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In a move that should concern parents and public health advocates alike, DoorDash has decided to join the troubling trend of normalising drug use by launching home delivery of cannabis products. The same app that brings you tacos and groceries will now deliver THC-laden gummies and beverages right to your doorstep. How convenient – and how utterly irresponsible.
Marketing Spin or Drug Delivery?
The company’s gleaming press statements talk about “helping eligible customers find new products to safely enjoy while they unwind.” Let’s call this what it really is: making drug consumption as casual as ordering a pizza. Their marketing spin about “evolving preferences” and “decompressing” cleverly masks the reality that they’re essentially becoming drug runners with a fancy app.
Sure, they’re technically staying within federal law by limiting products to less than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. They’ve also implemented age verification systems, much like they do for alcohol delivery. But these safeguards hardly address the broader societal implications of making intoxicating substances available at the tap of a screen.
A Troubling Vision of Mainstream Cannabis Consumption Trends
Most concerning is the company’s cited Harris Poll survey, suggesting that 75% of adults aged 21-65 are considering incorporating THC/CBD products into their 2025 routine. Rather than raising alarm bells about this disturbing trend, DoorDash seems to be celebrating it as a business opportunity.
Some cannabis industry executives are, predictably, jumping for joy. Adam Terry, CEO of Cantrip, speaks enthusiastically about “breaking into the new ecosystem of direct delivery.” However, more sobering voices like Mike Khemmoro from Mango Cannabis raise valid concerns about the looser regulatory framework for hemp-derived products compared to state-regulated cannabis businesses.
States Struggle to Regulate Intoxicating Hemp Products Amid New Moves
The timing couldn’t be more problematic, with several states including Illinois grappling with regulations on intoxicating hemp products. New Jersey recently saw a ban put on hold, while California implemented emergency regulations last September. Instead of waiting for clearer regulatory frameworks, DoorDash has chosen to barrel ahead.
The company’s partnership with Cann, offering promotional discounts on THC drinks, feels particularly tone-deaf. Nothing says “responsible business practices” quite like discount drugs, right?
What’s next? Will we see “bundle deals” where you can add THC gummies to your burger order? Perhaps a “happy hour” for hemp-derived products? The slippery slope from here isn’t hard to imagine.
While DoorDash executives celebrate their expansion into this controversial market, communities across America continue to struggle with substance abuse issues. The normalisation of drug use through mainstream delivery platforms only serves to compound these challenges.
Profiting from Public Health Risks? Corporate America’s Priorities
The harsh reality is that this move represents everything wrong with corporate America’s rush to profit from substances that should remain strictly controlled. DoorDash may have found another revenue stream, but at what cost to public health and social responsibility?
Perhaps it’s time for regulators and lawmakers to take a harder look at whether delivery apps should be permitted to branch into controlled substances at all. Until then, we can only hope that consumers will think twice before treating drug delivery with the same casualness as ordering their daily coffee.
After all, just because something can be delivered to your door doesn’t mean it should be. (WRD News)
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More cannabis – more alcohol and tobacco!Cannabis Use and Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol remains one of the leading contributors to preventable deaths in the United States, ranking behind tobacco and physical inactivity. The study highlighted that cannabis use was positively associated with alcohol consumption, with participants consuming an average of 0.45 additional alcohol-containing drinks on cannabis use days compared to non-use days. Previous research corroborates this finding, with studies showing that co-use of cannabis and alcohol often leads to an increased duration of intoxication and heightened consumption. This co-use behaviour is complex—sometimes substitutionary (replacing alcohol with cannabis) but often complementary (enhancing the intoxicating effects of both substances).
Cannabis Use and Cigarette Smoking: Cigarette smoking claims approximately 480,000 lives annually in the U.S., primarily due to its role in diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular illnesses. The study found that cannabis use was associated with an increase in cigarette smoking, with participants smoking an additional 0.63 cigarettes on cannabis use days. Historically, individuals who smoke cigarettes are more likely to use cannabis, and cannabis use has been linked to reduced smoking cessation success and increased risks of relapse. The findings align with earlier studies that identified a temporal association between cannabis use and subsequent cigarette consumption.
(For complete research: Science Direct)
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Following the U.S. surgeon general’s new advisory warning of alcohol’s link to multiple cancers, a Florida neurosurgeon said, ‘It’s about time.’” Dr Brett Osborn, a Florida-based neurosurgeon renowned for his work in longevity medicine, has strongly supported the U.S. Surgeon General’s recent advisory addressing the health risks of alcohol consumption. Referring to alcohol as a “toxin,” Dr Osborn urged individuals to reconsider its place in their lives, commending the effort to raise awareness of its connection to devastating illnesses such as cancer.
