature, 3 immature

OregonOregon 19981998 24 oz, 6 mature, 18 immature24 oz, 6 mature, 18 immature

Rhode IslandRhode Island 20072007 2.5 oz, 12 plants2.5 oz, 12 plants

VermontVermont 20042004 2 oz, 2 mature, 7 immature2 oz, 2 mature, 7 immature

WashingtonWashington 19981998 24 oz, 15 plants24 oz, 15 plants

Alaska ???Alaska ??? Legalization has been tried before—and failed Legalization has been tried before—and failed

miserably. miserably.

Alaska’s experiment with Legalization in the 1970s Alaska’s experiment with Legalization in the 1970s led to the state’s teens using marijuana at more led to the state’s teens using marijuana at more than twice the rate of other youths nationally. than twice the rate of other youths nationally.

This led Alaska’s residents to vote to re-criminalize This led Alaska’s residents to vote to re-criminalize marijuana in 1990.marijuana in 1990.

In 1998 they passed a medical marijuana lawIn 1998 they passed a medical marijuana law

Minnesota’s BattleMinnesota’s Battle 2006 - 1973/HF 2171 Medical Marijuana ` FAILED

2005 - 1973/HF 2171 (carried fwd. into 2006) FAILED

2004 - Minneapolis Charter: Amend for Distribution of Medical Marijuana** (Not on 2004 ballot-City Council did not allow) FAILED

2003 HF 1440/SF 1328 Compassionate Use Act (decriminalize) FAILED

1999 Bill allowing hemp production PASSED

Bill Decriminalize for Medical Marijuana (dies in Legislature) FAILED

1997 HB 1025 Allow prescriptions for marij. & medical necessity defense

FAILED

Bill To Study Feasibility of Industrial Hemp Crops (Governor vetoed)

PASSED

1980 HF 2476 Marijuana use for therapeutic research PASSED

1976 Decriminalized marijuana possession (Act of Mar. 11, 1976, ch. 42, 1976 Minn. Laws 101) PASSED

Law Enforcement PerceptionLaw Enforcement Perception

PUBLIC PERCEPTION

Public Perception ofPublic Perception of “Medical Marijuana” Ailments v. What We Have “Medical Marijuana” Ailments v. What We Have

SeenSeen

CANCERCANCER ANOREXIAANOREXIA AIDSAIDS CHRONIC PAINCHRONIC PAIN SPASTICITYSPASTICITY GLAUCOMAGLAUCOMA ARTHRITISARTHRITIS MIGRAINESMIGRAINES

OR any other illness any other illness for which marijuana for which marijuana provides reliefprovides relief

Headaches Pain from wearing high heels Insomnia PMS Dry Skin Increase Appetite Suppress Appetite Back Pain Sports Injury Anxiety/Panic Attacks Anger Management Mental Awareness

Analysis of Dispensaries’ Analysis of Dispensaries’ "Patients” by Ailment"Patients” by Ailment

AIDS, Glaucoma, Cancer2%

Back/Neck/Post-surgical pain, Anxiety, Muscle Spasms, Insomnia,

Headache and "other"98%

AIDS, Glaucoma, Cancer

Back/Neck/Post-surgical pain, Anxiety, Muscle Spasms,Insomnia, Headache and "other"

Analysis of Dispensaries’ Analysis of Dispensaries’ ““Patients” by AgePatients” by Age

ages 31-4019%

ages 41-5013%

ages 51-609%

ages 60 and older2%

under 2112%

ages 21-3041%

age unknown4%

under 21

ages 21-30

ages 31-40

ages 41-50

ages 51-60

ages 60 and older

age unknown

53% of the customers of dispensaries are under 30 years of age.

Over the past 20 years, researched have Over the past 20 years, researched have discovered cannabinoid receptors:discovered cannabinoid receptors:

CB1, which mediates the Central Nervous CB1, which mediates the Central Nervous SystemSystem

CB2, which occurs outside the CNS and is CB2, which occurs outside the CNS and is believed to have anti-inflammatory and believed to have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activityimmunosuppressive activity

Basic Research

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CannabinoidReceptors

Basic ResearchBasic Research Cannabinoid Receptors Are Located in Many Areas

Throughout the Brain and Play An Important Role In Regulating:

Brain Development Memory and Cognition Motivational Systems & Reward Appetite Immunological Function Reproduction Movement & Coordination Pain Regulation & Analgesia

Medical MarijuanaMedical Marijuana Is marijuana an accepted or effective medicine?Is marijuana an accepted or effective medicine?

