DOCSLIB.ORG

Modeling a Transdisciplinary Approach to Current Research

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Modeling a Transdisciplinary Approach to Current Research NATIONAL HISPANIC SCIENCE NETWORK ON DRUG ABUSE Tenth Annual International Conference Modeling a Transdisciplinary Approach to Current Research Agendas September 30-October 2, 200 The Westin Canal Place New Orleans, Louisiana Mission Statement The National Hispanic Science Network on Drug Abuse is dedicated to improving the health of Hispanics by increasing the amount and quality of interdisciplinary translational research on drug abuse, and fostering the development of Hispanic scientists in drug abuse research. National Steering Committee Patricia E. Molina, M.D., Ph.D. William A. Vega, Ph.D. Chair, NHSN Vice-Chair, NHSN Richard Ashman Professor & Head Provost Professor & Director, Roybal Institute Department of Physiology University of Southern California Director, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Center Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center María Elena Icaza Medina-Mora, Ph.D. Chief Director, Department of Epidemiology Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, M.D., Ph.D. & Psychosocial Research, Instituto Nacional Professor of Clinical Internal Medicine & Director de Psiquiatría, Ramón de la Fuente, Mexico Center for Reducing Health Disparities (CRHD) University of California, Davis Laura O’Dell, Ph.D. Chair, Early Career Leadership Subcommittee Margarita Alegría, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Professor, Center for Multicultural Mental Health Department of Psychology Research University of Texas at El Paso Cambridge Health Alliance Steffanie A. Strathdee, Ph.D. Hortensia Amaro, Ph.D. Associate Dean of Global Health Sciences Associate Dean, Bouvé College of Health Sciences Harold Simon Professor & Chief Distinguished Professor of Health Sciences & Division of Global Public Health, Department Counseling Psychology of Medicine, University of California, San Diego Director, Institute on Urban Health Research Bouvé College of Health Sciences José Szapocznik, Ph.D. Northeastern University Professor & Chair Department of Epidemiology & Public Health C. Hendricks Brown, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Translational Research Professor, Department of Epidemiology & Public Health & Community Development University of Miami University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine Ana Mari Cauce, Ph.D. Yonette F. Thomas, Ph.D. Dean, College of Arts & Sciences Associate Vice President, Research & Compliance University of Washington Howard University, Washington, DC Voluntary Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Diana Martínez, M.D. Public Health University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller Associate Professor School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry Columbia University Avelardo Valdez, Ph.D. Professor & Director, Center for Drug & Social Policy Research Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston Modeling a Transdisciplinary Approach to Current Research Agendas Scientific Program for Thursday 30 September 200 0 7:30 AM–5:00 PM REGISTRATION 8:00 AM–8:30 AM CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST AND NETWORKING 8:30 AM–8:45 AM WELCOMING REMARKS (Ballroom) Patricia E. Molina, M.D., Ph.D., Chair, NHSN Richard Ashman Professor & Head, Department of Physiology, Director, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Centerr of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Diana Martinez, M.D., 2010 NHSN Scientific Conference Chair Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Segio Aguilar-Gaxiola, M.D., Ph.D., 2010 NHSN Scientific Conference Co-Chair Professor of Clinical Internal Medicine & Director, Center for Reducing Health Disparities, University of California, Davis Jean Lud Cadet, M.D., 2010 NHSN Scientific Conference Chair Chief, Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, National Institutes of Health National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program Thursday – September 30, 20 8:45 AM–9:45 AM PLENARY OPENING SESSION (Ballroom) PRESENTER Antonello Bonci, M.D., Scientific Director, NIH/NIDA, Intramural Research Program (IRP) “Synaptic Plasticity in the Dopamine System: Therapeutic Implications for Substance Use Disorders” DESCRIPTION Experience-dependent plasticity at excitatory synapses of the mesocorticolimbic system is a fundamental brain mechanism that enables adaptation to an ever-changing environment. These synaptic responses are critical for the planning and execution of adaptive behaviors that maximize survival. The mesocorticolimbic system mediates procurement of positive reinforcers such as food and sex; however, drugs of abuse re-sculpt this crucial circuitry to promote compulsive drug-seeking behavior. My presentation will discuss the long-term changes in glutamatergic neurotransmission that occur within the mesolimbic system following drug exposure. In addition, we will discuss the possibility of AMPARs as promising targets against cocaine abuse. 