Great article, topic has been one I've been pondering for a while now. Berenson is a smart guy who seems to get what damage Big Pharma can do but is doing their dirty work with regards to cannabis. How can he not understand that the symptoms he describes are most likely caused by pharmaceuticals like SSRIs and anti-psychotics? The fact Berenson blames cannabis, rather than big pharma, shows a level of cognitive dissonance that is truly hard to grasp. How can you see the evil done by these companies with regards to covid and then turn around and believe all the other meds they peddle aren't just as dangerous? Cannabis is nothing but a healing plant that was gifted to us from the gods. It has helped me to get off the painkiller merry go around and become much more acquainted with my true self, there's nothing remotely dangerous about it unless you either A. abuse the shit out it or B. start to believe that it is bad for you. Look at all the media messaging around Cannabis for the past 50+ years, either you'll become a maniac who does nothing but eat and laugh at cartoons or your one toke of a joint will lead you to smoking crack ala Hunter Biden. As most people get their perspectives, and beliefs, from the media that's what everyone thought would happen if you smoked weed, utterly ridiculous bullshit. I never, and mean never, get the munchies from using cannabis and I am a daily user(use it much more medicinally now then when I was younger, great way to alleviate anxiety). Berenson did a lot of good exposing Big Pharma during covid, it's really too bad his views on cannabis come straight from the anti-drug commercials from the 80s.
Occasionally, he puts out some logical and good stuff. Only to be followed by stuff that fits into different logic. How I see it at the moment, and I might be wrong, just an instinct, is this:
He fluctuates wildly between a greedy ego-state that likes to draw attention by writing polarised sensational articles like the Marijuana and Opiat ones recently. That's the trained journalist creating clickbait to have loyal, paying, hardcore polarised followers. It's still the best way to make some money on Substack.
I also found his direct attack on Malone on one of the live TV shows odd. It came out of nowhere. I found it weird and cheap. Some attention seeking.
On the other hand, now and then, he drops this attention-seeking "I am a big influencer" ego state and works for the common good. But this flip-flopping doesn't make him trustworthy at all. So I get tired of him—almost a waste of time.
His opiate articles are so full of logical holes that I could not even be bothered to form a response anymore.
Agreed. I think this is a useful working theory on AB. Add in his occasional pining to be accepted back by the NYT, and one can see his ego shine through powerfully.
There is some comparison here with alcohol, which by the way is the most deadly & dangerous psychoactive substance in the world. But in some cultures, eg France & Italy, there is a very low incidence of addiction, and also a low incidence of negative health outcomes from it.
We can only speculate about the reason for this (since correlation is not causation) - but it is thought that this is because in those cultures, alcohol is mostly used as part of the social structure: at meals, for social occasions, etc.
Whereas in other cultures, young people are left to access alcohol as a forbidden substance - and so we have the binge drinking at every University Orientation Week, and so on.
I haven't read Alex Berenson's book on marijuana, but I did read his "Pandemia" book, and found him a bit of an opinionated wanker, putting himself forward as the sole voice of truth in those early days, a lone brave warrior (in his own eyes) banned from Twitter for his stance. More pertinently, he showed himself as pretty clueless about the medical/scientific side of things.
Quoting from my own Amazon review of "Pandemia": "For example, Berenson accepts Fauci as AIDS saviour at Fauci's own self-evaluation, with no mention of Fauci's funding rackets & empty promises about working on an AIDS vaccine. Yet he dismisses claims about "long covid", and throws in a few swipes at conditions such as fibromylagia, chronic fatigue, and Lyme disease, with a jaw-dropping assumption that Medicine would now understand these conditions if they were real."
Anyway, my personal feeling from reading what I did of his work is that his opinion about marijuana is probably not worth considering.
So I won't.
Personally, I have not made my mind up about marijuana. When I was young, it was a fairly mild weed, one that I did not myself take to but I never knew anyone who was seriously adversely affected by it.
Later, I noticed that people who smoked regularly seemed to have a sort of emotional bluntedness, as though there was a layer of insulation around them that prevented a sense of real contact.
At that time, I also became aware that most of the pot available was no longer the mild weed of my youth, but a much more potent variety of specially bred high-THC hydroponically grown cannabis.
And as a clinical psychologist in a psych ward, I also became aware that some young schizophrenic patients had had their illness triggered by cannabis use - though it was generally held that these patients also had some susceptibility from other factors as well.
Living in a country (Australia) where cannabis is mostly still illegal (or not easily obtainable legally), I can't really comment on the issues around legalisation and the use of medical marijuana.
