Medical Marijuana Laws Shown to Reduce Traffic Fatalities

[Times Roman]

http://www.popsci.com/science/articl...fic-fatalities

Any attempt to segue into this post with a clever lead is likely to fall flat, so in the interest of skipping the cliches: a new study out of University of Colorado Denver and Montana State University shows that legalizing medical marijuana sales in various states over the past two decades has led to a nearly 10 percent drop in traffic fatalities. What the study really shows--by way of causal chain--is a five percent drop in beer sales, and that has in turn led to fewer fatalities on the road. Put that in your pipe and smoke it (couldn’t resist just one).

This is the kind of study that’s going to be attacked from all sides, by those with agendas and those who will simply point out that establishing that causal link between legalized pot and the decrease in alcohol sales (and in turn the reduced traffic deaths) is difficult with all the variables out there. But it is an interesting study for no other reason than it actually attempts to measure the effects of legalizing pot by linking it to some kind of hard data rather than some hard-to-quantify metric.

That, of course, is traffic data, of which we have plenty. Traffic data is bountiful and generally pretty good because incidents on the road--particularly those that involve injury or fatality--very rarely go unnoticed by authorities, who are required to dutifully record them in the public record. So Daniel Rees of UC Denver and D. Mark Anderson of MSU started looking at the traffic data both nationwide and more particularly in the 13 states that legalized marijuana for medical use between 1990 and 2009.

They found several connections and trends that seemingly stem from the legalization laws, but most notably they found evidence that alcohol consumption by 20- to 29-year-olds decreased, and that translated into fewer deaths on the road. Previous simulator studies have shown that drinkers tend to drive more aggressively and take more risks, while marijuana users tilt toward risk-averse behaviors. Notably, they also found that in the states that legalized marijuana there was no evidence of an uptick in use among minors, which is a major concern for the medical marijuana opposition.

To be fair, establishing these kinds of links is still difficult as variable abound and the data is sometimes difficult to trust. Common sense (experience?) tells us that kids smoking pot generally don’t go around telling adults about it, including those conducting academic research. So establishing whether or not more or fewer kids are getting high is more or less an exercise in guesswork. And Rees and Anderson point out that while alcohol is often consumed in public places marijuana is consumed privately, often in the home. So making marijuana use a publicly acceptable activity for all people--not just those with a medical necessity--might diminish the reduction in traffic fatalities as more stoney drivers get behind the wheel.

But things being what they are, medical marijuana laws appear to be trending toward safer roadways, and that’s all this study purports to demonstrate. Place whatever value on that you will. PopSci would like to point out that this post does not constitute an opinion either for or against the legalization of medical marijuana, and Rees’s and Anderson’s findings are just, like, their opinions, man.

[slfmade]

High Props on the use of the Lebowski quote...Huge Fan!

[Razor]

I believe it, Cannibis the best drug out there

[cherrydrpepper]

You said it, man. Nobody ****s with the Jesus.

[dec11]

i can also see how it can be dangerous whilst driving, having been there and done that.

its as dangerous a drug in its own ways as any other and doesnt deserve its 'soft' tag imo

[l2elapse]

everyone is probably high and doing 20 mph less than the speed limit cause theyre baked

[kif]

I smoked from age 17 to 30 then stopped for 2 years, started again for a year, now have stopped again for 3 years now. I have a much more clear mind when I don't smoke. Plus I gained a ton of weight from the munches when i smoke, and get a little lazy. Personally I just feal better no smoking.

[xelnaga]

I dont know anyone my age (26) that still smokes and has their life together .

[jimmyinkedup]

I posted a study recently that smoking excessively (ie daily) makes you stupid. If you dont believe the data from the study or some of the points people made here that would support that contention ...simply look at the posts mooseman33 makes - I rest my case.

[lovbyts]

i can also see how it can be dangerous whilst driving, having been there and done that.

its as dangerous a drug in its own ways as any other and doesnt deserve its 'soft' tag imo

It's needs treated the same as alcohol, no driving, no working while high. DUI laws sill apply, driving under the influence.

I posted a study recently that smoking excessively (ie daily) makes you stupid. If you dont believe the data from the study or some of the points people made here that would support that contention ...simply look at the posts mooseman33 makes - I rest my case.

