What Can We Learn from the Dutch Cannabis Coffeeshop Experience?

MacCoun, Robert J.

doi:10.7249/wr768

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Studies have found that overall, cannabis decriminalization or depenalization have generally not been associated with increased rates of use (Greenwald, 2009; Hughes & Stevens, 2010; MacCoun, 2010a; MacCoun & Reuter, 2011; Vuolo, 2013). However, results from some studies suggest temporary increases in prevalence of recent use in some subgroups after a form of decriminalization is implemented (e.g., Dutch coffee shop decriminalization) (Kilmer, Caulkins, Pacula, MacCoun, & Reuter, 2010; MacCoun, 2010b). It is unknown whether similar policies would have comparable effects elsewhere (e.g., in more heterogeneous areas) (Kleiman, Caulkins, & Hawken, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Correlates of intentions to use cannabis among US high school seniors in the case of cannabis legalization

Palamar¹,

Ompad²,

Petkova³

2014

International Journal of Drug Policy

114

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Background Support for cannabis (“marijuana”) legalization is increasing in the United States (US). Use was recently legalized in two states and in Uruguay, and other states and countries are expected to follow suit. This study examined intentions to use among US high school seniors if cannabis were to become legally available. Methods Data from the last five cohorts (2007–2011) of high school seniors in Monitoring the Future, an annual nationally representative survey of students in the US were utilized. Data were analyzed separately for the 6,116 seniors who reported no lifetime use of cannabis and the 3,828 seniors who reported lifetime use (weighted Ns). We examined whether demographic characteristics, substance use and perceived friend disapproval towards cannabis use were associated with 1) intention to try cannabis among non-lifetime users, and 2) intention to use cannabis as often or more often among lifetime users, if cannabis was legal to use. Results Ten percent of non-cannabis-using students reported intent to initiate use if legal and this would constitute a 5.6% absolute increase in lifetime prevalence of cannabis use in this age group from 45.6% (95% CI=46.6, 44.6) to 51.2% (95% CI=50.2, 52.2). Eighteen percent of lifetime users reported intent to use cannabis more often if it was legal. Odds for intention to use outcomes increased among groups already at high risk for use (e.g., males, whites, cigarette smokers) and odds were reduced when friends disapproved of use. However, large proportions of subgroups of students normally at low risk for use (e.g., non-cigarette-smokers, religious students, those with friends who disapprove of use) reported intention to use if legal. Recent use was also a risk factor for reporting intention to use as often or more often. Conclusion Prevalence of cannabis use is expected to increase if cannabis is legal to use and legally available.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Correlates of intentions to use cannabis among US high school seniors in the case of cannabis legalization

Palamar¹,

Ompad²,

Petkova³

2014

International Journal of Drug Policy

114

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“…Because underground alcohol distributors were also engaged in other black markets, Prohibition may have given habitual drinkers ready access to many other illicit goods and services. More recently, the Netherlands decided to permit the sale of cannabis in coffee shops precisely because policymakers were worried that gateway effects might occur when users of cannabis seek out markets and networks that also sell harder drugs (MacCoun 2010).…”

Section: Theory: Gateway Effects In Information Accessmentioning

confidence: 99%

How Sudden Censorship Can Increase Access to Information

2018

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Conventional wisdom assumes that increased censorship will strictly decrease access to information. We delineate circumstances when increases in censorship expand access to information for a substantial subset of the population. When governments suddenly impose censorship on previously uncensored information, citizens accustomed to acquiring this information will be incentivized to learn methods of censorship evasion. These evasion tools provide continued access to the newly blocked information—and also extend users’ ability to access information that has long been censored. We illustrate this phenomenon using millions of individual-level actions of social media users in China before and after the block of Instagram. We show that the block inspired millions of Chinese users to acquire virtual private networks, and that these users subsequently joined censored websites like Twitter and Facebook. Despite initially being apolitical, these new users began browsing blocked political pages on Wikipedia, following Chinese political activists on Twitter, and discussing highly politicized topics such as opposition protests in Hong Kong.

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“…There is now a plethora of reports noting the persistence of cannabis use, the number of arrests and numbers of hectares cultivated as well as the serious medical problems associated with taking the drug (UNODC, 2009/10; ACPO, 2010; Hoare, 2009). Equally, there is a growing body of rigorous literature from those who campaign for change and decriminalisation, producing alternative statistics on use, scientific harm indices and reports which contradict the aforementioned messages of harm (Nutt et al, 2007;Rawlins et al, 2008;MacCoun, 2010). We do not want to rehash this debate here.…”

mentioning

confidence: 92%