There’s a new cannabis report from the Traffic Injury Research Foundation, and with a name like that, you can be sure it’s traffic reefer madness.
Some in the media consider this report the final “hard evidence” we need to take driving stoned seriously (and by proxy, never legalizing consumption sites, since, presumably, that increases the chance of traffic accidents).
Today’s reefer madness appears more insidious than the old justifications for prohibition. America’s first drug czar Harry J. Anslinger said cannabis (he called it “marihuana”) was the most violence-causing drug in the world.
Alongside newspaper baron William Hearst (who financially benefited from cannabis prohibition), the move to demonize cannabis as an insanity-causing substance and labelling the THC-free hemp crop as indistinguishable from the drug, the birth of modern cannabis propaganda began.
And it hasn’t gone away since.
Old reefer madness may look dumb and racist to us now, but what about current traffic reefer madness?
Because there’s no lethal overdose of cannabis, it has countless medicinal properties, and because large pharmaceutical companies can’t patent the natural herb, the powers that be must find another angle.
Ergo, traffic reefer madness, where, at least in Canada, legalizing consumption spaces is “premature.”
Traffic Reefer Madness Means No Consumption Spaces?
Only in Canada can traffic reefer madness translate into no consumption spaces. Presumably, people are incapable of walking to and from these places. Or taking public transit or a taxi.
And aren’t we conveniently ignoring bars and lounges where they serve alcohol? The report does mention it. It claims “more than 40 years of alcohol research have guided legislation, policies, and programs to prevent and reduce alcohol-impaired driving.”
But how they phrased it is dishonest. Their wording suggests we legalized alcohol in a strict and controlled fashion that paralleled mitigating traffic risks. But that’s not what happened at all.
Alcohol was re-legalized because prohibition – a public health policy – was a colossal failure. Since then, it’s been a patchwork effort to plug the holes. Namely, getting drunks off the road.
“Learn As You Go”
Understandably, people want to avoid the same mistakes with cannabis. But we’re not talking about the same drug. Nor are its effects anything remotely like each other.
The report warns about taking a “learn as you go” approach without realizing that this is the only way to learn.
These report’s authors need to be more familiar with Frederich Hayek. As far as social sciences go, without Hayek, it’s like you’re doing modern physics with pre-relativistic math.
According to Hayek, there is a pretense of knowledge with specific “experts” and policymakers. They believe they can gather enough data to make accurate predictions and design optimal solutions. Where in reality, the complexity and unpredictability of the world make this impossible.
Consider the significant problems with this latest traffic reefer madness report.
The authors are overconfident in the data. The data they’ve collected doesn’t accurately represent “cannabis impairment,” nor have they accounted for all the variables.
The report’s authors made too many generalizations. They extrapolated data and made recommendations that were not necessarily applicable or appropriate for this context.
Finally, as is usually the case among “public” experts, they ignore unintended consequences. Mainly by focusing on the effects of one group in the short term instead of the long-term impacts on everyone.
Details of the Traffic Reefer Madness Report
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
This report uses traffic reefer madness to argue against legalized consumption spaces.
Moving forward without clearly defined strategies to regulate establishments, strengthen alternative transportation options, bolster enforcement and prevent impaired driving is ill-advised. Consideration of tactics to make cannabis consumption spaces economically feasible as a business should be a secondary priority to public safety risks.
As we’ve covered before, laws are already on the books to regulate cannabis – including cannabis consumption sites. This obsession with passing more rules and regulations highlights how philosophically inept most – if not all — “public health” experts are.
And it gets worse. The report says drivers with cannabis in their system are 1.3 to 1.4 times more likely to be involved in an accident.
Granted, they mention that testing positive for cannabis “is insufficient to conclude driving impairment.” But that’s as far as that reasoning goes.
You could smoke a joint and get into a fender bender three days later. This report will reference studies that list it as a traffic crash caused by cannabis.
This report is traffic reefer madness.
It finds the amount of admitted cannabis consumers has risen since 2004. That year, only 7.2% reported using cannabis. By 2020, it was 22%.
It’s almost like Canada legalized cannabis or something.
According to the report, this increase in Canadian cannabis consumers warrants new investigations and regulations.
According to reality, more Canadians are open about admitting their use to pollsters now that it’s legal.
In 2020, 2.1% of Canadians admitted to driving within two hours of using cannabis. The official rules state you have to wait until after two hours.
Do these people feel impaired? How often and how much do they consume? Are they using sativa cannabis like an espresso shot? How does cannabis impair a medical user?