However, I'm inclined to agree that demonising cannabis is probably an over-simplification of a very complex issue - or several complex issues. As with all medicinal plants (and alcohol too), it needs to be used wisely, with respect and careful intention. All these substances can cause problems if abused. That's no reason to ban them.
I think alcohol is one of the most dangerous and toxic drugs. But I love it in the European way you describe it. I drink a glass of red wine with food almost every night. Occasionally I use Schnaps or digestives after a heavy meal. It works for me.
Whenever I drink a little more, I suffer more than from any other drug I have ever used. Yet, they are demonised, and I am working on an article trying to understand what's behind it. One thing is sure: It is not because those in power worry about our health. If that's the case, they will prohibit sugar, rancid fats, fast food, soft drinks, and artificial ingredients tomorrow. These things kill way more people than any drugs. Not that I think prohibiting would work wit food either. I am all for awareness and education.
When I grew up in German in the 70ties, there was no restriction for teenagers drinking alcohol—our youth centre, packed with teenagers aged 14 to 20, sold beer to everyone. So we sometimes went to a pub for our lunch breaks, had half a litre of beer with our lunch, and then returned to school. We were 15 or 16. No problem. The teachers would not even notice it.
We were allowed in any pub or nightclub aged sixteen, if not younger. It was scarce that someone binged or got drunk. I usually had two to three beers for a night out. So did my friends. If someone got drunk and got all silly and stupid, it wasn't cool amongst peers.
There was some social messaging out there we all followed:
1. If you can't handle the drink, don't drink.
2. Drinking is never an excuse not to show up at work or school the next day.
I travelled around Europe, and it was similar in Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and France regarding alcohol.
However, England was different. Much more binge drinking and acting out. This was exported to America, Australia and NZ.
According to some NZ friends, this goes back to "the six o'clock swell". England, for some time, closed pubs at six o'clock. Workers would flock in at five o'clock and drink as much as possible in that one hour. Same in NZ. It was later extended to 10 o'clock. But it was a form of prohibition. Those friends think that was the onset of all binge drinking.
The other countries that struggled with binge drinking and alcoholism in the seventies were in Scandinavia. They used massive taxes to make alcohol expensive. I remember taking a ferry to Sweden which provided tax-free alcohol, and the Swedes on board just hammered themselves relentlessly and got horribly drunk, spewing all over the ferry. It was terrible.
We know from the alcohol prohibition in America in the 1920ties that prohibition doesn't work. It created the Mafia. We know from the "war on drugs" that prohibition doesn't work. It made the drug cartels.
We know it is a critical developmental stage for teenagers and young adults to oppose and reject norms and rules. However, if you prohibit drugs and alcohol for that age group, all you get is the opposite.
I once was at a party in NZ. Most people were in their 30ties and 40ties. A lot of pot was smoked. The son, aged 17, of the hosts, was there too. His parents were recreational pot smokers. I noticed that he didn't smoke. I asked him why. He replied: "Pot? No way. I am not doing what my parents do. I prefer beer."
Prohibit it, and you make it interesting for many young people. But, unfortunately, that's what most people don't get.
Ma Mu, why pick on Alex Berenson when there are so many that have written books on pot? Is it because he IS popular on Substack? And why NOW? The book has been out since 2019. Kevin Sabet has a more current book “ Smokescreen”, published in 2021 & I’m sure has just as many studies and facts you would disagree with. Big Tobacco & Big Government are the villains in this “profit over people” with pot. Alex is not the bad guy here, he is the author of a book that compiled the most current data, and presented the new high THC marijuana industry. Many, including myself, were unaware of the many new marijuana products being sold targeting kids specifically. Bright, fun colored wrapping held these variety of candies that held the highest THC levels to ever exist. What did all this mean? Isn’t it “just pot”, how bad could it be?
Of course, in the perfect world, we would have someone like you that could walk us through the pros & cons of this strain or that edible, but we don’t. Even if we did, could it prevent or help whatever ails our inner turbulence of unconsciousness? Maybe.
Maybe take a trip to Seattle and see the dozens of lost souls, openly shooting up & smoking heroine & meth. Fentanyl has been pretty popular to self medicate & search for that awakening you talk about. Dozens of addicts on EVERY corner. Locals don’t even go downtown anymore. It’s not to respect these people’s journey to find nirvana, it’s fucking dangerous. And no, it’s NOT the drug, it’s the user we are afraid of.
