Legislators Urged to Further Reform the State’s Program to Protect Public Health and Safety
(HARTFORD, CT) – Dr. Kevin Sabet, President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and a former drug policy advisor to Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton, released the following statement in advance of the one-year anniversary of commercial marijuana sales in Connecticut:
“Trends across the nation have universally shown that commercial pot sales lead to more DUI accidents, more youth-use, more workplace accidents, a larger illicit marketand lower than expected tax revenue. Connecticut residents deserve full data transparency as soon as possible so they can have an honest, fact-based conversation about commercial THC drug sales.
“While the legislature should be commended for trying to combat the industry’s false narratives by already requiring clear warning labels that spell out the harms associated with marijuana and THC, these efforts alone will not stem the tide of addiction.
“When lawmakers return to Hartford next month they should immediately pass additional protections for public health and safety, including strict potency caps that prevent the industry from doing what it has done elsewhere – drive profits off demonstrably dangerous drugs that are increasingly associated with depression, suicidality, IQ loss, psychosis and schizophrenia, especially for young people. More can and must be done.