What other drug does a doctor tell you to smoke?What other drug does a doctor tell you to smoke?

What other drug was voted on by the people?

Does marijuana treat a disease or symptoms?

Is marijuana “treatment” a short term or long term therapy?

Is there any way to regulate the dose administered?

What other drug do you take as much as you want?

Marijuana as MedicineMarijuana as Medicine Marijuana Marijuana has never been approved by the Food has never been approved by the Food

and Drug Administration (FDA)and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical for any medical use and remains a schedule I controlled substance use and remains a schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. under the Controlled Substances Act. (Review in 2006) (Review in 2006)

Because of the varying types and concentrations of Because of the varying types and concentrations of marijuana, it would be difficult for the FDA to marijuana, it would be difficult for the FDA to approve or regulate this type of drug.approve or regulate this type of drug.

Marinol, a synthetic composition of THC, is an Marinol, a synthetic composition of THC, is an FDA-FDA-approved drugapproved drug that possesses all the reported that possesses all the reported benefits without the harmful effects of smoked benefits without the harmful effects of smoked marijuana.marijuana.

Since 1985

What do Medical Associations Say?What do Medical Associations Say?

The Institute of Medicine The Institute of Medicine

The American Medical AssociationThe American Medical Association

The American Cancer SocietyThe American Cancer Society

The American Academy of PediatricsThe American Academy of Pediatrics

The National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyThe National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The British Medical Association The British Medical Association

Institute of MedicineInstitute of Medicine

In Jan’97 the ONDCP asked the IOM to review the In Jan’97 the ONDCP asked the IOM to review the science behind medical marijuana science behind medical marijuana

Information was gather through:Information was gather through: scientific workshops, scientific workshops, site visits to cannabis buyers’ clubs,site visits to cannabis buyers’ clubs, HIV / AIDS clinics, HIV / AIDS clinics, analysis of the relevant scientific literature,analysis of the relevant scientific literature, extensive consultation with biomedical and social scientistsextensive consultation with biomedical and social scientists

Institute of MedicineInstitute of Medicine

Three focal concerns in evaluating the Three focal concerns in evaluating the medical use of marijuana are:medical use of marijuana are:

Evaluation of the effects of isolated cannabinoidsEvaluation of the effects of isolated cannabinoids Evaluation of the health risk associated with the Evaluation of the health risk associated with the

medical use of marijuanamedical use of marijuana Evaluation of the efficacy of marijuanaEvaluation of the efficacy of marijuana

Institute of Medicine ConclusionsInstitute of Medicine Conclusions Cannabinoids likely have a natural role in pain Cannabinoids likely have a natural role in pain

modulation, control of movement and memorymodulation, control of movement and memory

The role of cannabinoids in immune systems is likely The role of cannabinoids in immune systems is likely multifaceted and remains unclearmultifaceted and remains unclear

The brain develops tolerance to cannabinoids The brain develops tolerance to cannabinoids

Animal research demonstrates the potential for Animal research demonstrates the potential for dependence, but this potential is observed under a dependence, but this potential is observed under a narrower range of conditions than with narrower range of conditions than with benzodiazepines, opiates, cocaine or nicotinebenzodiazepines, opiates, cocaine or nicotine

Withdrawal symptoms can be observed in animals, Withdrawal symptoms can be observed in animals, but appear to be mild compared to opiates or but appear to be mild compared to opiates or benzodiazepines, such as diazepam benzodiazepines, such as diazepam

Institute of Medicine ConclusionsInstitute of Medicine Conclusions

The report concludes that the future of The report concludes that the future of cannabinoid drugs lies not in smoked cannabinoid drugs lies not in smoked marijuana, but in chemically-defined drugs marijuana, but in chemically-defined drugs that act on the cannabinoid systems that are that act on the cannabinoid systems that are a natural component of human physiology.a natural component of human physiology.

The report also calls for further studies The report also calls for further studies

The American Medical AssociationThe American Medical Association June 2001June 2001

rejected pleas to endorse marijuana rejected pleas to endorse marijuana

instead urged that it remain a prohibited, instead urged that it remain a prohibited, schedule I controlled substance, at least schedule I controlled substance, at least until more research is done.until more research is done.