I’ll agree that the “ help” industry is on steroids here and also in Portland. It’s not to help the addict, it’s to keep the addict, ... well addicted. There’s a lot of money in this. We have seen our drug & homeless numbers double, and then double again. Probably double again after that too. And guess when it ALL started. No kidding, I was here & so we’re many others to watch with our own eyes. It was when marijuana was legalized.
Yep! That started the entire party. Did you know most government Senators & Congressmen have a personal stake in the pot business? Whether it’s ownership, or stocks, they are all in. No wonder the big national push to legalize this. Colorado was first and actually they have accurate data on year to year increased use by kids & increased traffic accidents, suicides, & the lust goes on & on. I know, it’s all causality, it’s not proof. Really?! When, the graph spikes after legalization, it’s pretty hard to deny.
I also followed the pesticides used on this product & how many growers that get caught is staggering nationally. Here’s a local article and current.
This isn’t rare, it’s the norm. Plus, you talked about standardization when pot is legal? That’s a joke because there’s no such thing.
From potency to pesticides it’s buyer beware.
I asked an employee once about it, he was suppose to be smartest guy there and basically he told me “ it’s a plant, all plant strains grow & their potency can change from harvest to harvest. “. Hmm.. ok. So how do you know what you’re getting? Basically you don’t, he said. No kidding, this was our conversation in Tacoma, Wa.
This product has still not been studied enough. It’s like Covid vaccines, our cities that have legalized, are living experiments.
And have you seen New York & San Francisco lately? Can you get some 1 on 1 to all those users that are having emotional hardships? They are causing increased violence & homelessness, so can you hurry? I know, it’s NOT the drugs, it’s the incompetent users. 🙈
Lastly, the reason I became so passionate about this is because I have a son that smoked pot, a LOT of pot, & now suffers from schizo. disorder. We never have got a firm diagnosis , but it always starts with schizophrenia or personality disorders. He has been to almost every mental health facility in western Wa. at least once. My husband, you’ll love this, even took him to Mexico to work with ayahuasca specialist.
He has never been on anti-depressants or meds like Lithium, or all the Benzo meds. He just didn’t respond or want them. He takes a really low dose of Aripripozole & does ok.
He has his days but he will never be the same kid I knew before pot. You may not believe it but mom’s know. They just do. And this wasn’t brought on by anything else. He hadn’t done anything else until after we had the psych. break’s & diagnosis’s. 2-3 years later it was everything. Meth, Heroine, mushrooms, etc.
There are a lot more moms like me. To tell them this has no correlation is like telling them childbirth doesn’t hurt, or their child isn’t theirs. Like telling someone it’s not raining, but you see and feel the rain. Say whatever you want about Alex, but he helped me through a long road of questions. He had the answers. Cited and legit science too, not “ Fauci” science. ( Big Pharma studies bought & paid from prestigious colleges)
The entire experience even inspired me to fight to keep a city outside Seattle from having dispensaries. True David & Goliath story but we won. Never underestimate a mother’s determination or willpower. We will need this getting through the global elite- (Covid poison shots )genocide.
Sorry, this got so long but sometimes the truth is worth the time. Alex B. doesn’t need me to defend him but he has me anyway.
You going after him, makes me wonder your true intent because you are wrong about his book & about pot. At least the new pot, not the Woodstock pot. It makes you look desperate for attention & foolish in your thought processes. This is real world stuff, not what you describe as unconscious yearnings to fix thoughts by self medicating.
Legalizing weed was the worst thing Seattle did and will be the worst, for many other states that follow.
I hear you: Greed and drugs don't mix well. And young people are more vulnerable. But this can be easily fixed within a legalised framework. I would fully support only allowing the actual plant to be sold legally. Those pens and other products are terrible. And why not restrict it to those over 25 or 30 years of age? I would allow for exemptions if an older responsible sponsor signs it off for psychotherapeutic, therapeutic or spiritual use.
All this can and should have been managed with legalisation. These are not reasons to make it illegal again. For every mostly young person abusing it and getting addicted to it, you have dozens of users that use it in a responsible and healing way.
It is also no reason to demonise Marijuana. While it is a dangerous drug, especially if abused by young people who often haven't developed the maturity and life experience to deal with unsettling psychological and emotional experiences, there is an ethical question to consider. Is it fair to ask the majority of responsible users that greatly benefit from Marijuana to be denied in order to protect a small irresponsible group?
How is this different from asking a big group of healthy young men at minimal risk from Covid to be forced to take a potentially harmful vaccine to protect a small group of compromised old people?
Big pharma and the medical-industrial complex are already controlling most of our medications. We have to fight for every natural remedy to stay freely available for everyone that needs it.