Rather than ask these questions, wouldn’t it be easier to amp up the traffic reefer madness and secure future funding that way?
Of course, pedestrians are another problem, according to this report.
In 2018, over 25% of fatally injured pedestrians tested positive for alcohol. (Only 13.6% tested positive for cannabis).
So I guess we should stay inside all the time, then. Sober or not. It’s good for the environment. #ClimateLockdown
No Consumption Spaces Until XYZ
You expect a report from the Traffic Injury Research Foundation concerning cannabis to be full of traffic reefer madness.
The real problem stems from politicians who listen to this “public health” nonsense over their constituents.
Or even worse, if your Ontario Premier Doug Ford, you decide on consumption spaces based on your personal value judgements.
“I don’t like the idea of having a lounge outside and they’re smoking or doobies or weed or whatever the heck they call it now,” he said.
Following up with, “If you want to do your stuff, do it somewhere else. That’s my opinion.”
But his opinion isn’t just an opinion. His opinions determine how 15 million people can live their lives.
And why not have indoor lounges if the smell is a problem? Because Ontario‘s Smoke-Free Act prohibits it. Never mind that Doug can amend the legislation. Public health would never allow it. And we know how compliant Doug Ford is regarding public health.
The Smoke-Free Act is a joke. Only in Canada could the word “free” be construed to mean something you can’t do.
Four Main Factors to Consider
According to this report, there are “four main factors to be considered” regarding traffic reefer madness before consumption spaces get legalized.
1. People Driving Under the Influence.
They look at their success in reducing drunk driving and figure they can do the same with cannabis.
Of course, it’s not like bars were illegal until we got drunk driving rates under a certain percentage, so there’s issue number one. Number two, alcohol and cannabis couldn’t be more different.
We need more realistic approaches regarding stoned driving other than simply “don’t.”
2. THC in Trauma Centres.
When an injured driver receives treatment and the trauma centre runs many tests, 20% have THC in their system.
Keep in mind this says nothing of impairment. THC stays in your system for at least 30 days. Tests can detect it up to 90. Injured drivers with THC in their systems tell us nothing about what caused the accident.
Even when you account for the concentration of it in the blood, what might knock over a lightweight would be nothing more than a buzz to a medical patient.
3. You Have to Agree With Us!
Before legalization, some jurisdictions undertook roadside surveys to get a baseline for traffic. Of the 7,265 randomly selected drivers, 97.7% provided breath samples, and 90% submitted oral fluid samples.
The result? Only 7.6% tested for cannabis. Also, drunk drivers have decreased.
This report is attempting to make an issue out of nothing. The country is trending in the right direction regarding drunk driving.
When it comes to cannabis, the connoisseurs are right. Don’t drive impaired. But not all cannabis use is impairing.
I don’t know why public health busybodies can’t comprehend this.
4. Consumption Lounges Lead to Impaired Driving
If you thought traffic reefer madness was bad, this is where the report goes off the deep end. You and I are denied property rights because of an appeal to “public safety risks.”
The report says, “There is no evidence to suggest cannabis-impaired drivers will make safer choices than alcohol-impaired drivers.”
Of course, the absence of evidence does not necessarily imply evidence to the contrary. The fact this line made it through editing shows how this report is more traffic reefer madness than an objective analysis of the issue.
Traffic Reefer Madness Wins Again
Traffic reefer madness is alive and well. And it’s effective. Most Canadians see how benign cannabis is. But because so many view impairment through the lens of alcohol, they defer to the public health authorities regarding cannabis and the road.
The result is traffic reefer madness.
Of course, cannabis and alcohol will be the substances you find most in traffic or pedestrian fatalities. They’re legal and the most widely used.
This would be like surveying a popular tourist destination for Europeans and acting surprised when most tourists are from Europe rather than the U.S. or Canada.
The fact is: whether or not stoned driving is a pressing concern in Canada does not invalidate the intrinsic rights we have as human beings.
That means the person throwing you in a cage for smoking a plant is the criminal. The same applies to the criminal preventing you from opening a consumption lounge on your private property.
Canada may have legalized cannabis, but we didn’t do it for those reasons. It was a “public health” initiative; therefore, privately-owned public consumption spaces are verboten because they don’t fit into this model.
That’s how you end up with this traffic reefer madness report. Ultimately, the authors recommend training more police officers and giving them the tools to detect “cannabis impairment.”
But how dangerous can you be if the police can’t tell with their naked eye that you’re impaired and should not be driving?
Canadians need a federal government to provide defence and maintain internal order. We don’t need public health bureaucrats acting like helicopter parents to a nation of adults.