9:45 AM–0:5 AM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR THIS SESSION 0:5 AM–0:45 AM COFFEE BREAK & NETWORKING 0:45 AM–2:5 PM EPIGENETICS IN DRUG ABUSE RESEARCH: WHAT WE KNOW (Ballroom) DESCRIPTION This panel will provide a view of epigenetics and its significance in understanding the link between biology and environment. Most of the genetic variants that have been identified have only small effects on the risk of developing the common diseases with which they have been associated (i.e. asthma, heart disease, diabetes, addictions, etc). A large challenge remains in accounting for the rest of the heritability of the risk. At the forefront of these challenges is the environment, which may be the fulcrum balancing the effects of genetic variation with gene expression. As eloquently described by LaPlant and Nestler (200), “epigenetics is a molecular translator that interprets diverse environmental stimuli into changes in gene expression via the regulation of chromatin structure”. Panelists will provide the audience with a brief overview of epigenetics, a discussion of how animal models can potentially inform an understanding of the role of epigenetics in addiction, and the challenges of linking genome- wide epigenetic studies to population health. CO-CHAIRS Yonette Thomas, Ph.D, Associate Vice President for Research and Compliance, Howard University, Washington, D.C., Voluntary Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. Guillermo Prado, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health, Director of the Doctorate in Epidemiology Program, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine PRESENTERS Joni Rutter, Ph.D., Associate Director for Population and Applied Genetics, Division of Basic Neuroscience and Behavioral Research, NIDA/NIH “On Top of Genetics: An Overview of Epigenetics” Jerry Stitzel, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado at Boulder “Epigenetics in Animal Models of Addiction: Opportunities and Challenges” 2 National Hispanic Science Network On Drug Abuse Tenth Annual Conference Thursday – September 30, 20 Matt McQueen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado at Boulder “Integrating Epigenetics into Population-Based Studies of Complex Disease” 2:5 PM–2:45 PM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR THIS SESSION 12:45 PM–2:00 PM MENTORING LUNCHEON (Crescent Ballroom) “From Public Housing to Distinguished Professor: The Story of how Nena Became Dr. Amaro” PRESENTER Hortensia Amaro, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Distinguished Professor of Health Sciences & Counseling Psychology, Director, Institute on Urban Health Research, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA DESCRIPTION In this presentation I hope to share my own experiences of how my personal history and social context informed the choices I made, how I managed adversity, and who I became professionally. This is a very personal and individual story, with an n of . Nevertheless, my hope in sharing it with you is to hopefully inspire you to reflect on your own life journey, what your basic principles are, and how these have shaped your professional choices and work. Why is this important? Integrating who we are in various spheres of our lives, that is having an integrated sense of self, requires reflection and self understanding. I believe that such understanding serves as the basis for how we respond to challenging situations and difficult decisions that most of us face at some point in our professional lives 0 as academics and researchers. For example, we often face decisions regarding opportunities that come along, disappointments/discouragements and questions about whether to persevere in our areas of interest, whether to stay or leave a certain position or whether to accept a job offer. Without a clear internal compass of who you are, your values and passion, such decisions will be difficult to make. 2:00 PM–3:00 PM PLENARY SESSION (Ballroom) PRESENTER Nora D. Volkow, M.D., Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse/National Institutes of Health “The Promise of Transdisciplinary Approaches to Accelerating Addiction Research” DESCRIPTION The inherent complexity of drug abuse and addiction, with levels of influence ranging from genetic/ epigenetic, developmental and bio-behavioral to social and environmental necessitates their study from across a wide array of scientific disciplines. Transdisciplinary approaches where teams of researchers pool their expertise to accelerate new knowledge about the interplay of individual, social and environmental factors in initiating and sustaining these disorders and their many harmful consequences are critical to progress in developing effective strategies for their prevention
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Duncan Liquor Law Letter May 2016
