cannabisnews.com: No 'Smoking' Gun 










  No 'Smoking' Gun 

Posted by CN Staff on December 04, 2006 at 09:32:28 PT
Press Release 
Source: EurekAlert  

Pittsburgh, PA -- Marijuana is not a “gateway” drug that predicts or eventually leads to substance abuse, suggests a 12-year University of Pittsburgh study. Moreover, the study’s findings call 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.The Pitt researchers tracked 214 boys beginning at ages 10-12, all of whom eventually used either legal or illegal drugs. When the boys reached age 22, they were categorized into three groups: those who used only alcohol or tobacco, those who started with alcohol and tobacco and then used marijuana (gateway sequence) and those who used marijuana prior to alcohol or tobacco (reverse sequence).
Nearly a quarter of the study population who used both legal and illegal drugs at some point – 28 boys – exhibited the reverse pattern of using marijuana prior to alcohol or tobacco, and those individuals were no more likely to develop a substance use disorder than those who followed the traditional succession of alcohol and tobacco before illegal drugs, according to the study, which appears in this month’s issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry.“The gateway progression may be the most common pattern, but it’s certainly not the only order of drug use,” said Ralph E. Tarter, Ph.D., professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and lead author of the study. “In fact, the reverse pattern is just as accurate for predicting who might be at risk for developing a drug dependence disorder.”In addition to determining whether the gateway hypothesis was a better predictor of substance abuse than competing theories, the investigators sought to identify characteristics that distinguished users in the gateway sequence from those who took the reverse path. Out of the 35 variables they examined, only three emerged to be differentiating factors: Reverse pattern users were more likely to have lived in poor physical neighborhood environments, had more exposure to drugs in their neighborhoods and had less parental involvement as young children. Most importantly, a general inclination for deviance from sanctioned behaviors, which can become evident early in childhood, was strongly associated with all illicit drug use, whether it came in the gateway sequence, or the reverse.While the gateway theory posits that each type of drug is associated with certain specific risk factors that cause the use of subsequent drugs, such as cigarettes or alcohol leading to marijuana, this study’s findings indicate that environmental aspects have stronger influence on which type of substance is used. That is, if it’s easier for a teen to get his hands on marijuana than beer, then he’ll be more likely to smoke pot. This evidence supports what’s known as the common liability model, an emerging theory that states the likelihood that someone will transition to the use of illegal drugs is determined not by the preceding use of a particular drug but instead by the user’s individual tendencies and environmental circumstances. “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,” Dr. Tarter said. “To become more effective in our efforts to fight drug abuse, we should devote more attention to interventions that address these issues, particularly to parenting skills that shape the child’s behavior as well as peer and neighborhood environments.” Indeed, according to the study, interventions focusing on behavior modification may be more effective prevention tactics than current anti-drug initiatives. For example, providing guidance to parents – particularly those in high-risk neighborhoods – on how to boost their caregiving skills and foster bonding with their children, could have a measurable effect on a child’s likelihood to smoke marijuana. Also, early identification of children who exhibit antisocial tendencies could allow for interventions before drug use even begins. Although this research has significant implications for drug abuse prevention approaches, Dr. Tarter notes that the study has some limitations. First, as only male behaviors were studied, further investigation should explore if the results apply to women as well. Also, the examination of behaviors in phases beyond alcohol and marijuana consumption in the gateway series will be necessary.Contact: Jocelyn Uhl Duffy:  UhlJH upmc.edu Phone: (412) 647-3555Fax: (412) 624-3184Contact: Kelli McElhinny: McElhinnyKM upmc.edu412-647-3555University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Other study authors include Michael Vanyukov, Ph.D., and Maureen Reynolds, Ph.D., and Levent Kirisci, Ph.D., also of the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy; and Duncan Clark, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The research was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.Complete Title: No 'Smoking' Gun -- Research Indicates Teen Marijuana Use Does Not Predict Drug, Alcohol AbuseSource: EurekAlert (DC)Published: December 4, 2006Copyright: 2006 American Association for the Advancement of Science Contact: jsheehy psg.ucsf.eduWebsite: http://www.eurekalert.org/CannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml

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Comment #18 posted by FoM on December 05, 2006 at 19:42:00 PT
ekim
It was in 2004. That really was a time when people were worried about making any waves and they tried. Yes it will take the black community to stand up and speak out against Swat Teams and racial issues. The inner cities have become scary places and the harder the police push the more violence will occur. They need peace in the cities and they need jobs so people don't have to sell drugs just to survive. It will be a monumental task if they really want to fix it I believe. There was a time that I wouldn't have been afraid to go to NYC but those days are gone.
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Comment #17 posted by ekim on December 05, 2006 at 19:26:54 PT
FoM what year is that Sen Med Bill
maybe now with the poor ol 92 year young woman being gunned down on Her own pourch and the shooting of 50 rounds at unarmed young men -- ending one life --will get the lead out of the NAACP and Rev All and Jessie.
Just like the war in the middle east those who are affected must take the lead -- to change the drug warif enought good Men 
and Woman stand and demand change 
to those that have said they desire to lead this
Great and most compassionate of Countries then by god 
demand that they do lead.
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Comment #16 posted by b4daylight on December 05, 2006 at 13:12:45 PT
Where?
Where did that 20 year study in ADAM go they could have just used that one to show all the things they did.. 
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on December 05, 2006 at 08:59:17 PT
dongenero
I watched a clip on Joe Scarborough from the Colbert Report and Colbert implied by jestering like smoking a joint that is how the Democrats are and people applauded and laughed. I thought that probably is very true. Democrats aren't really into drug issues I don't think but I do believe they will not fight against marijuana issues like the Republicans do.
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Comment #14 posted by dongenero on December 05, 2006 at 08:47:30 PT
Sen. Durbin's Bill - comment #6
I really like Senator Durbin. 
I think he does the right things for the people and for the right reasons. Maybe this Bill will pass now.
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on December 04, 2006 at 22:20:45 PT
whig
I know it won't happen because people would rather give money to a charity like St. Jude's Children's Hospital and then who would pay the politician's salaries? They would have to serve us for free. Fat chance that would ever happen. Talk to you tomorrow.
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Comment #12 posted by whig on December 04, 2006 at 22:01:06 PT
FoM
I like your idea except what some people might consider a charity is a problem. Think about right wing seperatists. It may happen.
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on December 04, 2006 at 21:15:31 PT
whig
For me it is the misuse of our money. A long time ago I said in an MSNBC News Chat that all I wish is that whatever money the government says we would owe that we could give that money to a charity instead. Everyone liked that idea but no one would give money to help fund a war then. They'd never allow that because war is big money.
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Comment #10 posted by whig on December 04, 2006 at 21:05:08 PT
Hope
It's not just that the taxes are too high, it's what the money is spent on -- killing people and imprisoning people and torturing people and not helping people as much as it hurts them. It needs to change I think.A lot of people have dropped out of paying taxes, too. Who can really blame them if this is what they are supposed to be paying for. Why should your money go to persecuting peaceful people?
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on December 04, 2006 at 18:24:23 PT

Taylor121
I wouldn't post anything about 911 truth because it isn't what cannabis news is about. Mayan has always kept people up on that. I don't want to do anything with drug issues mixed up with marijuana issues. It's like drug issues try to catch a ride on the marijuana issue and at our expense. I've seen it many times over the years.
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Comment #8 posted by Hope on December 04, 2006 at 16:46:56 PT

Taylor
If I were Sleeper I'd think it'd be a "profound mistake" to legalize, too. He "accepted a $1.75 million federal grant..."Yes, he would be profoundly without a 1.75 million dollars grant. That'll buy a lot of cop toys. Of course he thinks it would be a "profound mistake".It's about the money. And speaking of the money...not getting it...but having it taken from our labor...I'm so sick of being victim to the tax vampire our country has become.The government takes way too much from the middle and class and the poor. They take way too much and they waste so very much of it, if not most of it.
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Comment #7 posted by Taylor121 on December 04, 2006 at 16:11:38 PT

I know
I didn't expect you to post it anymore than you would post an article about 911 truth or something. I just wanted it up in the comments so people could read because some important things may be heating up in Vermont related to cannabis legalization. 
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on December 04, 2006 at 11:53:17 PT

Taylor121
I found this article. Medical marijuana seems to be ok.Excerpt from 2004: Sen. Durbin Introduces Medical Marijuana BillU.S. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL), joined by Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Jim Jeffords (I-VT), have introduced the first-ever Senate bill to ensure that federal juries hear the full story when medical marijuana patients and providers, operating legally under state law, are tried on federal marijuana charges.http://www.talkleft.com/story/2004/11/29/839/56943

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Comment #5 posted by FoM on December 04, 2006 at 11:30:08 PT

Taylor121
I don't like when they talk about drugs along with Cannabis. We get hurt by that. 
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Comment #4 posted by Taylor121 on December 04, 2006 at 11:26:42 PT

Interesting article
MONTPELIER — It would be a profound mistake to legalize drugs, according to Vermont's top law enforcement officer.Public Safety Commissioner Kerry Sleeper said he disagreed strongly with one of the state's veteran prosecutors, Windsor County State's Attorney Robert Sand, who last week said he wanted to spur a dialogue to examine whether drug laws were really helping Vermonters. Sand said he favored the legalization of drugs — "to get drugs out of the hands of criminals."Sleeper, who Friday accepted a $1.75 million federal grant from Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., to help fund Vermont's Drug Task Force, said that his main disagreement with Sand was over the effects of drug use.**SNIP**http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061204/NEWS/612040348/1002/NEWS01It mentions marijuana decriminalization towards the end of the article.
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on December 04, 2006 at 11:17:49 PT

MikeEEEEE 
I agree with you. If I had a child and I found out he or she was doing any substance including marijuana they would be lectured big time.This is an adult issue. Not an issue for children. Adults are being denied their rights because of what about the children. Children aren't allowed to drink alcohol but adults are allowed to drink alcohol.
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Comment #2 posted by whig on December 04, 2006 at 11:10:26 PT

MikeEEEEE
We can't close our eyes to the fact that teenagers are going to alter their consciousness. All things being equal, I'd rather it be cannabis than tobacco or alcohol. That doesn't mean I advocate teen use, but it's a comparatively safer alternative.
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Comment #1 posted by MikeEEEEE on December 04, 2006 at 11:05:19 PT

Children should not be the issue

"researchers tracked 214 boys beginning at ages 10-12"I don't think anybody here would agree that children should be using alcohol or any other drug.Leave the kids alone. But this idea won't stop the prohibitionists from using them.
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