I am sorry to hear about your son. I had similar experiences to you in the past. I also worked professionally with addicts. It is soul-destroying. I did see many coming out good on the other side, though. Don't lose hope. As long we keep them safe and support them, they work through whatever they need to work through. And as soon he is ready and really wants out, he will. The AA system is still one of the most successful. His founder, by the way, was a big fan of psychedelics, and without them, AA might not exist.
There is always a reason why someone is addicted to drugs. Like it or not - but the drug gives them something they need. However, the side-effects of abusing a drug are severe and they have to learn that the hard way because our culture never taught them from early on how to use them safely and beneficially.
My son is doing ok, thanks. It’s been a rough road. The Covid vaccine isn’t a vaccine, it’s a bioweapon that is killing people. There’s nothing “ potentially harmful” about it. It’s completely and proven harmful by hundreds of independent Dr.s & researchers. We are at war. There wasn’t a way for younger people to “protect” the compromised. This poison was always unable to stop transmission.
Legalization has been a joke and yes it “ should be managed” but it isn’t. Our gov. can’t manage anything. Pro-pot promised safety in and around the dispensaries as well.
Lots of security guards, cameras, etc. they promised and said that safety would be a non-issue. Well, it’s an issue. We have had hundreds of robberies and murders of dispensary employees. Absolutely ridiculous crime around these places and that doesn’t even touch on the illegal grow that has exploded in legalized states. Legalizing brought the black market big time, because the risk was low if caught, and demand was high because of the high price of legalized weed. Taxes made the black market product a lot lower in price. There are illegal growers in our parks nationally. -using harmful illegal pesticides that stay on the plant & people ingest this unknowingly
Legalizing has problems they aren’t fixing. It’s like building a plane while it’s flying. They really are clueless in what they’re doing.
I agree with medical establishment always drugging patients but they never learned about natural remedies. (Nutrition too.)
Yep, our bureaucratic systems became a cancer for society. We are eaten from inside out by parasites. Maybe Kennedy can turn it around. He is talking the talk, can he walk the walk?
I liked his Fauci book but I’m not sure I agree with his thoughts on climate change. I’m so shocked that people would actually vote for Biden. 🙈 WHY??!! I’m starting to think it’s all controlled. Or a lot of it. I think Trump disrupted the “ plan.” That’s why they went rabid everyday with him as President. I’m just super disappointed in our country & my hope is in God. HE can turn this whole thing around but we need to do the heavy lifting. We allowed the whole reason this country was developed, “ one Nation, under GOD, “ to be forgotten. We are nothing without HIM. This pandemic is spiritual warfare & it’s going to get real. I wish you the best. Maybe write a book instead of fighting the current system. Or counsel people online & charge a fee?
I have M.S. & not opposed to using marijuana if I need it, in the future, for pain, or whatever.
I just see that as a gov. regulated business it’s a disaster. There’s not enough over site because they don’t hire enough officers to check compliance. Just like low police officers.
Thank you for your heartfelt and honest response and for taking the time to address the issue from your perspective. There is a lot in there so it will take time for me to respond appropriately. But, for a start: I am not picking on Alex. I responded to him because of his substack post. I share many concerns with him and you about the abuse of drugs by mostly young people. I just don't think fear-mongering and prohibition is the best solution, that's all. And because he is a big influencer I addressed him directly in the hope to have a debate on an important topic that affects us all. And I am happy you responded to debate it and I am confident we both get a little wiser doing it. I am tired of echo chambers.
Stumbled a bit over the idea that by "pushing for [...] decriminalisation, nothing is solved"? As in, it is not enough to legalise, but guidance is needed as well? Or did you mean "criminalisation"?
I was just introduced to your writing by Joel Smalley’s cross posting of your piece on stupid. I really enjoyed it, and was compelled to follow the link to this piece on AB and marijuana (I read TELL YOUR CHILDREN). You’ve done a nice job of balancing between advocate and personal responsibility. Your conclusions/advice on the stupid people article was liberating for me. I often find myself wondering how much my effort to “enlighten” people is based on my own ego’s need to document I’m “smart.” I share these compliments with you while also acknowledging that i’m a believer who came to spirituality/mysticism through the Episcopal/Christian church. So for reasons of habit/comfort/ballast/Pascal’s Wager I identify as Christian, but not in the traditional or institutional way. These issues of the brain are so multi-faceted/nuanced. I’m really enjoying your fine choice of language and ability to parse. Thanks, again, for sharing your thoughts.