    Duncan Liquor Law Letter May 2016 Looks different from prior newsletters? We are converting to a mobile device friendly format. DUNCAN LIQUOR LAW LETTER May, 2016 A monthly newsletter for the clients of R.E. "Tuck" Duncan, Attorney at Law Please forward as you deem appropriate. In this issue: Cullison v. KDOR decision RNDC Indicted On Federal Smuggling Charges, But CEO Proclaims Company's Innocence FROM TTB: LIQUOR WHOLESALER AND THREE EMPLOYEES INDICTED FOR $9 MILLION SCHEME TO SMUGGLE LIQUOR FDA EXTENDING AUTHORITIES TO ALL TOBACCO PRODUCTS, INCLUDING E-CIGARETTES, CIGARS, AND HOOKAH U.S. Officials Are Investigating Anheuser-Busch InBev McLane Determined to Distribute Alcohol in TX Reuters: Justice Department Investigating A-B Distributor Incentives A survey of 30 liquor stores in Connecticut found 90 percent were mislabeling wine ratings. Bourbon Maker Says It Didn't Abandon 'Stitzel' Trademark Why Alcohol Companies Oppose Legal Pot in Arizona, but Support it in Nevada Anheuser-Busch gets $150,000 fine for liquor law violations in Seattle What to expect from the federal overtime rules Main Tito's Case Dismissed Outback Assistant Managers Seek OT In FLSA Class Action 1 of 38 Duncan Liquor Law Letter May 2016 No. 114,170 IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF KANSAS CLAY DEAN CULLISON, Appellant, v. KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, Appellee. SYLLABUS BY THE COURT 1. The legislature has made a distinction regarding a law enforcement officer's breath test certification based on whether the driver fails the test or refuses the test. If the driver fails the test, the officer must certify that the driver was operating the vehicle before the Kansas Department of Revenue can suspend the person's driver's license.
    [Show full text]
  • Marijuana: What the Evidence Shows at It Relates to the Impact of Use and What Can Be Learned from Washington State and Colorado.”
    Kevin A. Sabet, Ph.D. Director, University of Florida Drug Policy Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Addiction Medicine Director, Project SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) Author, Reefer Sanity: Seven Great Myths About Marijuana Before the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, State of Oregon January 17, 2013 Written Testimony “Marijuana: What the evidence shows at it relates to the impact of use and what can be learned from Washington State and Colorado.” Chairman and distinguished members of the Committee, thank you for providing me with the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss marijuana policy and appropriate federal responses. I have studied, researched, and written about drug policy, drug markets, drug prevention, drug treatment, criminal justice policy, addiction, and public policy analysis for almost 18 years. Most recently, from 2009-2011, I served in the Obama Administration as a senior drug policy advisor. I am currently the co-founder, with former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, of Project SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana). I am also the author of Reefer Sanity: Seven Great Myths About Marijuana (Beaufort). In fact, in my new book, I outline the precise reasons why we in the Obama Administration rejected legalization time and time again when presented with it. Our experience, when talking with parents, prevention and treatment providers, medical associations, law enforcement, and others, was that opening up a legal market for any current illicit drug would be disastrous for public health and safety. Indeed, in the Obama Administration’s inaugural and subsequent drug control strategies, marijuana legalization is explicitly rejected. That is why numerous groups and I found the recent guidance by the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • What Will Legal Marijuana Cost Employers?
    What Will Legal Marijuana Cost Employers? National Families in Action ThisAtlanta, page intentionally Georgia left blank. 1 2 What Will Legal Marijuana Cost Employers? A White Paper By Sue Rusche and Kevin Sabet, PhD The purpose of National Families in Action’s White Paper is to educate employers about how marijuana laws are changing, how these laws will affect employers’ ability to conduct business, and what employers can do to protect that ability. We contracted with Kevin Sabet, co-founder of Project SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana), to help write the White Paper. To begin, we assembled a group of experts from various fields to advise us on how the changing legal landscape will affect employers. All agree that costs will increase as changing marijuana laws present new challenges. Employers need to anticipate those challenges and plan ways to maintain profitability, productivity, safety, and flexibility while litigation and case law sort out state laws that conflict with federal laws and from state to state. The adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure has never been more relevant. Employers have a significant opportunity to monitor both marijuana ballot initiatives that advocates are proposing and bills that state legislators are writing to protect their interests and those of their employees and the public. Please see Appendix A for information about National Families in Action, Project SAM, and our expert advisors. We gratefully acknowledge The Bodman Foundation for providing a grant to National Families in Action, which made it possible to produce this White Paper. 3 This page intentionally left blank.
