What’s the best part of Reefer Madness Articles? The Comment Section!
Marijuana Blog Comments Are Pure Gold Content from CannabisNet on Vimeo.
So the other day I was doing some research on cannabis (something I do often), and I came across this article that was obviously modern reefer madness. Typically, I would read those articles and dissect it, breaking up their arguments and formulating counter arguments to write these illustrious articles I produce.
This means I go through each “fact” they mention and verify the validity of each statement. I look at the data they quote and see how they interpreted it to suit their narrative. In most cases, I find failed logic in the interpretations and/or financial incentives that create a bias against the use of cannabis. Then I destroy it with logic, supportive arguments and the works.
Now, I have researched cannabis for more than seventeen years now and while I am knowledgeable on the subject matter, I too fall victim to biases to support my own narrative. However, I do have the balls to admit when I’m wrong or at the very minimal I’d say that it’s merely my “opinion” as opposed to claiming that it’s a fact.
Due to my background in cannabis research, I have the ability to quickly track down sources to support my arguments, however one of the greatest resources in debunking reefer madness articles I find, is in the very comment section of every reefer madness article I read.
Not only are the comment sections of reefer madness articles plush with information, it is also a great point of comedy if you have the time to read it all. This is especially true when a prohibitionist tries to troll cannabis activists.
You see, the social stereotype of the cannabis user claims that we are lazy, apathetic and dumb when in reality most cannabis activists I know have a keen sense of logic, do significant research and familiarizes themselves with the arguments proposed by the opposition. For the most part, the stoner stereotype applies to prohibitionists who are too lazy to actually dig deeper than what their social narrative allows. They are lazy, dumb-downed and gargle prohibitionist rhetoric like a five-dollar hooker at a Bukake party.
Nonetheless, the focus of today’s article is not on Reefer Madness, but on the very comment section on every reefer madness article.
Let the comments be your comedy
In the particular article I am referencing, the author spoke about the premise of “Is cannabis safer than alcohol and tobacco”. For any cannabis activist, this is a no brainer. Just look at the yearly death-tolls and you would have a clear answer. Alcohol is responsible for 88,000 deaths per year in the US alone, tobacco is closer to a half a million. And what about cannabis? Zero.
Now in relation to lethality, there is no space for arguing that cannabis is safer than both the legally pushed drugs. However, the author tried to find areas where she could demonize cannabis use.
Fortunately, the cannabis community went to the comment section and started to provide counter arguments to the reefer madness.
Within every article you’ll find a Reefer Madness troll or two. In this particular article we have one that refers to himself as “Law” and another that is called “TimO”. Let’s take a look at their statements.
LAW:
Stop with the false information. Car fatalities are WAY up with pot being leagalized. (Notice the superior spelling capabilities of ‘Law’)
POT CAUSES DEATH.
Cannabis Activists Responded with:
BS. Educate yourself.
"1. The fact that cannabinol was detected in a driver’s blood does not mean he was under the influence at the time of the crash, let alone that marijuana caused the crash. “It is possible for a driver to test positive for cannabinol in the blood up to 1 week after use,” the researchers note. “Thus, the prevalence of nonalcoholic drugs reported in this study should be interpreted as an indicator of drug use, not necessarily a measurement of drug impairment.”
"3. Traffic fatalities fell by more than 20% nationwide during the study period, even as “medical marijuana sales expanded.” Between enactment of its medical marijuana law in 1996 and 2010, California saw a 31% drop in traffic fatalities. The number of traffic fatalities also fell in Hawaii and Rhode Island after they legalized medical marijuana—by 14% and 21%, respectively."
In this particular comment, Law Spammed the same link over and never provided any other sources than one article from the Washington Post. The cannabis activists produced studies upon studies of references.
In response to the article (and confirming my initial premise), one user had this to say;
Very weak. Full of anecdote and opinion. Not full of science. Poor effort, Martha. The resources are there for you to do a better job. The comment section, for once, provides a LOT more valuable information. – mmjalert (user)
Here’s a few more comments that were golden in my opinion:
And addictive is a relevant term. You can say people are addicted to working our or masturbating, but that's doesn't mean that's bad. (unless you're an evangelical then you're going straight to hell) People throw out the term like it's an argument against pot. So someone likes doing something every day that makes them feel better and has no long term side effects. - Gigantipithecus
This "Law" guy knows what's up. Just log in to "ImRight.com," select a few studies that support your claim (don't worry, individual studies are so varied that you can always find at least a couple of them to support anything you might believe), then cling to them like they're the only thing that's real. In other words, "DO your own homework." Finally, don't forget to proselytize to everyone else about your superior knowledge! Spamming the same selective URL from your previous "research" on everyone else's comments is an effective way to change people's minds, and if not, at least you can feel good knowing you're better than them. That's winning. - Matt Aoeu
Conclusion:
If you ever find yourself reading a reefer madness article, do yourself a favor and start with the comment section.
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