Historically, adult-use marijuana in the states has generally been passed through voter initiative. Of the 10 states that permit adult-use marijuana, only Vermont did so through the legislative process. Why have efforts to pass adult-use marijuana stalled legislatively while they have achieved better success through ballot measures?
Contrary to the argument that stigma deters socially unacceptable behavior, it is evident from our research that stigma, in fact, kills. Even though opioids are changing the way we think and talk about addiction, stigma — or negative attitudes towards people with substance-use disorders that result in social devaluation and discrimination — has real human consequences.
Our researchers have been visiting Sullivan County for more than 18 months. On June 26, we'll bring some of Sullivan County to Albany for a forum and photo exhibition examining grassroots responses to the #opioidepidemic. RSVP here: buff.ly/2Hwzw64