The advisory, presented by Dr Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, outlined clear evidence connecting alcohol consumption to at least seven different types of cancer, including cancers of the throat, liver, colon, and rectum. Dr Osborn reinforced these findings, stating, “We’ve known this for eons,” and criticised notions that moderate consumption might offer health benefits. “It’s not good for your heart. It’s not good for your brain. It’s not good for your waistline,” he declared, adding that misconceptions about alcohol can lead to dangerous complacency. He further described how alcohol creates oxidative damage through free radicals, which harm cells and DNA, paving the way for cancer formation. Anything alcohol comes into contact with, including the throat, stomach, and bowels, he noted, is exposed to these toxic effects—a reality often overlooked.
Beyond the direct cancer risks, Dr Osborn highlighted alcohol’s significant contribution to obesity, a condition he labelled a “gateway disease.” The links between obesity, neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s, and increased cancer risks demonstrate how profoundly alcohol consumption can undermine long-term health. He emphasised that the correlation between alcohol and such diseases demands serious societal reflection.
Dr Osborn’s stance is shaped by his experiences as a neurosurgeon, having witnessed the damaging effects of alcohol on the brain. He shared a recent case involving an alcoholic patient who suffered a traumatic brain injury from a fall, which led to an urgent procedure to remove a blood clot. “By virtue of the fact that he is an alcoholic… he’s going to do poorly,” Dr Osborn explained, noting that alcohol often weakens vital organ systems, leading to poorer patient outcomes in medical emergencies. This example illustrates how alcohol compromises the body’s ability to recover from injuries or illness, further compounding its dangers.
For individuals seeking to address their alcohol consumption habits, Dr Osborn recommended a gradual reduction approach. Cutting intake by 50% over a year, with subsequent reductions, can be an achievable way to regain control while minimising dependence. Despite his pragmatic advice, his core message remained firm. “I don’t use it myself. It’s bad. Get rid of it,” he said, reflecting his unwavering belief in the necessity of eliminating alcohol from one’s lifestyle. He also warned that those drinking more than one drink daily are likely dependent, even if they do not consider themselves alcoholics. “You are, to a degree, dependent upon it,” he said, urging people to evaluate the risks.
The latest U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory, coupled with Dr Osborn’s insights, exposes the realities of alcohol’s health risks far beyond mere immediate or temporary effects. From cancer links and oxidative damage to its role in obesity and brain degeneration, the evidence is overwhelming. Dr Osborn’s endorsement of the advisory reinforces a call for a cultural shift in how people view alcohol, challenging outdated assumptions and providing guidance towards healthier behaviours.
His remark, “It’s about time,” aligns poignantly with growing public health concerns about alcohol, demanding greater action to confront its harm. The recognition of alcohol as a pervasive health risk reminds us of the importance of prioritising protective measures for both personal and societal well-being. Dr Osborn’s expertise stands as a clear and urgent reminder that addressing alcohol health risks is a crucial step in fostering a healthier and more conscious society. (Source: WRD News)
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The rising prevalence of cannabis use, fuelled by its legalisation in many areas, is creating a significant road safety crisis. While society has long recognised the dangers of drink-driving, the risks associated with cannabis-impaired driving are not as widely understood, leaving communities vulnerable to preventable tragedies on the road.
The Challenges of Detecting Cannabis-Impaired Driving
One of the most pressing issues in addressing cannabis-impaired driving is the lack of reliable testing methods. Unlike alcohol, where blood-alcohol concentration levels are a proven indicator of impairment, there is no universally accepted standard to measure how recent cannabis use affects driving ability.
Existing blood tests can detect THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, but they fail to determine when it was consumed. THC lingers in the bloodstream long after its intoxicating effects have worn off, making current tests inaccurate for determining impairment. This gap gives cannabis-impaired drivers an unjust opportunity to escape accountability.
Additionally, portable devices capable of detecting cannabis use, akin to alcohol breathalysers, are still in development. Without such tools, law enforcement is left with limited means to identify cannabis-impaired drivers, exposing all road users to heightened risks.
Confusion in Cannabis Driving Laws
The legal frameworks surrounding cannabis and driving vary widely across regions, further complicating enforcement. Some states have adopted “zero-tolerance” policies, while others have implemented limits for THC levels in the bloodstream. However, these limits are not grounded in a clear understanding of how cannabis affects impairment, leaving them inadequate for ensuring safety.
Unlike alcohol, which universally impairs reflexes and judgement, the effects of cannabis differ depending on how it is consumed. Smoked cannabis takes effect quickly but wears off rapidly, while edibles produce longer-lasting but delayed effects. Compounding this is the tolerance developed by frequent users, which can mask conventional signs of impairment yet still put them at risk behind the wheel.
This inconsistency and lack of clarity leave drivers uncertain and underinformed, often resulting in dangerous behaviour on the road.