    [Show full text]
  • Clarendon School Leaders Preparing to Share Services
    White House’s top lawyer is leaving THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018 75 CENTS Trump praises McGahn, who has played key role in many issues SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1894 BY KEN THOMAS and ZEKE MILLER Wednesday. had nothing to do with his inter- McGahn’s exit continues the views with the special counsel in- 3 SECTIONS, 22 PAGES | VOL. 123, NO. 224 The Associated Press churn of top officials as the admin- vestigating possible Trump cam- WASHINGTON — White House istration sets records for turnover paign collusion with Russia in the IN TODAY’S EDITION Counsel Don McGahn, a conse- and the White House struggles to 2016 election. quential insider in President Don- fill key vacancies. Pressed by reporters, Trump ald Trump’s legal storms and suc- Unlike some less-amiable separa- said he had approved the attor- cesses and a key figure in the ad- tions, however, Trump praised Mc- ney’s interviews and was uncon- ministration’s handling of the Rus- Gahn as “a really good guy” who cerned about anything McGahn sia investigation, will be leaving in has done “an excellent job.” the fall, the president announced Trump said McGahn’s departure SEE McGAHN, PAGE A6 LABOR From 8 felonies to successful Sumter DAY 2018 BAIL BONDSMAN ‘I use what I know to help people along the way. All I ask is you show up to court.’ Kudos to those who work hard to better their communities Women in the workplace, reducing stress and more C1 TECHNOLOGY Streaming service offerings keep growing B6 DEATHS, B4 Darwin Wilbern Baird Frances Elizabeth Corbett Baird George Weston Witherspoon Bernard L.
    [Show full text]
  • Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 113 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION
    E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 113 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION Vol. 160 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 No. 36 House of Representatives The House met at 2 p.m. and was PRAYER Mr. WALZ led the Pledge of Alle- called to order by the Speaker pro tem- Reverend Harvey Peters, Bethlehem, giance as follows: pore (Mr. DENHAM). Pennsylvania, offered the following I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the prayer: United States of America, and to the Repub- f Lord God, by whose goodness we live lic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. and move and have our being, and to DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO whom we regularly swear allegiance in f TEMPORE pursuit of life, liberty, and justice for MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- all, we turn to You and humbly ask A message in writing from the Presi- fore the House the following commu- You to hear our prayers. dent of the United States was commu- nication from the Speaker: We are privileged to exercise our nicated to the House by Mr. Brian civil freedoms and make decisions that WASHINGTON, DC, Pate, one of his secretaries. March 4, 2014. reflect the high ideals of our Nation’s I hereby appoint the Honorable JEFF Founders and the aspirations embedded f DENHAM to act as Speaker pro tempore on in our history. WELCOMING REVEREND HARVEY this day. Protect us from delusions or discour- PETERS JOHN A.
    [Show full text]
  • Lessons from Cannabis Legalisation 2020
    LESSONS FROM CANNABIS LEGALISATION USAPlus additional commentary on URUGUAY & CANADA 2020 Prepared by Smart Approaches Reviewed by researchers from: University of Colorado at Denver to Marijuana (SAM) NZ Coalition Harvard Medical School Boston Children’s Hospital And Smart Approaches To University of Connecticut Marijuana (SAM) US Yale University University of Kansas and more 2 Smart Approaches To Marijuana NZ (SAM-NZ) is an alliance of community organisations and leaders in New Zealand (including ex-addicts, educators, ex- police, addiction counsellors, health professionals and community workers). We oppose any attempt to legalise cannabis, based on reputable science and sound principles of public health and safety. SayNopeToDope.org.nz/about-us Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is an alliance of organisations and individuals dedicated to a health-first approach to marijuana policy. We are professionals working in mental health and public health. We are bipartisan. We are medical doctors, lawmakers, treatment providers, preventionists, teachers, law enforcement officers and hersot who seek a middle road between incarceration and legalization. Our commonsense, third-way approach to marijuana policy is based on reputable science and sound principles of public health and safety. SAM is led by Dr Kevin Sabet, a former advisor to three U.S. presidential administrations (Clinton, Bush and Obama Administrations) - the only drug policy staffer to have ever served as a political appointee in a Democrat and Republican administration. LearnAboutSam.org/who-we-are 3 RESEARCH ON MARIJUANA HARMS Scientific literature on the harms of marijuana use medical marijuana products advertised in retail stores exists in abundance and will be discussed in this contain around the same amount of THC as recreational report.