Great article, topic has been one I've been pondering for a while now. Berenson is a smart guy who seems to get what damage Big Pharma can do but is doing their dirty work with regards to cannabis. How can he not understand that the symptoms he describes are most likely caused by pharmaceuticals like SSRIs and anti-psychotics? The fact Berenson blames cannabis, rather than big pharma, shows a level of cognitive dissonance that is truly hard to grasp. How can you see the evil done by these companies with regards to covid and then turn around and believe all the other meds they peddle aren't just as dangerous? Cannabis is nothing but a healing plant that was gifted to us from the gods. It has helped me to get off the painkiller merry go around and become much more acquainted with my true self, there's nothing remotely dangerous about it unless you either A. abuse the shit out it or B. start to believe that it is bad for you. Look at all the media messaging around Cannabis for the past 50+ years, either you'll become a maniac who does nothing but eat and laugh at cartoons or your one toke of a joint will lead you to smoking crack ala Hunter Biden. As most people get their perspectives, and beliefs, from the media that's what everyone thought would happen if you smoked weed, utterly ridiculous bullshit. I never, and mean never, get the munchies from using cannabis and I am a daily user(use it much more medicinally now then when I was younger, great way to alleviate anxiety). Berenson did a lot of good exposing Big Pharma during covid, it's really too bad his views on cannabis come straight from the anti-drug commercials from the 80s.
I find Berenson quite puzzling and inconsistent.
Occasionally, he puts out some logical and good stuff. Only to be followed by stuff that fits into different logic. How I see it at the moment, and I might be wrong, just an instinct, is this:
He fluctuates wildly between a greedy ego-state that likes to draw attention by writing polarised sensational articles like the Marijuana and Opiat ones recently. That's the trained journalist creating clickbait to have loyal, paying, hardcore polarised followers. It's still the best way to make some money on Substack.
I also found his direct attack on Malone on one of the live TV shows odd. It came out of nowhere. I found it weird and cheap. Some attention seeking.
On the other hand, now and then, he drops this attention-seeking "I am a big influencer" ego state and works for the common good. But this flip-flopping doesn't make him trustworthy at all. So I get tired of him—almost a waste of time.
His opiate articles are so full of logical holes that I could not even be bothered to form a response anymore.
Agreed. I think this is a useful working theory on AB. Add in his occasional pining to be accepted back by the NYT, and one can see his ego shine through powerfully.
There is some comparison here with alcohol, which by the way is the most deadly & dangerous psychoactive substance in the world. But in some cultures, eg France & Italy, there is a very low incidence of addiction, and also a low incidence of negative health outcomes from it.
We can only speculate about the reason for this (since correlation is not causation) - but it is thought that this is because in those cultures, alcohol is mostly used as part of the social structure: at meals, for social occasions, etc.
Whereas in other cultures, young people are left to access alcohol as a forbidden substance - and so we have the binge drinking at every University Orientation Week, and so on.
I haven't read Alex Berenson's book on marijuana, but I did read his "Pandemia" book, and found him a bit of an opinionated wanker, putting himself forward as the sole voice of truth in those early days, a lone brave warrior (in his own eyes) banned from Twitter for his stance. More pertinently, he showed himself as pretty clueless about the medical/scientific side of things.
Quoting from my own Amazon review of "Pandemia": "For example, Berenson accepts Fauci as AIDS saviour at Fauci's own self-evaluation, with no mention of Fauci's funding rackets & empty promises about working on an AIDS vaccine. Yet he dismisses claims about "long covid", and throws in a few swipes at conditions such as fibromylagia, chronic fatigue, and Lyme disease, with a jaw-dropping assumption that Medicine would now understand these conditions if they were real."
Anyway, my personal feeling from reading what I did of his work is that his opinion about marijuana is probably not worth considering.
So I won't.
Personally, I have not made my mind up about marijuana. When I was young, it was a fairly mild weed, one that I did not myself take to but I never knew anyone who was seriously adversely affected by it.
Later, I noticed that people who smoked regularly seemed to have a sort of emotional bluntedness, as though there was a layer of insulation around them that prevented a sense of real contact.
At that time, I also became aware that most of the pot available was no longer the mild weed of my youth, but a much more potent variety of specially bred high-THC hydroponically grown cannabis.
And as a clinical psychologist in a psych ward, I also became aware that some young schizophrenic patients had had their illness triggered by cannabis use - though it was generally held that these patients also had some susceptibility from other factors as well.
Living in a country (Australia) where cannabis is mostly still illegal (or not easily obtainable legally), I can't really comment on the issues around legalisation and the use of medical marijuana.