American Medical Assoc. Cont.American Medical Assoc. Cont.

HIV – WastingHIV – Wasting

Marinol is used for the treatment of anorexia Marinol is used for the treatment of anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with AIDSassociated with weight loss in patients with AIDS

Marional is less affective than megestrolMarional is less affective than megestrol

Smoked marijuana stimulates appetite and Smoked marijuana stimulates appetite and increases caloric intake in normal subjects increases caloric intake in normal subjects

THC is only moderately effective in the treatment of THC is only moderately effective in the treatment of HIV-wastingHIV-wasting


Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting:Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting:

Oral THC was more effective than placebo and Oral THC was more effective than placebo and equivalent or superior to prochlorperazine in equivalent or superior to prochlorperazine in controlling nauseas and vomiting.controlling nauseas and vomiting.

The combination of dronabinol (oral THC) and The combination of dronabinol (oral THC) and prochlorperazine was more effective than either prochlorperazine was more effective than either drug alone in reducing nausea and vomiting.drug alone in reducing nausea and vomiting.


Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting:Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting:

Oral and smoked THC reduced the number of Oral and smoked THC reduced the number of retching and vomiting episodes, the degree and retching and vomiting episodes, the degree and duration of nausea and vomiting of emesis in duration of nausea and vomiting of emesis in patients .patients .

When directly compared, oral THC was preferred When directly compared, oral THC was preferred to smoked marijuana, but only 20% to 25% of to smoked marijuana, but only 20% to 25% of patients receiving either drug achieved complete patients receiving either drug achieved complete control of emesis.control of emesis.


Oral THC and smoked marijuana retain Oral THC and smoked marijuana retain antiemetc effectiveness antiemetc effectiveness

but are clearly less effective than but are clearly less effective than current standard therapies.current standard therapies.


Marijuana vs OpiatesMarijuana vs Opiates

In some studies marijuana increased the In some studies marijuana increased the acute pain response to thermal, electrical acute pain response to thermal, electrical and ischemic stimuli. and ischemic stimuli.

Smoke marijuana also produced dose Smoke marijuana also produced dose dependent analgesic effects.dependent analgesic effects.


Marijuana vs Opiates for Cancer patientsMarijuana vs Opiates for Cancer patients

15mg and 20 mg exerted significant analgesic effects with 15mg and 20 mg exerted significant analgesic effects with sedation and metal clouding sedation and metal clouding

20mg THC was comparable to 120mg of codeine in 20mg THC was comparable to 120mg of codeine in relieving painrelieving pain

But caused alarming psychological effects (eg, But caused alarming psychological effects (eg, depersonalization, loss of control, dizziness, ataxia and depersonalization, loss of control, dizziness, ataxia and blurred vision)blurred vision)


Glaucoma: smoked marijuana or Oral THC;Glaucoma: smoked marijuana or Oral THC;

Although smoked marijuana reduces intraocular Although smoked marijuana reduces intraocular pressure, its clinical utility in glaucoma is pressure, its clinical utility in glaucoma is compromised by its short duration of action and compromised by its short duration of action and accompanying side effects. accompanying side effects.


Neither smoked marijuana nor oral THC is Neither smoked marijuana nor oral THC is a viable approach in the treatment of a viable approach in the treatment of glaucoma, glaucoma,

But research on their mechanism of action But research on their mechanism of action maybe important in developing new maybe important in developing new agents that act in an additive or synergistic agents that act in an additive or synergistic manner with currently available therapies.manner with currently available therapies.

The American Cancer SocietyThe American Cancer Society May 2001May 2001

does not advocate inhaling smoke, does not advocate inhaling smoke,

nor the legalization of marijuana, nor the legalization of marijuana,

although the organization does support although the organization does support carefully controlled clinical studies for carefully controlled clinical studies for alternative delivery methods, specifically a alternative delivery methods, specifically a THC patch.THC patch.

The American Academy of PediatricsThe American Academy of Pediatrics June 2004June 2004

expressed the view that any change in the expressed the view that any change in the legal status of marijuana, even if limited to legal status of marijuana, even if limited to adults, could affect the prevalence of use adults, could affect the prevalence of use among adolescents.among adolescents.

while it supports scientific research on the while it supports scientific research on the possible medical use of cannabinoids as possible medical use of cannabinoids as opposed to smoked marijuana, it opposes opposed to smoked marijuana, it opposes the legalization of marijuana.the legalization of marijuana.