OMG not that you were far down on my list but you just went up like 10 spaces. LOL I love it.

[jimmyinkedup]

It's needs treated the same as alcohol, no driving, no working while high. DUI laws sill apply, driving under the influence.

But is there a way they can determine of you have smoked recently? Isnt the problem that it will be in your system for a longtime making it impossible to determione if you smoked hours or a day before driving? I dunno ...just asking ....

[Hoggage_54]

[slfmade]

I'm sure something like a roadside sobriety test would work. Like a "walk the line, follow the light, stand on one foot", type of thing.

[lovbyts]

I posted a study recently that smoking excessively (ie daily) makes you stupid. If you dont believe the data from the study or some of the points people made here that would support that contention ...simply look at the posts mooseman33 makes - I rest my case.

But is there a way they can determine of you have smoked recently? Isnt the problem that it will be in your system for a longtime making it impossible to determione if you smoked hours or a day before driving? I dunno ...just asking ....

Yeah I'm not sure and I would not want it to be left up to the discretin of some red neck who gives tickets to everyone with blood shot eyes or is eating a bag of Doritos while driving.

[Times Roman]

it's interesting....
....in Cali, with the med marij laws, more and more "old people" who are normally very conservative, are partaking of the leaf. It has some very legitimate medical applications. I have several friends that have their prescriptions and club cards. I have thought about getting a script, but I'll tell you what. Whatever attracted me to it when I was a kid, I just don't see it anymore. I get introverted, lazy, and lose interest in doing things. No thanks! I'll take a stiff drink over a toke hands down. But that's just me. I don't think it's governments place to dictate what adults do in their own homes.

[l2elapse]

it's interesting....
....in Cali, with the med marij laws, more and more "old people" who are normally very conservative, are partaking of the leaf. It has some very legitimate medical applications. I have several friends that have their prescriptions and club cards. I have thought about getting a script, but I'll tell you what. Whatever attracted me to it when I was a kid, I just don't see it anymore. I get introverted, lazy, and lose interest in doing things. No thanks! I'll take a stiff drink over a toke hands down. But that's just me. I don't think it's governments place to dictate what adults do in their own homes.

completely agree but its the people who get addicted to heavy stuff and life spirals downhill

[Razor]

I posted a study recently that smoking excessively (ie daily) makes you stupid. If you dont believe the data from the study or some of the points people made here that would support that contention ...simply look at the posts mooseman33 makes - I rest my case.

Interesting, I think might depend on the person perhaps. My best friend is CPA, he smokes daily and actually seems to help him at work. Me on the other hand, when I smoke I get stupid and don't want to do anything...ever

[Times Roman]

Interesting, I think might depend on the person perhaps. My best friend is CPA, he smokes daily and actually seems to help him at work. Me on the other hand, when I smoke I get stupid and don't want to do anything...ever

That's right mate! CPA's have mental powers that mere mortals can't even imagine! =)

[bavz01]

I used to smoke it ALOT maybe 5 spiffs a day been 1 year today that I give it up, best thing I ever did the shit really messes with ya head. If I'd carried on smoking it I'd be in a mental home now that's how bad it is. A mate of mine is heavy on it paranoid is an understatement

[jimmyinkedup]

it's interesting....
....in Cali, with the med marij laws, more and more "old people" who are normally very conservative, are partaking of the leaf. It has some very legitimate medical applications. I have several friends that have their prescriptions and club cards. I have thought about getting a script, but I'll tell you what. Whatever attracted me to it when I was a kid, I just don't see it anymore. I get introverted, lazy, and lose interest in doing things. No thanks! I'll take a stiff drink over a toke hands down. But that's just me. I don't think it's governments place to dictate what adults do in their own homes.

I agree with this entire post. Well I dont know a whole lot abouty legit mjedical uses. It seems to me when the have a show on tv about the places that sell med mj that 90% of the people just want to get high-which is fine. I think it should be legal for several reasons, from economic, to personal rights. to the fact that its no more danderous than alcohol-in fact its prob less. Much like most things in life in moderation its fine. I drink very rarely. I never drink and drive. Im sure if I chose to smoke the same way id be just fine- I just choose not to. Im sure like the guys that have a few beers on friday after work and maybe when they watch a football game - they could if they chose do the same with pot. The problem comes in with abuse BUT those with addiction issues would abuse it legal or not. I think it should be legal - but I think if abused it had obvious detrimental effects- just like any drug. I have known people that smoke alot - id say abuse - they are lazy, somewhat slow to percieve , and unmotivated to mention a few effects.