However, I'm inclined to agree that demonising cannabis is probably an over-simplification of a very complex issue - or several complex issues. As with all medicinal plants (and alcohol too), it needs to be used wisely, with respect and careful intention. All these substances can cause problems if abused. That's no reason to ban them.
I agree with all of what you say.
I think alcohol is one of the most dangerous and toxic drugs. But I love it in the European way you describe it. I drink a glass of red wine with food almost every night. Occasionally I use Schnaps or digestives after a heavy meal. It works for me.
Whenever I drink a little more, I suffer more than from any other drug I have ever used. Yet, they are demonised, and I am working on an article trying to understand what's behind it. One thing is sure: It is not because those in power worry about our health. If that's the case, they will prohibit sugar, rancid fats, fast food, soft drinks, and artificial ingredients tomorrow. These things kill way more people than any drugs. Not that I think prohibiting would work wit food either. I am all for awareness and education.
When I grew up in German in the 70ties, there was no restriction for teenagers drinking alcohol—our youth centre, packed with teenagers aged 14 to 20, sold beer to everyone. So we sometimes went to a pub for our lunch breaks, had half a litre of beer with our lunch, and then returned to school. We were 15 or 16. No problem. The teachers would not even notice it.
We were allowed in any pub or nightclub aged sixteen, if not younger. It was scarce that someone binged or got drunk. I usually had two to three beers for a night out. So did my friends. If someone got drunk and got all silly and stupid, it wasn't cool amongst peers.
There was some social messaging out there we all followed:
1. If you can't handle the drink, don't drink.
2. Drinking is never an excuse not to show up at work or school the next day.
I travelled around Europe, and it was similar in Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and France regarding alcohol.
However, England was different. Much more binge drinking and acting out. This was exported to America, Australia and NZ.
According to some NZ friends, this goes back to "the six o'clock swell". England, for some time, closed pubs at six o'clock. Workers would flock in at five o'clock and drink as much as possible in that one hour. Same in NZ. It was later extended to 10 o'clock. But it was a form of prohibition. Those friends think that was the onset of all binge drinking.
The other countries that struggled with binge drinking and alcoholism in the seventies were in Scandinavia. They used massive taxes to make alcohol expensive. I remember taking a ferry to Sweden which provided tax-free alcohol, and the Swedes on board just hammered themselves relentlessly and got horribly drunk, spewing all over the ferry. It was terrible.
We know from the alcohol prohibition in America in the 1920ties that prohibition doesn't work. It created the Mafia. We know from the "war on drugs" that prohibition doesn't work. It made the drug cartels.
We know it is a critical developmental stage for teenagers and young adults to oppose and reject norms and rules. However, if you prohibit drugs and alcohol for that age group, all you get is the opposite.
I once was at a party in NZ. Most people were in their 30ties and 40ties. A lot of pot was smoked. The son, aged 17, of the hosts, was there too. His parents were recreational pot smokers. I noticed that he didn't smoke. I asked him why. He replied: "Pot? No way. I am not doing what my parents do. I prefer beer."
Prohibit it, and you make it interesting for many young people. But, unfortunately, that's what most people don't get.
Ma Mu, why pick on Alex Berenson when there are so many that have written books on pot? Is it because he IS popular on Substack? And why NOW? The book has been out since 2019. Kevin Sabet has a more current book “ Smokescreen”, published in 2021 & I’m sure has just as many studies and facts you would disagree with. Big Tobacco & Big Government are the villains in this “profit over people” with pot. Alex is not the bad guy here, he is the author of a book that compiled the most current data, and presented the new high THC marijuana industry. Many, including myself, were unaware of the many new marijuana products being sold targeting kids specifically. Bright, fun colored wrapping held these variety of candies that held the highest THC levels to ever exist. What did all this mean? Isn’t it “just pot”, how bad could it be?
Of course, in the perfect world, we would have someone like you that could walk us through the pros & cons of this strain or that edible, but we don’t. Even if we did, could it prevent or help whatever ails our inner turbulence of unconsciousness? Maybe.
Maybe take a trip to Seattle and see the dozens of lost souls, openly shooting up & smoking heroine & meth. Fentanyl has been pretty popular to self medicate & search for that awakening you talk about. Dozens of addicts on EVERY corner. Locals don’t even go downtown anymore. It’s not to respect these people’s journey to find nirvana, it’s fucking dangerous. And no, it’s NOT the drug, it’s the user we are afraid of.
