Mental Health Parity Act still delayed; aging baby-boomers change the landscape of addictions
The Mental Health Parity Act should go into effect this summer, increasing the availability of addiction treatment, just as aging baby-boomers begin to need more treatment for the cumulative effects of addictions.
Re-evaluating drug laws-taxing, treatment and communities
California and Colorado are looking at legalizing and taxing marijuana, similar to alcohol. New Jersey just became the 14th state to allow medical marijuana use. We look at history of governments using addictions as a revenue source … and also issues of treatment, or lack thereof … and also an innovative South Dakota group working to create a grassroots, community effort to pick up where traditional treatment leaves off.
Increased use of Marijuana by teenagers reported
For over 30 yeras, Dr Lloyd Johnson at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research has been studying drug use by adolescents. A new report finds an increase in marijuana use, and a decrease in tobacco and binge drinking. Dr Inaba comments on some of the implications.
Medical Marijuana again in the news
New rules from the US Attorney General promises to change enforcement of medical marijuana. Dr Inaba shares some thoughts.
Colleges and beer, more pot growing in the forest
The issue of selling beer at college football games, and the increase in marijuana growing on our national forests are part of this weeks Addiction Radio podcast.
Designer Cannabinoids
… the term "Designer Cannabinoids" describes the recent growth of synthetic cannabinoid-like chemicals being sold as "incense" or "herbal smoking blends" on the internet and at head shops under a variety of trade names like Spice Gold®, … and Skunk®. These products were first sold in Europe and Canada around 2002 … they produced marijuana-like effects and seemed about four times stronger than marijuana