Americans consider marijuana to be significantly less dangerous than cigarettes, alcohol and opioids–and they say cannabis is less addictive than each of those substances, as well as technology–according to a new poll.
The American Psychiatric Association and Morning Consult released a survey last week that looked at the public’s opinion about the dangers of and addiction to six different substances.
In terms of marijuana, 38 per cent said it was “very or slightly unsafe.”
The majority of people regarded cigarettes as dangerous (84%) compared to alcohol (64%), prescription opioids (66%), non-prescription painkillers (75%), and vapes (76%). Only 23 percent of people rated technology as unsafe.
In another question, 64 per cent said cannabis could be addictive. This is a lower percentage than the other categories: cigarettes (87%), alcohol (84%) prescribed opioids (83%), non-prescribed painkillers (74%), vapes (81%) and technology (75%).
In a recent press release, APA President Petros Lvounis stated that “it is clear that the message has been received that cigarettes are addictive and dangerous.” We can prevent Americans from engaging in other addictive behaviors such as drinking alcohol or using technology.
He added that vaping was just as addictive, if it wasn’t more, than smoking cigarettes. “We can make sure people are aware of our safe and effective treatment options for substance abuse disorders as well as behavioral addictions. Addiction treatment is effective.”
When asked about the causes, 47 percent of respondents said it was due to “personal weakness.” However, 76 percent of respondents said that addiction is a condition that can be treated. Another 76 per cent said the condition can be prevented.
Also, 71 per cent of Americans said they would know how to assist someone in their lives who is struggling with addiction. While 58 percent of Americans said they were aware of the anti-overdose opioid drug naloxone in the event of a overdose, only 35 percent of respondents said they would know how to get the medication.
Saul Levin, APA’s CEO and Medical Director, said that opioids will kill more than 100,000 Americans by 2022. While it’s encouraging that the majority of Americans view substance use disorder (SUD) as a medical condition that can be treated, we can still do more to make sure that everyone in our community is aware of naloxone and that they can get access to it.
APA announced that it would launch a public education campaign on addiction. The campaign will initially focus on vaping, and then move on to opioids during the summer months, alcohol during the winter months and technology the following year. The campaign did not include cannabis.
The survey included interviews with 2201 adults between April 20-22. There was a +/-2 percent error margin.
In a New York survey released in March, 77 percent of respondents rated alcohol consumption as a “somewhat or very serious” public health issue. 46 percent rated cannabis consumption the same.
These findings are consistent with changing public perceptions about alcohol and marijuana nationwide, as fewer people view cannabis as a dangerous substance. This is happening as more states legalize the plant both for medical and recreational use. The public education campaign has also helped to increase awareness about the dangers of alcohol.
In addition, polls have shown that marijuana is used as an alternative medication to alcohol and prescription drugs.
According to a survey, one-fifth of those who participated in “Dry Jan” this year abstained alcohol and instead used cannabis to get through the month.
In a separate survey conducted last year, more Americans admitted to smoking marijuana or eating edibles containing cannabis during the past week than they did in the previous poll.
DEA Discusses the Legal Status of Minor Cannabinoids like THCA and Hydrogenated CBD
The post Marijuana Is Safer Than Alcohol And Cigarettes–And Is Less Addictive Than Technology–Americans Say In New Survey appeared first on Marijuana Moment.
