Criminalize Alcohol and Tobacco Now

[madmusic]

Very important research for corrections sentencing policy out of a 12-year U of Pittsburgh study finding that marijuana is not a "gateway" drug. As this article says, the report calls "into question the long-held belief that has shaped prevention efforts and governmental policy for six decades and caused many a parent to panic upon discovering a bag of pot in their child's bedroom." Basically, the study finds that alcohol and/or tobacco are just as likely to lead to marijuana and later stronger drug use as the reverse. The key factors in starting harder drug use were poor physical neighborhood environments, more exposure to drugs in that neighborhod, and less parental involvement as youngsters. Also important was "a general inclination for deviance from sanctioned behaviors, which can become evident early in childhood . . . ." I liked this--"if it's easier for a teen to get his hands on marijuana than beer, then he'll be more likely to smoke pot."

File under "Duh."

The authors say that "The emphasis on the drugs themselves, rather than other, more important factors that shape a person's behavior, has been detrimental to drug policy and prevention programs." Specifically, they recommend more attention to behavior modification interventions, more guidance to parents to improve their behavior, and early identification of and interventions with kids exhibiting anti-social behavior.

more: http://correctionssentencing.blogspot.com/2006/12/criminalize-alcohol-and-tobacco-now.html

[devilgrrl]

1. marijuana is a gateway drug...

to cheetos!

[madmusic]

2. Munch, munch...

Is it any wonder the neocons hate studies? Myths of good vs. evil are so much simpler.

[bluestateguy]

3. I'm pro-booze, pro-pot and pro smokes

and pro-gun and pro-porn (for consenting adults).

I'm a libertarian liberal.

[napi21]

4. As to your title...speak for yourself! I think it might be better to legalize the MJ

and let the minor offenders out of prison!

[endarkenment]

5. Heck with that: legalize all of it and empty the prisons

of drug offenders.

[unpossibles]

6. seriously. Have we already forgotten how well prohibition worked the

first time? And the current one is just as bad or worse.

Criminalizing a substance or action (like prostitution) does nothing but make otherwise-non-criminals into criminals and make real criminals (and some cops & politicians) richer.

[LynzM]

7. Agreed

:hi:

[cdsilv]

8. legalize all drugs - let true addicts die off....

...breed addiction out of the gene pool.

Legalize wireheading!!!