Anxiety and depression are increasingly common concerns, impacting millions of individuals. Addressing these challenges effectively requires a multi-faceted approach that combines guidance from qualified experts, self-help strategies, and ongoing education about managing such conditions. Understanding anxiety and depression requires acknowledging their complexity. Whether an individual is managing these issues personally or assisting others, there are numerous ways to navigate the path to recovery.
Here are some ways you can manage this condition:
Understand the Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing the early signs of anxiety and depression is essential for effective intervention. Common indicators include persistent feelings of sadness, irritability, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. Physical symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, headaches, and changes in appetite, may also occur. Understanding these warning signs allows individuals to take proactive steps, either through self-management techniques or by seeking professional support.
Symptoms often vary depending on the individual. For instance, one person may experience pronounced physical effects, such as chronic fatigue or muscle tension, while another may struggle primarily with negative thought patterns. By identifying personal experiences and triggers, individuals can begin to tailor their approach to addressing these conditions effectively.
Get Medical Attention When Needed
Access to skilled professionals can make a significant difference in managing anxiety and depression. Many practitioners today have undergone specialized training, such as accelerated BSN online programs, which equip them with advanced skills to address these conditions holistically. These programs combine coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, preparing nursing professionals to offer physical care and emotional support in a well-rounded manner.
Graduates of these programs are trained to integrate therapies that encompass relaxation techniques, stress management, and customized strategies based on individual needs. They also learn to address diverse situations, including crisis interventions and long-term care planning. This level of expertise ensures that care is evidence-based and empathetic, fostering trust and confidence in the treatment process.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are proven strategies for alleviating anxiety and depression. Techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can help individuals focus on the present, reduce stress, and quiet a racing mind. These practices have been shown to improve sleep quality, enhance concentration, and lower overall levels of distress.
Getting started with mindfulness doesn’t require extensive experience. Begin with short sessions, just five or ten minutes a day, and gradually increase the time as you grow more comfortable with the practice. Numerous apps, online videos, and community groups are dedicated to teaching these techniques. Incorporating mindfulness into daily life, such as pausing to focus on your breath during moments of stress, can make a meaningful impact over time.
Establish a Support Network
A strong support system is invaluable when navigating anxiety and depression. Whether it involves close friends, family members, or a trusted mentor, having someone to lean on can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation. Talking about struggles, even briefly, can lighten the mental load and foster a sense of connection.
Online communities and forums are excellent resources for individuals who may not have access to in-person support. Many platforms offer anonymous spaces to share experiences, ask questions, and receive encouragement from others who understand similar challenges. In-person support groups, often organized by local organizations or clinics, can also provide a safe and understanding environment for sharing and healing.
Building a support network takes effort, but it’s worth the investment. Reaching out to others, participating in social activities, and maintaining regular communication strengthen relationships and provide a vital sense of belonging, even during tough times.
Maintain a Balanced Diet and Exercise Routine
Physical activity and nutritious meals play a critical role in managing anxiety and depression. Regular exercise, even something as simple as a brisk walk or a few minutes of stretching, can stimulate the release of endorphins, often called “feel-good” hormones, which naturally boost mood. Beyond this, exercise improves circulation and reduces tension, contributing to a calmer state of mind.
Diet is another critical aspect of maintaining balance. Consuming various nutrient-dense foods, including whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables, can enhance energy levels and cognitive clarity. Omega-3 fatty acids in foods like salmon and walnuts are particularly beneficial for mood regulation.
It’s also essential to avoid substances that can exacerbate anxiety, such as excessive caffeine, sugar, and processed foods. Instead, focus on hydration and regular meal times to stabilize energy and mood throughout the day. These small, consistent steps can lead to lasting improvements in mental and physical vitality.
Create a Structured Routine
Establishing a daily routine can provide a sense of stability and control, especially when dealing with anxiety and depression. A structured schedule helps reduce uncertainty, which can often trigger stress and promotes consistency in activities that support well-being.
Start by identifying key activities, such as waking up at the same time each day, eating regular meals, and scheduling time for work, relaxation, and self-care. Organizing tasks into manageable chunks ensures that they feel less overwhelming. Including leisure activities like reading or hobbies can also bring a sense of fulfillment and balance to the day.
By sticking to a routine, individuals can better manage their time, reduce procrastination, and maintain a sense of accomplishment. Even on challenging days, a consistent structure can serve as a grounding force.
Limit Exposure to Stress Triggers
Identifying and minimizing exposure to stress triggers is a practical way to alleviate anxiety and depression. Common stressors include excessive social media use, negative relationships, or environments that feel overwhelming. Reflect on situations or habits that increase stress levels and take steps to manage them.