    [Show full text]
  • Why Do People Use Medical Marijuana? the Medical Conditions of Users in Seven U.S
    Why do people use medical marijuana? The medical conditions of users in seven U.S. states Kevin Sabet, PhD, Elyse Grossman, J.D., M.P.P. Abstract Since 1996, more than 20 states and the District of Columbia have legislated medical marijuana laws. Relatively little is known about the identity of medical marijuana users, and specifically, what medical conditions they claim to have, although the initial campaigns to pass such legislation had been particularly associated with cancer, AIDS, and glaucoma patients. Past studies (most of which are focused on Californian data) find that medical marijuana users identify a diverse variety of medical conditions, and that those with cancer, HIV/AIDS and glaucoma made up only a small percentage of authorized users. This study seeks to contribute to this field of research by taking a more comprehensive approach, by examining the stated medical conditions of marijuana users from every state where the information is available. It records the medical conditions of nearly 230,000 individuals across seven states. The data sets that make up this study were provided by the Health or the Public Health Departments of seven U.S. States: Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Rhode Island. Our findings suggest that a very small proportion of medical marijuana patients report having serious medical conditions (i.e. HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, cancer, Alzheimer’s), while almost all 1 (91%) of medical marijuana users report using marijuana to alleviate severe or chronic pain. Our results are consistent with past research that found that only a small minority of medical marijuana users report serious, life-threatening illnesses.
    [Show full text]
  • Marijuana Edibles and “Gummy Bears”
    Buffalo Law Review Volume 66 Number 2 Article 1 4-1-2018 Marijuana Edibles and “Gummy Bears” Paul J. Larkin Jr. The Heritage Foundation Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.law.buffalo.edu/buffalolawreview Part of the Food and Drug Law Commons, and the Juvenile Law Commons Recommended Citation Paul J. Larkin Jr., Marijuana Edibles and “Gummy Bears”, 66 Buff. L. Rev. 313 (2018). Available at: https://digitalcommons.law.buffalo.edu/buffalolawreview/vol66/iss2/1 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Law Journals at Digital Commons @ University at Buffalo School of Law. It has been accepted for inclusion in Buffalo Law Review by an authorized editor of Digital Commons @ University at Buffalo School of Law. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Buffalo Law Review VOLUME 66 APRIL 2018 NUMBER 2 Marijuana Edibles and “Gummy Bears” PAUL J. LARKIN, JR.† For most of the last eighty years, state and federal law,1 along with international agreements to which the United States is a signatory,2 have outlawed the cultivation, distribution, and possession of marijuana, occasionally punishing such conduct quite severely.3 Over the last two † Senior Legal Research Fellow, The Heritage Foundation; M.P.P. George Washington University, 2010; J.D., Stanford Law School, 1980; B.A., Washington & Lee University, 1977. The views expressed in this Article are my own and should not be construed as representing any official position of The Heritage Foundation. I thank Lawrence A. Brett, Dr. Robert L. DuPont, David Evans, Calvin Fay, Ed Haislmaier, Mark A.R.
    [Show full text]
  • American Society of Addiction Medicine White Paper on State-Level Proposals to Legalize Marijuana
    American Society of Addiction Medicine White Paper on State-Level Proposals to Legalize Marijuana Adopted by the ASAM Board of Directors July 25, 2012 ASAM Writing Committee to Develop a Response to State-Level Proposals to Legalize Marijuana Robert L. DuPont, M.D., Co-Chair Andrea G. Barthwell, M.D., Co-Chair Mark Kraus, M.D. Kevin Sabet, Ph.D. Richard Soper, M.D. Scott Teitelbaum, M.D. ASAM White Paper on State-Level Proposals to Legalize Marijuana Table of Contents I. Introduction 3 II. Background and Significance 4 III. Goals of Marijuana Legalization 7 IV. Negative Consequences of Marijuana Legalization 10 V. International Context 15 VI. 2012 State-Level Marijuana Legalization Proposals 16 VII. Conclusions 18 VIII. Recommendations 20 2 I. Introduction Marijuana legalization has been featured widely across the United States in both national and local media. At the same time, increasing rates of marijuana use among youth and adults in the United States have made headlines and the prevalence of substance use disorders associated with marijuana use remains a serious medical issue. In the last decade, the number of state initiatives aimed at changing the legal status of marijuana has dramatically increased, initially focused on legalization of marijuana use for “medical” purposes, but more recently focused on legalization of any marijuana use by adults. Public opinion on marijuana has changed over time with recent increases in support for both “medical” marijuana and legalization.1 2 Much of this support has arisen from well designed and effective public relations campaigns. It has been suggested that the public health consequences of the legal substance alcohol are more severe than those arising from marijuana use.