The National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyThe National Multiple Sclerosis Society April 2008April 2008

stated that it could not recommend that medical stated that it could not recommend that medical marijuana be made widely available for people with marijuana be made widely available for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) for symptom management, multiple sclerosis (MS) for symptom management, explaining:explaining:

““This decision was not only based on existing legal This decision was not only based on existing legal barriers to its use but, even more importantly, barriers to its use but, even more importantly, because studies to date do not demonstrate a clear because studies to date do not demonstrate a clear benefit compared to existing symptomatic therapiesbenefit compared to existing symptomatic therapies and because issues of side effects, systemic and because issues of side effects, systemic effects, and long-term effects are not yet clear,” effects, and long-term effects are not yet clear,”

The British Medical AssociationThe British Medical Association

voiced extreme concern that downgrading voiced extreme concern that downgrading the criminal status of marijuana would the criminal status of marijuana would mislead the public into believing that the mislead the public into believing that the drug is safe.drug is safe.

The British GovernmentThe British Government

Did not heed their Medical Associations Did not heed their Medical Associations warning and downgraded cannabis from warning and downgraded cannabis from Class B to Class C in 2004.Class B to Class C in 2004.

This resulted in an increase of crime and This resulted in an increase of crime and various health problems.various health problems.

May 2008, they reversed their decision, May 2008, they reversed their decision, reclassified it back to a Class B.reclassified it back to a Class B.

Studies on the Harmful Effects of MarijuanaStudies on the Harmful Effects of Marijuana

Harvard University researchers report that the risk of heart attack is five Harvard University researchers report that the risk of heart attack is five times higher than usual in the hour after smoking marijuana.times higher than usual in the hour after smoking marijuana.

National Institute of Health found that a person who smokes 5 joints per National Institute of Health found that a person who smokes 5 joints per week may be taking in as much tar and cancer-causing chemicals into their week may be taking in as much tar and cancer-causing chemicals into their lungs as someone who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day. lungs as someone who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day.

Yale School of Medicine (2007) says long term exposure to marijuana Yale School of Medicine (2007) says long term exposure to marijuana smoking is linked to the same health problems as tobacco smoke, such as smoking is linked to the same health problems as tobacco smoke, such as increased respiratory symptoms.increased respiratory symptoms.

Other studies indicate that smoked marijuana causes cancer, respiratory Other studies indicate that smoked marijuana causes cancer, respiratory problems, increased heart rate, loss of motor skills, and damage to the problems, increased heart rate, loss of motor skills, and damage to the immune system.immune system.

Marijuana and Mental HealthMarijuana and Mental Health Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the

United States.United States.

Research indicates marijuana use is associated with an Research indicates marijuana use is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems such as increased risk of mental health problems such as depression, suicidal tendencies, and schizophrenia.depression, suicidal tendencies, and schizophrenia.

Strength of marijuana has increased over last two Strength of marijuana has increased over last two decades.decades.

THC amount has more than doubled since 1983.THC amount has more than doubled since 1983.

The increase in potency may be leading to an increase in The increase in potency may be leading to an increase in marijuana treatment admissions and may worsen mental marijuana treatment admissions and may worsen mental health.health.

Treatment reports show a Treatment reports show a 164% increase164% increase in marijuana in marijuana admissions since 1992. admissions since 1992.

Organized CrimeOrganized Crime

Have any / all the Countries and States Have any / all the Countries and States who have legalized medical marijuana who have legalized medical marijuana seen an increase in organized crime?seen an increase in organized crime?

Let’s take a look at The Dutch, Canada Let’s take a look at The Dutch, Canada and California.and California.


Crimes associated with medical marijuana Crimes associated with medical marijuana and Organized Crime include:and Organized Crime include:

Money LaunderingMoney Laundering Illegal Grow Operations (indoors and out)Illegal Grow Operations (indoors and out)

• Mortgage FraudMortgage Fraud• Utility TheftUtility Theft• Dumping of Hazardous Waste Dumping of Hazardous Waste

Home / Store Invasion Robberies Home / Store Invasion Robberies Murder, Kidnapping and Conspiracies Murder, Kidnapping and Conspiracies

The DutchThe Dutch ““Coffeeshops” permitted since the mid 1970’sCoffeeshops” permitted since the mid 1970’s

The Dutch The Dutch In 1988, The Netherlands had three organized In 1988, The Netherlands had three organized

crimes groups, but by crimes groups, but by 1993 that # has risen to 931993 that # has risen to 93..