For example, setting boundaries for work hours or limiting time spent on social platforms can create a more balanced life. Consider replacing these activities with calming alternatives, such as journaling or taking short walks. If certain environments feel emotionally draining, finding ways to adapt, such as rearranging your workspace or seeking supportive surroundings, can help.
Reducing stress triggers doesn’t mean avoiding responsibilities. It means finding ways to handle them more effectively. Identifying and addressing sources of stress is key to maintaining long-term balance.
Addressing anxiety and depression requires a comprehensive, proactive approach. By recognizing symptoms early, seeking professional care when needed, and incorporating strategies like mindfulness, creativity, and routine, individuals can take meaningful steps toward improving their quality of life.
While challenges may persist, the journey to better emotional well-being is achievable with persistence and the right support. Whether through personal effort or guidance from skilled professionals, each step forward contributes to a brighter and more balanced future.
The popularity of cannabis is growing in the US, with many people using it for various reasons. While some consume it for medical purposes, others use it for relaxation and anxiety management.
According to a Gallup survey, around 50% of Americans have tried marijuana at least once in their lifetime. The report also shows that three in four participants were concerned about its effect on the youth. However, despite the concern, 17% of the participants are current users.
As cannabis use becomes more common, many individuals are left wondering if it can affect their birth control methods. With different types of contraception available and the varying ways cannabis can influence the body, it’s essential to understand the potential interactions.
Understanding Birth Control and Its Effectiveness
There are many birth control methods that you can rely on available in the market. From pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs) to patches and implants, you can choose from a wide variety of options. All these contraceptive methods work differently to prevent pregnancy.
Some of them regulate hormones to stop ovulation, while others create barriers to prevent the sperm from reaching an egg. While all these methods can be helpful, their effectiveness varies based on various factors, such as:
Medication
Lifestyle habits
Certain health conditions
The type of method you choose can also influence the effectiveness of birth control, as stated by the National Health Service (NHS). For instance, implants and IUDs are more than 99% effective when used correctly. Similarly, combined pills, progestogen-only pills, patches, and vaginal rings are all 91% effective.
Importance of Choosing the Right Contraceptive Method
As mentioned earlier, the type of contraception you choose can influence the effectiveness of birth control. However, this does not mean that you should always go for highly effective methods. Besides the effectiveness, it is also important to consider their side effects and your health.
Copper IUDs like Paragard, for example, can have severe consequences if not used appropriately. According to TorHoerman Law, Paragard IUDs are subject to breakage and fracture, especially when removing the device. If the device breaks, there are high chances that the broken parts enter your body through the vagina. This can lead to severe consequences, such as:
Internal bleeding
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Organ damage
Infection
Severe pain, etc.
Therefore, many victims have even taken the legal course and filed a Paragard lawsuit against Teva Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of copper IUDs. The victims want to claim rightful compensation for the suffering the device has caused them. They want the manufacturer to take responsibility and improve the product to ensure that no one else is impacted by its faulty design.
The Potential Impact of Cannabis on Birth Control
With cannabis use on the rise, people are beginning to question whether it could be one of the influencing factors in birth control. Research into the direct impact of cannabis on birth control’s effectiveness is limited.
A ScienceDirect study monitored the use of cannabis among women across different phases of their lives: fertility, contraception, menopause, and pelvic pain. It was found that the use of cannabis among women is increasing for both medical and recreational use.
The study concluded that there was no evidence found linking the use of cannabis with altered birth control effectiveness. Moreover, the evidence about its usefulness for managing perimenopausal symptoms was also not conclusive.
However, this does not mean that it does not impact the effectiveness of birth control. One primary concern that many consumers have is the influence of cannabis on hormone levels.
One primary concern is how cannabis can influence hormone levels in the body. Some studies suggest that cannabis can affect the production of certain hormones, like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are key in regulating the menstrual cycle and fertility.
Since many birth control methods rely on these hormones to work effectively, it’s possible that cannabis use could alter their balance. However, more studies are needed to confirm this, as the currently available data is insufficient to draw conclusions.
The Role of THC and CBD
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD are the two primary compounds found in the cannabis plant. Both these compounds can have different effects on the body: THC is associated with the high, but CBD is known for its therapeutic benefits. The effects on your body may also vary depending on how much THC or CBD you eat.
THC is more likely to influence hormone levels and interact with liver enzymes, while CBD appears to have less impact on these processes. Additional study is necessary to completely understand how these substances interact with birth control because they can have complicated effects on the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cannabis affect the effectiveness of non-hormonal birth control methods?