[dec11]

I used to smoke it ALOT maybe 5 spiffs a day been 1 year today that I give it up, best thing I ever did the shit really messes with ya head. If I'd carried on smoking it I'd be in a mental home now that's how bad it is. A mate of mine is heavy on it paranoid is an understatement

yep it fried my head too, thats why i stopped it 12yrs ago. ppl i know who have been smoking it all their lives and claim to be 'free man' are unkempt lazy bastids with no jobs and forever devising plans on growing their own so they get it cheap. hmmm, bit of a one track mind methinks

so stoners, it doesnt harm you? BS!!

[Mooseman33]

Hey Jimmy,.
way out of line....

tell me when i said it wasnt bad, i said i dont want it made legal. read my interview jerkoff..
someone who thinks anyone who smokes herb is stupid is just that. u already no how i feel for u...
i guess if u smoke u cant have a good job.....wrong.
there are some of us that smoke and work and do really well for ourselves....

now report that ...

[RaginCajun]

i have some stoner friends and one of them is a triathlete. he has done numerous half ironman's and runs a successful business so i think it is all up to the individual and how they let it control them.

[Times Roman]

some of the medical benefits for partaking of the leaf:
reduces pain in cancer patients
helps prevent wasting in AIDS patients and cancer patients
and the ever popular....

.....relieves symptoms of glacoma

[dec11]

i have some stoner friends and one of them is a triathlete. he has done numerous half ironman's and runs a successful business so i think it is all up to the individual and how they let it control them.

there is always going to be afew 'upwardly mobiles' among them but lets face it, the majority are wasters just like any other drug addicted group. 99% that i know are just interested in sitting there stoned in their own little bubble, im not saying they're stupid but they're forever 'changing the world'. they just dont seem to realise that they're imprisoning themselves within that bubble with this so called 'harmless' drug

[Times Roman]

there is always going to be afew 'upwardly mobiles' among them but lets face it, the majority are wasters just like any other drug addicted group. 99% that i know are just interested in sitting there stoned in their own little bubble, im not saying they're stupid but they're forever 'changing the world'. they just dont seem to realise that they're imprisoning themselves within that bubble with this so called 'harmless' drug

100% agree. there will always be an exception. but the general rule is that partaking of the leaf will impact motivation, making one lazy, and reducing one's ability to "grow" (emotionally, intellectually, spiritually) as a human being. My personal opinion is that if a bloke wants to become a stoner AFTER he's accomplished most of what he wants out of life (children, family, career, education), then go for it. It becomes a problem when you still have your whole life ahead of you, and you lose interest in life, and never achieve anything.

[RaginCajun]

there is always going to be afew 'upwardly mobiles' among them but lets face it, the majority are wasters just like any other drug addicted group. 99% that i know are just interested in sitting there stoned in their own little bubble, im not saying they're stupid but they're forever 'changing the world'. they just dont seem to realise that they're imprisoning themselves within that bubble with this so called 'harmless' drug

i do hear what your saying and its like i put it, its all up to the individual and their drive in life. the losers will always remain losers and cry that everythings not fair, oh wait, thats the dumb ass 'occupy' people, sorry!

[-Ender-]

I posted a study recently that smoking excessively (ie daily) makes you stupid. If you dont believe the data from the study or some of the points people made here that would support that contention ...simply look at the posts mooseman33 makes - I rest my case.

^ this is not what I expect from staff.

Hey Jimmy, First off, I hope u fvking drop dead.
way out of line...so i followed...

tell me when i said it wasnt bad, i said i dont want it made legal. read my interview jerkoff..
someone who thinks anyone who smokes herb is stupid is just that. u are a lowlife piece of dog trash...
i guess if u smoke u cant have a good job.....wrong.
there are some of us that smoke and work and do really well for ourselves....

now report that ...

^ this is what I would expect as a response to the above comments.

I would suggest that you guys edit your comments before the this salad thread catches on fire.