The murder rate in Amsterdam is greater that The murder rate in Amsterdam is greater that Newark in New Jersey (city of similar size). Newark in New Jersey (city of similar size).

Netherlands gained the reputation of the crime Netherlands gained the reputation of the crime capital of Europe.capital of Europe.

There has been a There has been a 49 % rise in registered cannabis 49 % rise in registered cannabis addictsaddicts between 1991-93. between 1991-93.

Cannabis use Cannabis use among students in Holland has among students in Holland has increase by 250 % since 1984.increase by 250 % since 1984.

The DutchThe Dutch In December, 2008, Amsterdam unveiled In December, 2008, Amsterdam unveiled

plans to close brothels, sex shops and plans to close brothels, sex shops and marijuana cafes in a major effort to drive marijuana cafes in a major effort to drive organized crime out.organized crime out.

The measure starts with 36 “coffeeshops”, The measure starts with 36 “coffeeshops”, a little less than 20% of the city total.a little less than 20% of the city total.

The measure will spend $38 to $51 million The measure will spend $38 to $51 million to restore the area(s).to restore the area(s).

The Dutch FutureThe Dutch Future

““Two years from now, all Two years from now, all coffeeshops in in the Netherlands will have closed.” the Netherlands will have closed.”

So predicts Henk van de Bunt, So predicts Henk van de Bunt, professor of criminology at the professor of criminology at the Erasmus University Rotterdam.Erasmus University Rotterdam.

Canada

How much Dope?How much Dope?

Canadians use marijuana more than any Canadians use marijuana more than any country in Europe, Asia or Latin America, country in Europe, Asia or Latin America, according to the United Nations’ 2007 according to the United Nations’ 2007 World Drug Report. World Drug Report.

Will the real Canadian Flag please step forward?

Canada’s Tolerance FadesCanada’s Tolerance Fades

The marijuana harvest in British Columbia The marijuana harvest in British Columbia generated about 7 billion dollars in 2006, generated about 7 billion dollars in 2006, making it one of the most lucrative making it one of the most lucrative industries in the Canadian province. industries in the Canadian province.

But after a string of high-profile arrests and But after a string of high-profile arrests and slayings — including the execution-style slayings — including the execution-style murders of six people in October — the murders of six people in October — the easygoing attitude that has long surrounded easygoing attitude that has long surrounded marijuana in Canada is under attack.marijuana in Canada is under attack.

So who is running their medical So who is running their medical marijuana program?marijuana program?

“The marijuana grows -- run primarily by motorcycle gangs or Vietnamese immigrant-organized crime groups -- have "become a plague" in British Columbia.” (First Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Bartlett)


Compassionate ChaosCompassionate Chaos In Vancouver, large profits, lenient laws, lax In Vancouver, large profits, lenient laws, lax

enforcement and an established smuggling enforcement and an established smuggling and money-laundering infrastructure attracted and money-laundering infrastructure attracted organized crime. organized crime.

at least 19 fatal drug-related shootings took at least 19 fatal drug-related shootings took place there last year. place there last year.

In 2000, marijuana was grown in 17,500 In 2000, marijuana was grown in 17,500 homes in the province.homes in the province.

Compassionate ChaosCompassionate Chaos Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper

is calling for a cultural shift,is calling for a cultural shift,

He has introduced legislation that would set He has introduced legislation that would set mandatory minimum jail sentences for mandatory minimum jail sentences for marijuana growers and traffickers, andmarijuana growers and traffickers, and

He is seeking more money for enforcement He is seeking more money for enforcement and prosecution.and prosecution.

California Marijuana McMansionsCalifornia Marijuana McMansions

Indoor / Asian Organized Crime Outdoor / Mexican Organized Crime


According to the DEA, Asian organized crime According to the DEA, Asian organized crime groups from Canada are moving their operations groups from Canada are moving their operations down to Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho and down to Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho and California.California.