I’ll agree that the “ help” industry is on steroids here and also in Portland. It’s not to help the addict, it’s to keep the addict, ... well addicted. There’s a lot of money in this. We have seen our drug & homeless numbers double, and then double again. Probably double again after that too. And guess when it ALL started. No kidding, I was here & so we’re many others to watch with our own eyes. It was when marijuana was legalized.
Yep! That started the entire party. Did you know most government Senators & Congressmen have a personal stake in the pot business? Whether it’s ownership, or stocks, they are all in. No wonder the big national push to legalize this. Colorado was first and actually they have accurate data on year to year increased use by kids & increased traffic accidents, suicides, & the lust goes on & on. I know, it’s all causality, it’s not proof. Really?! When, the graph spikes after legalization, it’s pretty hard to deny.
I also followed the pesticides used on this product & how many growers that get caught is staggering nationally. Here’s a local article and current.
https://apnews.com/article/cannabis-marijuana-pesticide-1c373bd0fbdf570f401e33138a594719
This isn’t rare, it’s the norm. Plus, you talked about standardization when pot is legal? That’s a joke because there’s no such thing.
From potency to pesticides it’s buyer beware.
I asked an employee once about it, he was suppose to be smartest guy there and basically he told me “ it’s a plant, all plant strains grow & their potency can change from harvest to harvest. “. Hmm.. ok. So how do you know what you’re getting? Basically you don’t, he said. No kidding, this was our conversation in Tacoma, Wa.
This product has still not been studied enough. It’s like Covid vaccines, our cities that have legalized, are living experiments.
And have you seen New York & San Francisco lately? Can you get some 1 on 1 to all those users that are having emotional hardships? They are causing increased violence & homelessness, so can you hurry? I know, it’s NOT the drugs, it’s the incompetent users. 🙈
Lastly, the reason I became so passionate about this is because I have a son that smoked pot, a LOT of pot, & now suffers from schizo. disorder. We never have got a firm diagnosis , but it always starts with schizophrenia or personality disorders. He has been to almost every mental health facility in western Wa. at least once. My husband, you’ll love this, even took him to Mexico to work with ayahuasca specialist.
He has never been on anti-depressants or meds like Lithium, or all the Benzo meds. He just didn’t respond or want them. He takes a really low dose of Aripripozole & does ok.
He has his days but he will never be the same kid I knew before pot. You may not believe it but mom’s know. They just do. And this wasn’t brought on by anything else. He hadn’t done anything else until after we had the psych. break’s & diagnosis’s. 2-3 years later it was everything. Meth, Heroine, mushrooms, etc.
There are a lot more moms like me. To tell them this has no correlation is like telling them childbirth doesn’t hurt, or their child isn’t theirs. Like telling someone it’s not raining, but you see and feel the rain. Say whatever you want about Alex, but he helped me through a long road of questions. He had the answers. Cited and legit science too, not “ Fauci” science. ( Big Pharma studies bought & paid from prestigious colleges)
The entire experience even inspired me to fight to keep a city outside Seattle from having dispensaries. True David & Goliath story but we won. Never underestimate a mother’s determination or willpower. We will need this getting through the global elite- (Covid poison shots )genocide.
Sorry, this got so long but sometimes the truth is worth the time. Alex B. doesn’t need me to defend him but he has me anyway.
You going after him, makes me wonder your true intent because you are wrong about his book & about pot. At least the new pot, not the Woodstock pot. It makes you look desperate for attention & foolish in your thought processes. This is real world stuff, not what you describe as unconscious yearnings to fix thoughts by self medicating.
Legalizing weed was the worst thing Seattle did and will be the worst, for many other states that follow.
I hear you: Greed and drugs don't mix well. And young people are more vulnerable. But this can be easily fixed within a legalised framework. I would fully support only allowing the actual plant to be sold legally. Those pens and other products are terrible. And why not restrict it to those over 25 or 30 years of age? I would allow for exemptions if an older responsible sponsor signs it off for psychotherapeutic, therapeutic or spiritual use.
All this can and should have been managed with legalisation. These are not reasons to make it illegal again. For every mostly young person abusing it and getting addicted to it, you have dozens of users that use it in a responsible and healing way.
It is also no reason to demonise Marijuana. While it is a dangerous drug, especially if abused by young people who often haven't developed the maturity and life experience to deal with unsettling psychological and emotional experiences, there is an ethical question to consider. Is it fair to ask the majority of responsible users that greatly benefit from Marijuana to be denied in order to protect a small irresponsible group?
How is this different from asking a big group of healthy young men at minimal risk from Covid to be forced to take a potentially harmful vaccine to protect a small group of compromised old people?
Big pharma and the medical-industrial complex are already controlling most of our medications. We have to fight for every natural remedy to stay freely available for everyone that needs it.
