A new study looked at pairs of twins where one twin lived in a recreational cannabis legalization state and the other lived in a state where it remained illegal and found the following:
- Somewhat greater self-reported levels of cannabis use among those living in legalization states, but they were no more likely to experience negative consequences as a result of their cannabis use.
- Both groups consumed alcohol at similar rates, but those living in legalization states reported fewer negative consequences from their alcohol use.
- No significant difference in tobacco or other controlled substance use between the two groups.
This dovetails nicely with a previous study that finds that alcohol use disorders are also less likely in co-twins who live in legalization states as well (and also no increase in psychosis either).
No increase in adverse consequences of cannabis use (check), decrease in adverse consequences of alcohol use (check), and no increase in tobacco or other drug use (check). And no increase in psychosis either. Both the gateway theory and Reefer Madness have thus been thoroughly debunked, at least insofar as they relate to legalization. Ditto for any alleged associations with (non-victimless) crime as well, especially violence. Such robust research findings slaughter so many of the sacred cows of the prohibitionists, that it's time to have a barbecue.
People should be allowed to make their own decisions. Medical fascism should not dictate the reasons why Cannabis legalization has not occured in a certain place. In a society founded on individual liberty and personal responsibility, there should be no reason why Cannabis legalization has not occured everywhere. The studies show that Cannabis legalization is not a bad thing. If the societal culture was changed to emphasize individual liberty and personal responsibility, then legalization of Cannabis would certainly continue.
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