The surveys were conducted in October, before passage of the I-502. The next healthy youth survey will be more useful in sorting out the effects of legalization under 1-502 and the funding of prevention education.
This is still useful, though, in examining the claim that "As the perception of harm goes down, use goes up." Cigarettes stink, are addictive, and kill people. Are we really surprised that cannabis is regarded more favorably?
That said, it wouldn't be bad if they'd poll for the accuracy of perception of harm, not just vague statements of whether it's pretty bad or not so bad. We should absolutely be concerned with kids having useful knowledge about the relative risks of recreational activities, extra-specially risks that are higher for the developing brain.
The AP story I found does not include any figures. Was that graph included in the state report? If so, the graph title is very (deliberately) misleading; the casual viewer reading the large-font header and not looking at the footnotes will assume that the dark green line is elevated pot use and the light green line is peoples' perception of risk, when it's just the opposite.
This story would be improved by links to the AP story and to the state report, if it was released on-line.
Also, blowhard pot activists take note: 81% of 10th graders DON'T smoke pot. "Everybody" does not smoke pot; for this example, pot has little relevance to the lives of 81% of high-school students.
I voted for legalization and I'm thrilled that it happened, and I'm excited about it ameliorating racial imbalances in incarceration rates etc. etc., but it might be good to keep in mind: most people really just don't give a shit about pot one way or the other.
Re: 7, should have read "...very (deliberately?) misleading..."
Also, whichever line the casual reader decides represents risk, the header implies that significant perceived risk is being graphed; the footnote indicates that it's those who perceive little or no risk.
I know a 10th grader who took this survey, and it was definitely conducted BEFORE the November election. So whatever it purports to show, it has nothing whatsoever to do with the passage of I-502.
I think the reality is that actually engaging with kids so they will give a hoot what you tell them about the risks of various drugs is a lot more effective than tossing a few in prison. Very few public health problems can be solved by locking people up. Legalization also makes harm-reduction strategies easier to implement, and of course cuts out a lot of the more dangerous crime long associated with smuggling and dealing.
Just because something is legal, that does't mean it has to be healthy! Worrying about these
things is like worrying about alcohol-or poor
dietary choices leading to rotting teeth,pain and death. The dangers of pot smoking, no matter
how many or how few, do not warrant it being an illegal drug.
The AP story I found does not include any figures. Was that graph included in the state report? If so, the graph title is very (deliberately) misleading; the casual viewer reading the large-font header and not looking at the footnotes will assume that the dark green line is elevated pot use and the light green line is peoples' perception of risk, when it's just the opposite.
This story would be improved by links to the AP story and to the state report, if it was released on-line.
The data pre-dates I502. We have no idea yet how I502 will affect pot use. Great journalism, Dominic.
I voted for legalization and I'm thrilled that it happened, and I'm excited about it ameliorating racial imbalances in incarceration rates etc. etc., but it might be good to keep in mind: most people really just don't give a shit about pot one way or the other.
Also, whichever line the casual reader decides represents risk, the header implies that significant perceived risk is being graphed; the footnote indicates that it's those who perceive little or no risk.
I know a 10th grader who took this survey, and it was definitely conducted BEFORE the November election. So whatever it purports to show, it has nothing whatsoever to do with the passage of I-502.
And why is pot twice as popular as tobacco? Have you ever done a side by side test?
things is like worrying about alcohol-or poor
dietary choices leading to rotting teeth,pain and death. The dangers of pot smoking, no matter
how many or how few, do not warrant it being an illegal drug.