More plants are seized in California than any other More plants are seized in California than any other state. (A total of state. (A total of 4,951,976, in 20074,951,976, in 2007, – 70% of all , – 70% of all the plants in the Unites States.)the plants in the Unites States.)

Organized Crime takes advantage of the fast Organized Crime takes advantage of the fast profits that can be made and relatively lax profits that can be made and relatively lax penalties a person faces under California laws.penalties a person faces under California laws.


Organized Crime are also the supplier / Organized Crime are also the supplier / owner / operators of the Medical Marijuana owner / operators of the Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Dispensaries

What the Public Does NotDoes Not Hear About Hear About

Information gleaned from an investigation of 11 medical marijuana dispensaries in early 2007, indicated:

• 1414 of the 1717 owners/operators had a criminal historycriminal history (82%)

• 77 had weapons chargesweapons charges

• 88 had prior drug chargesprior drug charges

• 2 2 had a murder or attempted murder chargesmurder or attempted murder charges

Organized CrimeOrganized Crime Mexican DTO’s are the leading producers of Mexican DTO’s are the leading producers of

marijuana in the Unites Statesmarijuana in the Unites States

They typically cultivate cannabis in large outdoor They typically cultivate cannabis in large outdoor plots, primary in the Western Statesplots, primary in the Western States

The “Botello” Cartel is responsible for grows in The “Botello” Cartel is responsible for grows in California, Oregon, Washington and ArizonaCalifornia, Oregon, Washington and Arizona

Are using new strains with shortened growing Are using new strains with shortened growing cyclescycles

Are increasing their use of armed guardsAre increasing their use of armed guards

The Societal Costs Related to Drug The Societal Costs Related to Drug AbuseAbuse

Heath care cost.Heath care cost. The cost of lost productivity.The cost of lost productivity. The cost of other effects.The cost of other effects.

The Overall Cost of Drug Abuse Rose 5.9 The Overall Cost of Drug Abuse Rose 5.9 Percent Annually Between 1992 and 1998.Percent Annually Between 1992 and 1998.

The Cost of Lost ProductivityThe Cost of Lost Productivity

Drug Abuse / Related IllnessDrug Abuse / Related Illness

Institutionalization / HospitalizationInstitutionalization / Hospitalization

Loss of Productivity of Victims of CrimesLoss of Productivity of Victims of Crimes

IncarcerationIncarceration

Premature DeathPremature Death

The Cost of Other EffectsThe Cost of Other Effects

CrimeCrime

Property LostProperty Lost

Social WelfareSocial Welfare

Criminal Justice System CostCriminal Justice System Cost

Estimated Cost of Drug Abuse, 1992-1998Estimated Cost of Drug Abuse, 1992-1998(in millions of dollars)(in millions of dollars)

CategoryCategory 19921992 19931993 19941994 19951995 19961996 19971997 19981998

Health Health Care CostCare Cost

10,82010,820 11,11411,114 11,27911,279 11,30511,305 11,42811,428 12,08512,085 12,86212,862

Productivity Productivity

LossesLosses

69,42169,421 77,97277,972 82,68582,685 88,08588,085 92,42392,423 94,47094,470 98,46798,467

Other CostOther Cost 21,91221,912 22,41022,410 24,44024,440 27,12027,120 27,44427,444 30,52630,526 32,08332,083

TotalTotal 102,154102,154 111,496111,496 118,404118,404 126,510126,510 131,295131,295 137,802137,802 143,411143,411

5% increase per year, for 2009 the total would be 245,277

Estimated Economic Cost Estimated Economic Cost to Society from Substance Abuse and to Society from Substance Abuse and

Addiction:Addiction:

Illegal drugs: $181 billion/yearIllegal drugs: $181 billion/year

Alcohol: $185 billion/yearAlcohol: $185 billion/year

Tobacco: $158 billion/yearTobacco: $158 billion/year

Total: $524 billion/yearTotal: $524 billion/year

Surgeon General’s Report, 2004; ONDCP, 2004; Harwood, 2000.

So Let’s Look At MarijuanaSo Let’s Look At Marijuana

Marijuana robs you of at least three things: Marijuana robs you of at least three things: Concentration – Memory – MotivationConcentration – Memory – Motivation

The short term effects of marijuana use include: The short term effects of marijuana use include: memory loss, memory loss, distorted perception, distorted perception, trouble with thinking and problem solving, trouble with thinking and problem solving, loss of motor skills, loss of motor skills, decrease in muscle strength, decrease in muscle strength, increased heart rate, and increased heart rate, and anxiety.anxiety.

