Pot Debate - Alex Berenson & Dr. Michael Hart

Date: 2019-02-13 | Duration: 2h 51m

Episode Overview

Episode 1246 features a detailed discussion between Alex Berenson and Dr. Michael Hart on the complex debate surrounding cannabis use, its medical benefits, and potential risks. The conversation delves into the therapeutic properties of cannabinoids, particularly THC and CBD, highlighting CBD’s FDA-approved use in reducing seizures in children with epilepsy and THC’s role in alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea. Both guests acknowledge cannabis’s medicinal potential but emphasize the need for rigorous scientific standards comparable to other medicines. A significant portion of the episode focuses on the mental health implications of cannabis, especially concerning high-THC products and adolescent use. Berenson and Hart explore the association between cannabis and psychosis, schizophrenia, and increased suicidal ideation in vulnerable populations, stressing that while cannabis may not cause these conditions outright, it can exacerbate symptoms or trigger episodes in predisposed individuals. They also discuss the challenges in interpreting data on cannabis-related violence and crime, noting the influence of polysubstance abuse and the difficulty in establishing direct causation. The episode further addresses societal impacts, including the rise of cannabis legalization, its effects on youth, and the broader cultural shifts involving mental health and substance use. Both guests advocate for balanced, evidence-based conversations that recognize cannabis’s benefits while transparently addressing its risks, particularly for young people and those with underlying psychiatric vulnerabilities.

About Dr. Michael Hart

Dr. Michael Hart is a prominent physician and the founder of the Readytogo clinic in London, Ontario, Canada, specializing in medical cannabis. With a strong commitment to advancing the understanding of cannabis in healthcare, Dr. Hart is a leading advocate for its therapeutic benefits, particularly in managing chronic pain and other medical conditions. He has contributed significantly to the dialogue around cannabis use, emphasizing its potential to improve patient outcomes while navigating the complexities of medical regulation. Known for his engaging approach to education, Dr. Hart's insights have made him a sought-after speaker and commentator in the evolving landscape of cannabis medicine, making his appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of health and cannabis.

About Pot Debate - Alex Berenson

Alex Berenson is a former reporter for The New York Times, acclaimed for his incisive investigative journalism and thought-provoking commentary. He is the author of several bestselling thriller novels and the controversial non-fiction work, "Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence," which challenges prevailing narratives about cannabis use and its societal impacts. Known for his critical stance on marijuana legalization and its potential consequences, Berenson has become a prominent figure in public discourse surrounding drug policy. His appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience highlights his willingness to engage in complex debates, making him a compelling voice in contemporary discussions about health and public safety.

Key Moments

– Cannabis Effects
– THC
– CBD
– Psychosis
– Schizophrenia
– Mental Health
– Addiction
– Alcohol Comparison
– Cannabis Policy
– Medical Cannabis
– Cannabis Research
– Youth Cannabis Use
– Suicide and Mental Health
– Cannabis Legalization
– Cannabis and Violence
– Cannabis and PTSD
– Cannabis and Cancer
– Cannabis and Cognitive Effects
– Social Media Impact
– Gateway Drug Theory
0:00:38 – Alex Berenson discusses becoming a spy novelist
0:02:14 – Acknowledging risks and benefits of cannabis
0:04:28 – THC reduces chemotherapy nausea
0:07:53 – Comparing alcohol toxicity to cannabis neurotoxicity
0:11:13 – Patients seeking cannabis without intoxication
0:14:04 – CBD FDA-approved for epilepsy seizures
0:17:05 – Research on cannabis and breast cancer subset
0:19:03 – Cannabis reducing PTSD symptoms
0:22:20 – Historical medical use of alcohol during prohibition
0:23:38 – Discussion on flaws in cannabis trials
0:26:26 – Acknowledging cannabis as medicine
0:28:19 – Cannabis held to medical standards
0:31:42 – Suicide attempts linked to cannabis use
0:33:31 – Cannabis use in individuals with psychotic disorders
0:38:35 – Schizophrenia rates remain stable despite cannabis use
0:43:27 – Mental health trends in youth 12 to 17
0:48:40 – Concerns over youth suicide and social media
0:55:26 – High THC cannabis risks for young adults
1:00:30 – Youth depression diagnosis and treatment concerns
1:08:05 – Addictive nature of handheld devices and social media
1:18:40 – Tolerance changes with cannabis use
1:23:19 – Long-lasting anxiety after edible cannabis use
1:27:28 – Identifying people at risk for cannabis disorders
1:30:20 – Family struggles with son’s cannabis-related issues
1:35:00 – CBD use for psychosis and schizophrenia
1:41:49 – Marijuana laws and mental health studies
1:44:06 – Violence associated with polysubstance abuse
1:48:00 – Mental illness prevalence and cannabis use
2:00:32 – Violent crime increase in cannabis-legal states
2:08:13 – Murder rate rise in cannabis-legal states
2:10:26 – Suicidal reaction to edible cannabis
2:12:00 – Personal stories of cannabis impact
2:20:51 – Cannabis-induced bad experiences
2:32:40 – No evidence supporting cannabis as gateway drug
2:40:09 – Vaping as a gateway to THC use
2:44:22 – CBD potential to reverse some effects
2:47:20 – Complexity of cannabis discussion and closing remarks

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 two one and we're live ladies and gentlemen uh or gentlemen you two ladies and gentlemen Starting point is 00:00:38 Then I became a spy novelist. Starting point is 00:01:30 particularly edibles and I don't I want to say I know anybody who had psychotic Starting point is 00:02:14 identify that there's risks and there's benefits to it yes and and some people are definitely Starting point is 00:02:40 I think there's great benefits in terms of relieving pressure, Starting point is 00:03:22 i i suspect you know there are people who said don't go on with Joe. He's just going to, you know, he's going to try to eat you alive. And especially, it'll be two on one. I told them the truth. First of all, I'll go on with anybody. And I'm glad you had me on or you're having me on because, you know, Bill Maher, he won't have me on. He's afraid to talk to me about this. Starting point is 00:04:02 They said, we don't believe in the conclusions of the book. Okay, you don't believe in the conclusions of the book? Starting point is 00:04:28 THC has been shown to reduce the nausea associated with chemotherapy. Starting point is 00:04:54 But I don't think if you look sort of on a population level basis, they're less than alcohol. Starting point is 00:05:45 effects of alcohol, right? Essentially liver damage, either chronic liver damage, you get Starting point is 00:06:20 They said, okay, that's an alcohol associated death. Starting point is 00:06:53 I suspect it will be in the 10,000 to 20,000 range. Starting point is 00:07:25 If you're testing people and they test positive for marijuana Starting point is 00:07:53 um i agree alcohol is a physically toxic substance cannabis is a neurotoxin for a lot of people but Starting point is 00:08:20 And you could also say that with some people, the wake Waken bakers that you know seem to be wasting their lives away and that's like Starting point is 00:08:50 Because people who use high CBD every day, as we know, Starting poi...

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Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1246?

Pot Debate - Alex Berenson & Dr. Michael Hart was the guest on JRE #1246. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1246?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1246 with Pot Debate - Alex Berenson & Dr. Michael Hart, topics include Cannabis Effects, Psychosis, Schizophrenia, and Mental Health.

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