Cannabis can affect the production of estrogen and progesterone, which can impact the menstrual cycle. However, when using non-hormonal birth control methods, these hormones are out of the play. Therefore, there are very few chances that cannabis use can affect the effectiveness of non-hormonal birth control methods.
Does smoking cannabis have a stronger impact on birth control than consuming edibles?
The information available on this subject of the link between cannabis and birth control is very limited. So whether you are smoking cannabis or consuming edibles, the impact on birth control effectiveness might not change. The only primary difference between these two cannabis consumption methods is the onset of its effect. Smoking causes immediate effects, while edibles take longer, but their hormonal impact remains the same.
How much cannabis use is needed to potentially impact birth control?
Although there is no evidence, heavy and regular cannabis use is more likely to impact birth control effectiveness. This is because heavy use can have a larger impact on the endocannabinoid system and hormones. However, the exact threshold for cannabis consumption to avoid impact on birth control effectiveness is unclear.
There is no data showing a direct link between cannabis use and its effect on birth control effectiveness. While there are some concerns about how cannabis can impact hormone levels and liver enzyme activity, the research remains limited.
Knowing how cannabis affects your body is crucial whether you use it for medical or recreational reasons. You can speak with your doctor to make an informed choice about whether to continue or cease taking cannabis while utilizing contraception.
Great news, America. The price of cannabis should fall for most of your adult life. Legalization has ushered in economies of scale—bringing a $60 bag down to $6. There’s penny joints, buy one get one free, buy two get one free, and on and on.
The question remains—how do I get at this fabulous affordable herb? Here’s a Leafly Cannabis 101 article on Why you should shop early for cannabis deals.
Wait, there are deals on weed in stores now?
If you just woke up from a coma, there are 24 legalization states, and over 40 medical ones. Thousands of dispensaries blanket the land—from remote Alaskan islands to balmy Miami.
Cannabis offers a popular alternative to stronger holiday stuff including alcohol. Plus, weed fans relish the chance to pick up something special for the holidays; and share it with friends.
Everyone loads up at the last minute on some pre-rolls or gummies or what have you. The line gets long, supplies run low, and in terms of the price—you can take it or leave it.
But today, November 4, three weeks out—you have your pick of the menus, and time to shop around deals near you. Weed prices are volatile. The good stuff holds firm at $60 per eighth ounce, then goes for half that when it runs the risk of going stale. Pounce on that.
You gotta take advantage of timing and shopping around, or you’re doing capitalism bad and you should feel bad.
Why you should shop early for weed deals: Better selection
New batches of Connected Trop Z don’t sit around awaiting for long. (Image courtesy of Connected.)
Here’s a fact—the best stuff often sells out the fastest. Grab a Cannabis Cup or Emerald Cup winner the second it drops. Shoot, order it for pick-up. Don’t get left with the snickle-fritz on Green Wednesday.
Maybe—instead of grabbing an overpriced, stale pre-roll on Christmas Eve, go in early December and get a premium hashhole with a gram of bubble hash for a penny.
What is early for cannabis deals this season?
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 28th, 2024. You can plan your Turkey Day sesh out exquisitely starting today. Take a voice note of your dream scenario: ‘Some Permanent Marker flower, some Z live rosin. …’ Then search it up on Leafly, and order it.
There’s no shame in visualizing now what sesh success looks like on Nov. 28. Look around you. The Christmas catalogs from Amazon have dropped. Mariah Carey is taking pre-orders for the 30th anniversary edition of Merry Christmas.
Why you should shop early for cannabis deals: Stress less
Stress is toxic.
Don’t be one of those stressed-out fools honking in traffic on Green Wednesday. Be at home, stocked up in your snuggery, making crafts and stuff. Go marinate something for Thanksgiving the next day. Spend your weed savings on gifts for yourself—I mean, other people.
It’s 2024—you’re not sitting in traffic, you are traffic. There are so many new stress-free ways to re-up. In Canada, you can get a joint with your burrito on Uber Eats. Missouri has legal weed drive-throughs. More places offer pickup and curbside pickup. Arizona just added home delivery for all adults age 21+.
Related
How to order weed delivery online with Leafly
Waiting in lines is lame. Do something great for your future self, and lock in a sweet holiday stash today.
Holidays are the most fun when you plan well, get what you need, and allow yourself to be present and enjoy the vibes. Good luck out there.
Legal in all 50 states
With three weeks out you can order hemp stuff from across the country. Here’s some of our affiliate deals.
