Fewer traffic fatalities after states pass medical-pot laws

[ed the head]

http://www.denverpost.com/news/marijuana/ci_19437417

The passage of state medical-marijuana laws is associated with a subsequent drop in the rate of traffic fatalities, according to a newly released study by two university professors.

The study — by University of Colorado Denver professor Daniel Rees and Montana State University professor D. Mark Anderson — found that the traffic-death rate drops by nearly 9 percent in states after they legalize marijuana for medical use. The researchers arrived at that figure, Rees said, after controlling for other variables such as changes in traffic laws, seat-belt usage and miles driven. The study stops short of saying the medical-marijuana laws cause the drop in traffic deaths.

"We were pretty surprised that they went down," Rees said Tuesday.

[Uncle Ron]

Thanks for the post.


"The study stops short of saying the medical-marijuana laws cause the drop in traffic deaths."

So then, why even bother? What a waste... Another useless study done by University Professors. Hey Prof's, don't you think you should be teaching? I wonder if my tax dollars were used? If so, I want them back!!!
I'm sure that there are many other changes that have occurred since MML. Will this be the catalyst for others to make similar claims, just stopping short? (sarcasm) Bollocks...
I'm still waiting for the cannabis elixir that cures cancer, and still waiting, and still waiting....
A little candy for the uber-hyped-out cannabis activists to suck on...

Happy trails...

[ed the head]

Thanks for the post.


"The study stops short of saying the medical-marijuana laws cause the drop in traffic deaths."

So then, why even bother? What a waste... Another useless study done by University Professors.

Happy trails...

Well, statistics show a decrease in traffic fatalities in states where Marijuana is made available legally. This is a valuable statistic to remember and I think it speaks for itself but the study would not seem objective if it concluded that MMJ availability caused the traffic fatalities to drop. It is obvious though that it is a contributing factor.

[Uncle Ron]

These statistics may be noteworthy, but how do they really compare to the following:
- in the same geographical area, what were the alcohol related fatality rates and how do they compare historically, increase or decrease?
- in States that do not have MML, what were the fatality rates during the same time frame? Did the traffic fatalities increase or decrease?
I could go on... So much information didn't seem to make the cut, I wonder why?
My opinion - when traffic fatalities decline it's because alcohol related fatalities declined. That's just the way it is, in Amerika.

Peace, Out.
Happy trails...


Note: I misspelled Amerika for a reason. Think about it. A little hint, Benito.

[ed the head]

These statistics may be noteworthy, but how do they really compare to the following:
- in the same geographical area, what were the alcohol related fatality rates and how do they compare historically, increase or decrease?
- in States that do not have MML, what were the fatality rates during the same time frame? Did the traffic fatalities increase or decrease?
I could go on... So much information didn't seem to make the cut, I wonder why?
My opinion - when traffic fatalities decline it's because alcohol related fatalities declined. That's just the way it is, in Amerika.

Peace, Out.
Happy trails...


Note: I misspelled Amerika for a reason. Think about it. A little hint, Benito.

To your point, I recall reading that in states with MMJ, alcohol consumption goes down when cannabis consumption goes up. So it stands to reason accidents will go down. I see this as positive press for the cause of legalizing it. I would much rather drive with a stoner than a drunk, all things being equal. Thanks for your feedback.

[Uncle Ron]

To your point, I recall reading that in states with MMJ, alcohol consumption goes down when cannabis consumption goes up. So it stands to reason accidents will go down. I see this as positive press for the cause of legalizing it. I would much rather drive with a stoner than a drunk, all things being equal. Thanks for your feedback.

You are welcome.
I did a little research and am finding that the States with the highest per capita alcohol-related fatalities are without the MML. There are 5 MML States in the top 25, with Montana and New Mexico in the top 5. http://www.statemaster.com/graph/hea_al ... per-capita
There may be something to this, I think more study is warranted.

If I may, I would suggest using another analogy. All things being equal, I would rather walk. I was an Army Medic and seen my unfair share of vehicle fatalities. Doesn't much matter if they were stoned or drunk, they were and still are very dead, all things being equal.

Happy trails...

[ed the head]

To your point, I recall reading that in states with MMJ, alcohol consumption goes down when cannabis consumption goes up. So it stands to reason accidents will go down. I see this as positive press for the cause of legalizing it. I would much rather drive with a stoner than a drunk, all things being equal. Thanks for your feedback.

You are welcome.
I did a little research and am finding that the States with the highest per capita alcohol-related fatalities are without the MML. There are 5 MML States in the top 25, with Montana and New Mexico in the top 5. http://www.statemaster.com/graph/hea_al ... per-capita
There may be something to this, I think more study is warranted.

If I may, I would suggest using another analogy. All things being equal, I would rather walk. I was an Army Medic and seen my unfair share of vehicle fatalities. Doesn't much matter if they were stoned or drunk, they were and still are very dead, all things being equal.

Happy trails...

Good point, either walk or stay put. Sometimes you're couch locked for your own good