I am sorry to hear about your son. I had similar experiences to you in the past. I also worked professionally with addicts. It is soul-destroying. I did see many coming out good on the other side, though. Don't lose hope. As long we keep them safe and support them, they work through whatever they need to work through. And as soon he is ready and really wants out, he will. The AA system is still one of the most successful. His founder, by the way, was a big fan of psychedelics, and without them, AA might not exist.
There is always a reason why someone is addicted to drugs. Like it or not - but the drug gives them something they need. However, the side-effects of abusing a drug are severe and they have to learn that the hard way because our culture never taught them from early on how to use them safely and beneficially.
My son is doing ok, thanks. It’s been a rough road. The Covid vaccine isn’t a vaccine, it’s a bioweapon that is killing people. There’s nothing “ potentially harmful” about it. It’s completely and proven harmful by hundreds of independent Dr.s & researchers. We are at war. There wasn’t a way for younger people to “protect” the compromised. This poison was always unable to stop transmission.
Legalization has been a joke and yes it “ should be managed” but it isn’t. Our gov. can’t manage anything. Pro-pot promised safety in and around the dispensaries as well.
Lots of security guards, cameras, etc. they promised and said that safety would be a non-issue. Well, it’s an issue. We have had hundreds of robberies and murders of dispensary employees. Absolutely ridiculous crime around these places and that doesn’t even touch on the illegal grow that has exploded in legalized states. Legalizing brought the black market big time, because the risk was low if caught, and demand was high because of the high price of legalized weed. Taxes made the black market product a lot lower in price. There are illegal growers in our parks nationally. -using harmful illegal pesticides that stay on the plant & people ingest this unknowingly
Legalizing has problems they aren’t fixing. It’s like building a plane while it’s flying. They really are clueless in what they’re doing.
I agree with medical establishment always drugging patients but they never learned about natural remedies. (Nutrition too.)
Yep, our bureaucratic systems became a cancer for society. We are eaten from inside out by parasites. Maybe Kennedy can turn it around. He is talking the talk, can he walk the walk?
I liked his Fauci book but I’m not sure I agree with his thoughts on climate change. I’m so shocked that people would actually vote for Biden. 🙈 WHY??!! I’m starting to think it’s all controlled. Or a lot of it. I think Trump disrupted the “ plan.” That’s why they went rabid everyday with him as President. I’m just super disappointed in our country & my hope is in God. HE can turn this whole thing around but we need to do the heavy lifting. We allowed the whole reason this country was developed, “ one Nation, under GOD, “ to be forgotten. We are nothing without HIM. This pandemic is spiritual warfare & it’s going to get real. I wish you the best. Maybe write a book instead of fighting the current system. Or counsel people online & charge a fee?
I have M.S. & not opposed to using marijuana if I need it, in the future, for pain, or whatever.
I just see that as a gov. regulated business it’s a disaster. There’s not enough over site because they don’t hire enough officers to check compliance. Just like low police officers.
Thank you for your heartfelt and honest response and for taking the time to address the issue from your perspective. There is a lot in there so it will take time for me to respond appropriately. But, for a start: I am not picking on Alex. I responded to him because of his substack post. I share many concerns with him and you about the abuse of drugs by mostly young people. I just don't think fear-mongering and prohibition is the best solution, that's all. And because he is a big influencer I addressed him directly in the hope to have a debate on an important topic that affects us all. And I am happy you responded to debate it and I am confident we both get a little wiser doing it. I am tired of echo chambers.
Spot on!
Stumbled a bit over the idea that by "pushing for [...] decriminalisation, nothing is solved"? As in, it is not enough to legalise, but guidance is needed as well? Or did you mean "criminalisation"?
I was just introduced to your writing by Joel Smalley’s cross posting of your piece on stupid. I really enjoyed it, and was compelled to follow the link to this piece on AB and marijuana (I read TELL YOUR CHILDREN). You’ve done a nice job of balancing between advocate and personal responsibility. Your conclusions/advice on the stupid people article was liberating for me. I often find myself wondering how much my effort to “enlighten” people is based on my own ego’s need to document I’m “smart.” I share these compliments with you while also acknowledging that i’m a believer who came to spirituality/mysticism through the Episcopal/Christian church. So for reasons of habit/comfort/ballast/Pascal’s Wager I identify as Christian, but not in the traditional or institutional way. These issues of the brain are so multi-faceted/nuanced. I’m really enjoying your fine choice of language and ability to parse. Thanks, again, for sharing your thoughts.