Compassionate ChaosCompassionate Chaos Because marijuana compromises the ability Because marijuana compromises the ability

to learn and remember information, the to learn and remember information, the more a person uses marijuana the more he more a person uses marijuana the more he or she is likely to fall behind in accumulating or she is likely to fall behind in accumulating intellectual, job, or social skills. intellectual, job, or social skills.

As a result, someone who smokes As a result, someone who smokes marijuana once daily may be functioning at marijuana once daily may be functioning at a reduced intellectual level all of the time. a reduced intellectual level all of the time.

Compassionate ChaosCompassionate Chaos

Research clearly demonstrates that Research clearly demonstrates that marijuana has the potential to cause marijuana has the potential to cause problems in daily life or make a person’s problems in daily life or make a person’s existing problems worse. existing problems worse.

Several studies associate workers’ Several studies associate workers’ marijuana smoking with increased marijuana smoking with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers’ absences, tardiness, accidents, workers’ compensation claims, and job turnover. compensation claims, and job turnover.


A study among postal workers found that A study among postal workers found that employees who tested positive for marijuana employees who tested positive for marijuana on a pre-employment urine drug test had: on a pre-employment urine drug test had:

55 percent more industrial accidents, 55 percent more industrial accidents,

85 percent more injuries, and 85 percent more injuries, and

75 percent increase in absenteeism 75 percent increase in absenteeism compared with those who tested negative for compared with those who tested negative for marijuana use marijuana use


Users can become dependent on Users can become dependent on marijuana to the point they must seek marijuana to the point they must seek treatment to stop abusing it. treatment to stop abusing it.

In 1999, more than 200,000 Americans In 1999, more than 200,000 Americans entered substance abuse treatment entered substance abuse treatment primarily for marijuana abuse and primarily for marijuana abuse and dependence.dependence.


The latest treatment data indicate that in The latest treatment data indicate that in 2006 marijuana was the most common 2006 marijuana was the most common illicit drug of abuse. illicit drug of abuse.

It was responsible for about 16 percent It was responsible for about 16 percent (289,988) of all admissions to treatment (289,988) of all admissions to treatment facilities in the United States. facilities in the United States.


In recent years there has been a dramatic In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of emergency increase in the number of emergency room mentions of marijuana use. room mentions of marijuana use.

From 1993-2000, the number of From 1993-2000, the number of emergency room marijuana mentions emergency room marijuana mentions more than tripled.more than tripled.

Part I Crimes

Robbery

Murder

Aggravated Assaults

Burglary

Larceny/Theft

Burglary from Motor Vehicles

Arson

Crimes and complaints associated with medical marijuana

Part II Crimes

Drug Violations

DUI

Weapons

Simple Assaults

Disorderly Conduct

Traffic Congestion

Vagrancy

Curfew and Loitering

Crime, Violence and DrugsCrime, Violence and Drugs

Six times as many homicides are Six times as many homicides are committed by people under the influence, committed by people under the influence, as by those who are looking for money to as by those who are looking for money to buy drugs. buy drugs.

Most drug crimes aren’t committed by Most drug crimes aren’t committed by people trying to pay for drugs; they’re people trying to pay for drugs; they’re committed by people on drugs.committed by people on drugs.

The Los Angeles Police DepartmentThe Los Angeles Police Department

A 200% increase in robberiesA 200% increase in robberies

52.2% increase in burglaries52.2% increase in burglaries

57.1 rise in aggravated assaults57.1 rise in aggravated assaults

130.8% rise in burglaries 130.8% rise in burglaries

Reports of incidents of violence and Reports of incidents of violence and property crimes at or near dispensariesproperty crimes at or near dispensaries

San Francisco Police DepartmentSan Francisco Police Department

98 Aggravated Assaults98 Aggravated Assaults 144 incidents of battery144 incidents of battery 7 batteries on Police Officer7 batteries on Police Officer 1 attempted rape1 attempted rape 1 forcible rape1 forcible rape 3 sexual batteries3 sexual batteries 2 attempted homicides2 attempted homicides