    [Show full text]
  • Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado: the Impact Vol
    The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado: The Impact Vol. 2/August 2014 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado: The Impact Vol. 2/August 2014 Table of Contents Executive Summary Introduction Purpose ..................................................................................................................................1 The Debate ............................................................................................................................1 Background ...........................................................................................................................2 Colorado’s History with Marijuana Legalization ...........................................................2 Early Medical Marijuana 2000 – 2008 ....................................................................2 Medical Marijuana Commercialization and Expansion 2009–Present .............3 Recreational Marijuana 2013-Present ....................................................................4 SECTION 1: Impaired Driving Introduction ....................................................................................................................7 Findings ...........................................................................................................................7 Data ..................................................................................................................................8 Related Material ...........................................................................................................16
    [Show full text]
  • 9 -September14.Indd 18 7/23/14 11:05 AM S More States Look at Loosening Laws on Suckers, Pot Hard Fruit Candies and Pot Sodas
    Rod Thomson The legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado is already revealing a dark side. And the problem is … 18 CITIZEN | September 2014 © SNAPWIRE / HANCE TAPLIN 9 -September14.indd 18 7/23/14 11:05 AM s more states look at loosening laws on suckers, pot hard fruit candies and pot sodas. Roach the sale and use of marijuana, Colorado clips? Today’s young users don’t know what you’re talk- is offering a disturbing preview of what ing about. may be in store for them. Among the many myths that the new law is busting Colorado OK’d the use of medi- is that using pot is relatively benign and overdosing is cal marijuana in 2000, as 23 oth- almost impossible. ers have over the last several years. This April, Richard Kirk of Denver bought a pack- But in 2013, it, along with Washington state, took the age of Karma Kandy from one of the new pot shops, unprecedented step of legalizing the recreational use and within a few hours began raving about the world of marijuana—and catastrophic calls have been on the ending, pulled out gun and allegedly killed his wife. She rise ever since. was on the phone with 911 telling the dispatcher that There has been a sharp increase in pot-related calls he had eaten the pot and was hallucinating. to poison control; seizures have quadrupled; two deaths Levy Thamba, a 19-year-old college student on so far are attributed to marijuana overdoses; neigh- spring break, became delirious and agitated after eat- boring states are experiencing a surge in pot use; and ing a pot-laced cookie in March.
    [Show full text]
  • What Will Legal Marijuana Cost Employers?
    What Will Legal Marijuana Cost Employers? March 2015 2 What Will Legal Marijuana Cost Employers? A White Paper By Sue Rusche and Kevin Sabet, PhD The purpose of National Families in Action’s White Paper is to educate employers about how marijuana laws are changing, how these laws will affect employers’ ability to conduct business, and what employers can do to protect that ability. We contracted with Kevin Sabet, co-founder of Project SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana), to help write the White Paper. To begin, we assembled a group of experts from various fields to advise us on how the changing legal landscape will affect employers. All agree that costs will increase as changing marijuana laws present new challenges. Employers need to anticipate those challenges and plan ways to maintain profitability, productivity, safety, and flexibility while litigation and case law sort out state laws that conflict with federal laws and from state to state. The adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure has never been more relevant. Employers have a significant opportunity to monitor both marijuana ballot initiatives that advocates are proposing and bills that state legislators are writing to protect their interests and those of their employees and the public. Please see Appendix A for information about National Families in Action, Project SAM, and our expert advisors. We gratefully acknowledge The Bodman Foundation for providing a grant to National Families in Action, which made it possible to produce this White Paper. 3 4 Contents
    [Show full text]