How Cannabis Use Impacts Driving Ability
Cannabis is known to adversely affect a driver’s ability to react to obstacles, judge distance, and make safe decisions. These impairments may not always manifest in the aggressive behaviour typically associated with drink-driving but can be equally dangerous. For example, cannabis users tend to drive slower, which some might interpret as caution. However, this perceived caution often disguises their impaired reflexes and focus.
Mounting evidence highlights the perils created by cannabis-impaired drivers. Surveys indicate a growing number of users admitting to driving after consuming marijuana, with many falsely believing that the drug either has no impact or even improves their driving performance. This misconception only amplifies the risks on our roads.
The Hidden Cost of Poor Enforcement
The rise in tragic cannabis-related accidents underscores the consequences of inconsistent laws and inadequate enforcement tools. Families who have lost loved ones in crashes involving marijuana-impaired drivers often find themselves grappling with injustice, as current legal frameworks fail to hold culprits fully accountable.
For instance, THC levels in blood samples taken after accidents cannot pinpoint if a driver was impaired at the time of the crash. This compounding issue means culpable drivers frequently evade responsibility, while victims’ families and communities bear the heart-wrenching fallout. Weak sentencing and blurred legal standards have fuelled a sense of public frustration and mistrust, underscoring the urgent need for reform.
Why Stronger Policies Are Vital
The devastating impact of cannabis-impaired driving highlights the need for stronger, clearer policies to protect road users and save lives. Legislative efforts focusing on accommodating cannabis use fail to address its inherent dangers, prioritising personal freedoms over societal safety. Without decisive action, the number of lives lost to cannabis-related accidents will only continue to rise.
Public education also plays a critical role in challenging misconceptions about cannabis and driving. It is essential to dismantle the myth of “safe” drug use behind the wheel and remind individuals that choosing to drive while impaired by any substance puts countless innocent lives at risk.
Keeping Safety as the Top Priority
Drug use and driving simply do not mix, yet the growing normalisation of cannabis is creating a dangerous illusion of safety on the roads. It is imperative that public safety takes precedence over the normalisation or commercialisation of substances like marijuana. By advocating zero tolerance for impairment on the roads, we can chart a course towards safer streets, better accountability, and a stronger commitment to protecting lives.
The message is simple yet critical—there is no safe way to drive under the influence of cannabis or any other substance. It’s time for society to unite in prioritising the safety of our roads for everyone. (WRD News)
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The expansion of cannabis legalisation across various states has sparked growing concerns about its impact on public health. Recent studies reveal alarming increases in cannabis use disorder (CUD) and cannabis poisoning, particularly in states where medical and recreational cannabis have been legalised. These findings cast doubt on the widely-touted benefits of legalisation, while exposing the significant healthcare and societal challenges linked to increased cannabis use.
Cannabis Legalisation and Rising Health Concerns: Evidence from a decade-long study (2011-2021) shows a sharp rise in cannabis-related diagnoses following legalisation. States with medical cannabis laws experienced a staggering 42.7% increase in CUD and an even more alarming 88.6% rise in cannabis poisoning cases. Similarly, recreational cannabis laws contributed to a 31.6% spike in poisonings.
These statistics highlight a worrying trend—legalising cannabis appears to pave the way for greater health risks, particularly among adults with easier access to the drug. Women and individuals aged 35 to 44 were identified as particularly vulnerable, showing higher rates of cannabis addiction compared to other groups.
The Healthcare Impact of Increased Cannabis Use: The rise in CUD and cannabis poisoning has serious implications for healthcare systems. Communities with legal cannabis have seen a significant strain on their medical resources, driven by the costs and demand for treatments linked to cannabis-related health issues. From emergency visits caused by poisoning to longer-term care for CUD, the effects ripple outward, burdening not just healthcare providers but families and society at large.
Is Cannabis Legalisation a Double-Edged Sword?: While proponents often celebrate cannabis legalisation for its economic and medicinal benefits, these findings underline the often-overlooked risks. Increased access to cannabis can lead to normalised use, inadvertently fuelling addiction and public health crises. The rapid rise in diagnoses associated with cannabis underscores the need for stricter controls and greater public awareness of the potential dangers.
Protecting Communities Through Vigilance: The findings call for a renewed focus on public health and safety when it comes to drug policy. With evidence pointing to the harmful impacts of cannabis legalisation—including spikes in CUD and poisoning—it is clear that safeguards must be prioritised. Education, awareness, and careful review of existing policies are essential to curb the unintended consequences and ensure that communities remain healthy and safe.
By closely monitoring the consequences of cannabis legalisation and pushing for proactive measures, we can better protect society against the risks tied to this controversial substance.
(Source: Jama Network)