Surprising truths about legalizing cannabis | Ben Cort | TEDxMileHigh

Summary

In this thought-provoking talk, Ben Cort challenges the perception of legalized marijuana, highlighting the commercialization of THC over the natural qualities of cannabis. He emphasizes the rapid rise in THC potency and its implications for vulnerable communities, particularly minorities and low-income individuals, who are disproportionately affected by legal cannabis commercialization. Cort advocates for separating medicinal uses from recreational consumption and urges for greater scrutiny of the industry, likening it to past consumer exploitation in tobacco and food industries. His call for awareness and accountability encourages a more informed approach to cannabis consumption.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Takeaway 1: The language of food has evolved, introducing terms like 'free-range' and 'organically produced,' which now also apply to the cannabis industry.
• 🧪 Takeaway 2: CBD offers medicinal properties without intoxication, while THC is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
• 📈 Takeaway 3: Over the past 40 years, the THC content in cannabis has dramatically increased due to advanced cultivation techniques and commercial pressures.
• ⚠️ Takeaway 4: Commercial growers often use pesticides and fertilizers that raise health concerns, sometimes requiring workers to wear protective gear.
• 🚨 Takeaway 5: Legalization of cannabis has not reduced arrest rates for minority youth; in fact, it has led to increased arrests for cannabis-related offenses among these groups.
• 💰 Takeaway 6: The cannabis market is driven by profits, often prioritizing THC consumption over the medicinal aspects of cannabis.
• 🌍 Takeaway 7: Income and race are correlated, with lower-income individuals being more likely to consume THC products, exacerbating existing social inequalities.
• 🏳️‍🌈 Takeaway 8: The LGBTQ community has higher THC consumption rates and faces compounded mental health challenges, emphasizing the need for awareness.
• 🔍 Takeaway 9: It's crucial to separate the medicinal use of cannabis from commercial THC consumption to foster informed discussions and decisions.
• 🤔 Takeaway 10: The speaker advocates for critical questioning of the cannabis industry's practices, urging the community to demand better standards and accountability.

Q & A

What trend is being observed in food terminology, particularly in Colorado?

Terms like 'free-range,' 'farm-to-table,' and 'organically produced' have become common as people are more conscious of how food affects their bodies and the environment.

What is the main concern regarding the cannabis industry mentioned in the transcript?

The concern is that the cannabis industry is misleading consumers into believing they are consuming something natural while it may actually be highly manipulated and commercialized THC, not the natural cannabis plant.

What two primary chemicals in cannabis are highlighted in the script?

The two main chemicals discussed are CBD (cannabidiol), which has medicinal properties and is non-intoxicating, and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is responsible for the psychoactive effects.

How has the percentage of THC in cannabis changed over the years?

THC levels in cannabis have significantly increased from less than half a percent before the 1970s to over 30 percent in commercial products today due to selective cultivation and chemical manipulation.

What impact has commercialization had on the cannabis market?

Commercialization has led to a concentration of profits among large corporations, pushing out small growers, and creating products that are often far more potent than naturally occurring cannabis.

What statistics are presented regarding the arrest rates of minority populations since legalization?

Since the legalization of marijuana in Colorado, arrest rates for Hispanic youth have increased by 29% and for Black youth by 58%, while arrests for white youth have decreased by 8%.

What is the stance of the speaker regarding the relationship between cannabis use and the LGBTQ community?

The speaker notes that members of the LGBTQ community are more than twice as likely to consume THC and also face higher rates of mental illness, suggesting a need for careful consideration of how cannabis products affect this community.

What does the speaker propose regarding the distinction between medicinal cannabis and commercial THC products?

The speaker advocates for a clear separation between medicinal uses of cannabis and the commercial THC market, emphasizing that they should not be conflated.

What is the speaker's personal connection to the topic of cannabis and addiction?

The speaker shares their personal journey with addiction, which began with cannabis use at a young age and escalated to more severe substance abuse, leading them to advocate for better awareness of cannabis commercialization.

How does the speaker suggest the community should approach the cannabis industry?

The speaker encourages the community to demand higher standards and hold the cannabis industry accountable for its practices, similar to how consumers have influenced the food industry.