3 homicides with a gun3 homicides with a gun 21 deaths (causes unk)21 deaths (causes unk) 6 possession of a loaded 6 possession of a loaded

firearmfirearm 1 exhibiting deadly 1 exhibiting deadly

weaponweapon 27 attempted robberies27 attempted robberies 57 robberies57 robberies

Jan ’06 and Jan ’07, significant concentration of Jan ’06 and Jan ’07, significant concentration of crimes committed at or near a cannabis clubscrimes committed at or near a cannabis clubs

San Francisco Police DepartmentSan Francisco Police Department

20 attempted thefts20 attempted thefts 294 grand thefts294 grand thefts 23 credit card thefts23 credit card thefts 139 petty thefts139 petty thefts 2 attempted burglaries2 attempted burglaries 198 burglaries 198 burglaries

Property crimes at, or in close proximity to a Property crimes at, or in close proximity to a cannabis clubcannabis club

ConclusionsConclusions Past Evaluations by the;Past Evaluations by the;

Department of Health and Human ServicesDepartment of Health and Human Services Food and Drug AdministrationFood and Drug Administration Substance Abuse and Mental Health ServicesSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services National Institute of Drug AbuseNational Institute of Drug Abuse The Institute of MedicineThe Institute of Medicine The American Medical AssociationThe American Medical Association The American Cancer SocietyThe American Cancer Society The American Academy of PediatricsThe American Academy of Pediatrics The National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyThe National Multiple Sclerosis Society The American Academy of OphthalmologyThe American Academy of Ophthalmology The British Medical AssociationThe British Medical Association

Conclude that for smoked marijuana: Conclude that for smoked marijuana:

For any treatment that smoked marijuana are For any treatment that smoked marijuana are “recommended”, there is current accepted “recommended”, there is current accepted medications that perform better with less riskmedications that perform better with less risk

No animal or human data supported the safety or No animal or human data supported the safety or effectiveness of marijuana for general medical useeffectiveness of marijuana for general medical use

Although marijuana delivers THC and other Although marijuana delivers THC and other cannabinoids to the body, it also delivers other cannabinoids to the body, it also delivers other harmful substancesharmful substances

ConclusionsConclusions

Several of those Associations support a Several of those Associations support a continued scientific evaluation of:continued scientific evaluation of:

non-smoked forms of THC, non-smoked forms of THC, a smoke-free inhaled delivery system, a smoke-free inhaled delivery system, or alternative delivery methods, or alternative delivery methods, specifically a THC patch.specifically a THC patch.

ConclusionsConclusions

Current Medical Marijuana laws are vague, Current Medical Marijuana laws are vague, to broad or poorly written which:to broad or poorly written which: leads to abuse, leads to abuse, problems with possible legitimate use,problems with possible legitimate use, problems with enforcement and problems with enforcement and a greater social acceptance of marijuana.a greater social acceptance of marijuana.

ConclusionsConclusions Countries and States that have medical Countries and States that have medical

marijuana laws are magnets for Organized marijuana laws are magnets for Organized CrimeCrime

They have also seen increased crimes ratesThey have also seen increased crimes rates

An increase in Social CostAn increase in Social Cost

A decrease in their Labor ForceA decrease in their Labor Force

An increase in Environmental ConcernsAn increase in Environmental Concerns

ConclusionConclusion

When we look at society as whole, the small When we look at society as whole, the small percentage of individuals who could possibly percentage of individuals who could possibly be helped by Medical Marijuana does not be helped by Medical Marijuana does not outweigh the greater cost that it places on outweigh the greater cost that it places on the rest of society. the rest of society.

Special Thanks To:Special Thanks To: Robert BushmanRobert Bushman

The Minnesota Statewide Gang & Drug Task Force The Minnesota Statewide Gang & Drug Task Force CoordinatorCoordinator

Special Agent Joseph BrysonSpecial Agent Joseph Bryson Los Angeles DEA OfficeLos Angeles DEA Office

Les KjemhusLes Kjemhus Retired Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceRetired Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Narcotics Detective Robert WagnerNarcotics Detective Robert Wagner Los Angeles County Sheriff’s DepartmentLos Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Narcotics Detective Mark BrewsterNarcotics Detective Mark Brewster Los Angeles County Sheriff’s DepartmentLos Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Questions?Questions?

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