[Mooseman33]

Dec,
i agree with some of that. which is why total legalization in USA will be bad..
it destroys the desire to advance, and if ur not a certain type of person, it will destroy ur life..
should not be sold as cigs, and booz....

but most pot users over the age of 25 dont sit around in tie die shirts and sing chants. that image is not real.
all my friends smoke, yet none during the day, or around children, or while driving....and everyone of them is doing very well in life.
i just hate the image of we smokers are all hippies.....but respect ur views.

[Times Roman]

I don't know about you blokes, but I was apart of that generation that sat around partaking of the leaf in tie dye shirts. Everything was "mellow" and "right on" and "trippy" back in those days. I lost alot of friends back then, some to the reaper, and some just imploded, never amounting to much. It stays in your system so goddam long. My kid smoked for a little while. I couldn't force him to stop, he'd just do it behind my back. But he did stop. And what a relief that was! I'd much rather him just drink. At least with alchohol, it's out of your system in a few hours.

But it's a personal choice, so who am I to tell another what they should or should not do, so long as they don't involve kids or hurt anyone?

[RaginCajun]

I don't know about you blokes, but I was apart of that generation that sat around partaking of the leaf in tie dye shirts. Everything was "mellow" and "right on" and "trippy" back in those days. I lost alot of friends back then, some to the reaper, and some just imploded, never amounting to much. It stays in your system so goddam long. My kid smoked for a little while. I couldn't force him to stop, he'd just do it behind my back. But he did stop. And what a relief that was! I'd much rather him just drink. At least with alchohol, it's out of your system in a few hours.

But it's a personal choice, so who am I to tell another what they should or should not do, so long as they don't involve kids or hurt anyone?

tis true what you say but i just want to add, mary jane does not have a chemical dependence like alcohol and other drugs have. it is all personal/individual

[Mooseman33]

Times, u are old.....lol

[Times Roman]

^ maybe. I've seen blokes desperately scramble around searching frantically because the've depleted their head stash. Doesn't really matter what type of dependency it is, don't you think?

When scoring becomes more important than taking care of business, it becomes fairly obvious that the bloke is addicted. Whether it's psychological, chemical or whatever.

[Mooseman33]

agreed and could not have said it better....

[Times Roman]

Times, u are old.....lol

old is as old does.

you are as old as you feel. and right now, I feel great!!

and I bet gramps could kick yer butt in arm wrestling too! My dollars on the table mate!! =)

[Mooseman33]

i dont have a dollar, remember im a stoner, so according to some people here i cant have any money or any strength..
guess u win by default brotha.....

[RaginCajun]

^ maybe. I've seen blokes desperately scramble around searching frantically because the've depleted their head stash. Doesn't really matter what type of dependency it is, don't you think?

When scoring becomes more important than taking care of business, it becomes fairly obvious that the bloke is addicted. Whether it's psychological, chemical or whatever.

totally agree with ya TR. i wasn't implying that a person can't have an addition to it, just saying that it is not as hard as the others on the body. i should have been more clear.

[RaginCajun]

old is as old does.

you are as old as you feel. and right now, I feel great!!

and I bet gramps could kick yer butt in arm wrestling too! My dollars on the table mate!! =)

my 87 year old grampa uses this all the time and he says he is 50! yall might be twins! hahaha

[dec11]

Dec,
i agree with some of that. which is why total legalization in USA will be bad..
it destroys the desire to advance, and if ur not a certain type of person, it will destroy ur life..
should not be sold as cigs, and booz....

but most pot users over the age of 25 dont sit around in tie die shirts and sing chants. that image is not real.
all my friends smoke, yet none during the day, or around children, or while driving....and everyone of them is doing very well in life.
i just hate the image of we smokers are all hippies.....but respect ur views.

i never mentioned hippies, infact the majority i know are chav assholes in their baseball caps and gold sovereign rings and are far away from the hippie image.

everyone will stand up for a drug whilst that drug has its control over them. no-one has any physical need for cannabis

[Times Roman]

i dont have a dollar, remember im a stoner, so according to some people here i cant have any money or any strength..
guess u win by default brotha.....

I don't know.... strength can rear it's ugly head in a variety of ways.

(just between you and me, they used to call me "Iron Lungs" when I was a kid. I'll let you figure out why!)

so no dollar, eh? bummer......