Reefer Madness-style myths about cannabis will not go away. In fact, these narratives are still trotted out all the time in debates about real-world policy change. The problem is that many of these narratives—possibly all of them—are grounded more in cultural misperceptions than actual research. For the most recent example of how these myths are used check out the way this doctor warns voters about supposed dangers of marijuana.
Talking About Weed in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is currently embroiled in a debate about whether or not to legalize medical marijuana. Voters in the state are set to vote on a medical marijuana bill this summer.
Now, in the months leading up to the vote, campaigning efforts from both sides of the issue are ramping up. Most recently, the anti-weed group Oklahomans Against 788 has become outspoken in its efforts to convince people to vote against the bill.
One of the group’s biggest gripes is that edibles will look too much like candy, which will lead young children to accidentally eat them.
Additionally, a doctor from Texas joined the group’s efforts. Addiction psychiatrist Harold Urschel spoke to the Oklahoma Medical Board yesterday. His mission: convince everyone that cannabis is extremely dangerous.
According to local news station KOCO News 5, Urschel told the Board the following:
“It changes how your mood states, messes with your sleep. For teenagers, it decreases your IQ by eight points, which is a significant drop. It causes significant risk of heart attacks, lung cancer. Doubles your risk of stroke.”
From there, Urschel went on to describe the horrors of becoming addicted to weed.
“The better high you get, the more addicting it is, but also the more you get into