Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness and Violence

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Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness and Violence
Tell Your Children.jpg
First edition
Author Alex Berenson
LanguageEnglish
Subject Cannabis, psychosis, violence
Publisher Free Press
Publication date
January 8, 2019
Publication placeUnited States
ISBN 978-1-9821-0366-8

Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness and Violence is a 2019 book by Alex Berenson. In it, Berenson makes claims that cannabis use directly causes psychosis and violence, claims denounced as alarmist and inaccurate by many in the scientific and medical communities. The scientists state that Berenson is drawing inappropriate conclusions from the research he cites, primarily by inferring causation from correlation, [1] : 1  [2] : 1  [3] : 1  [4] as well as cherry picking [5] : 1  data that fits his narrative, and falling victim to selection bias via his use of anecdotes [5] : 1  to back up his assertions. [3] : 1  [6] : 1  [2] : 1  [7] : 1  [8]

Contents

The title "Tell Your Children" was also the original title for Reefer Madness , a 1936 American propaganda film which gained cult popularity in the 1970s for its alarmist claims about cannabis. In an interview, Berenson said he made this choice deliberately: "I expected I would face serious backlash for this book and instead of running from it I decided to lean in." [9]

Criticism

In January 2019, Berenson published the book and an accompanying op-ed in both The Wall Street Journal [10] and The New York Times, [11] in which he claims that use of cannabis causes psychosis and violence. [11] : 1  [5] : 1 

Berenson's portrayal of scientific and medical evidence has been widely panned as inaccurate and alarmist by scientists and medical experts, who have described his arguments as "based on a deeply inaccurate misreading of science" and an attempt to stir up public fear. [6] : 1  [7] : 1  [8]

A group of 100 scholars and clinicians (including academics from Columbia University, Harvard Medical School, and New York University, and care providers including addiction medicine doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers) published an open letter criticizing Berenson's claim of a scientific link between cannabis use and violence. [3] [6] : 1  [4] In particular, they describe his book as highly problematic because Berenson infers causation from correlation, cherry-picks data that fits his narrative, falls victim to selection bias via use of anecdotes to back up his assertions, and attributes the disproportionate rates of arrest of African-American youth [5] : 1  to the alleged violence caused by their cannabis use, despite individuals of all races using cannabis at approximately equal rates. [3] : 1  [12] [6]

Berenson responded to questions about the letter, arguing that its signatories were not experts and that there was an insufficient number of medical doctors that had signed on to validate any criticisms of his book laid out in the letter. [6] : 1 

Ziva Cooper, [13] : 1  a cannabis researcher at UCLA who was involved in conducting a study heavily referenced by Berenson, disputed Berenson's determination that the study "declared the issue [that cannabis causes violence and psychosis] settled" by tweeting that the study only found a correlation, and not a causation, as Berenson had claimed in his publications, between cannabis use and schizophrenia. [14] [15] [6] : 1  [1] : 1  [5] : 1  She also stated that studies that have been conducted since hers was completed seem to imply that a genetic link predicts both cannabis use and schizophrenia, and that the direction of causality is from genetics to schizophrenia and cannabis use, not from cannabis use by itself to schizophrenia; as well as that cannabidiol (a component of cannabis) improves symptoms of schizophrenia. [16] [17] [6] : 1  [5] : 1 

Carl Hart, a professor of psychology and psychiatry at Columbia University and Charles Ksir, professor emeritus of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Wyoming, wrote an opinion piece in The Guardian which stated: "As scientists with a combined 70-plus years of drug education and research on psychoactive substances, we find Berenson's assertions to be misinformed and reckless." Hart and Ksir added that Berenson confuses causation with correlation (association) when claiming that cannabis use causes increased psychosis, while ignoring that the same correlation also exists for psychosis and use of tobacco, stimulants, and opioids. [2] : 1  They concluded: "Back in the 1930s, when there were virtually no scientific data on marijuana, ignorant and racist officials publicized exaggerated anecdotal accounts of its harms and were believed. Almost 90 years and hundreds of studies later, there is no excuse for these exaggerations or the inappropriate conclusions drawn by Berenson. Neither account has any place in serious discussions of science or public policy – which means Berenson doesn't, either." [2]

In regards to Berenson noting that the murder rate in Washington state increased around the time that cannabis was legalized, Yasmin Hurd, the director of the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, stated "There is nothing to support that marijuana legalization has increased murder rates...schizophrenic people are not the ones committing murders. Trying to put a mental-health disorder as the explanation for murder rates—that is incorrect and should not have a platform." [18]

In an article in The Nation , the author notes that Berenson seems to fail to understand or admit that cannabis contains both THC and CBD (which has been approved by the FDA in the form of Epidiolex to treat some kinds of epilepsy), and that medical marijuana products generally contain low THC and high CBD. [5] : 1  Additionally, Berenson implies that American scientists did little cannabis research because they did not think it had any value, while ignoring the fact that the Schedule I federal legal classification for cannabis (which puts it in the same category as heroin and LSD) makes it extremely difficult for US scientists research it. [5] : 1 

An article in Rolling Stone about the book concludes with "[Berenson] is correct in saying that marijuana businesses and advocates often distort reality and research to fit their claims. Here's the thing though. You know who else is driven by profits to stretch the truth? Someone trying to sell copies of his book." [1]

In spite of the above, Berenson continues to claim "Cannabis causes psychosis causes violence" and tweets anecdotes of crimes committed by persons who have recently used cannabis. [19] [20] [6] : 1 

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Medical cannabis</span> Cannabis sativa L. (marijuana; hemp) used medicinally

Medical cannabis, medicinal cannabis or medical marijuana (MMJ) refers to cannabis products and cannabinoid molecules that are prescribed by physicians for their patients. The use of cannabis as medicine has a long history, but has not been as rigorously tested as other medicinal plants due to legal and governmental restrictions, resulting in limited clinical research to define the safety and efficacy of using cannabis to treat diseases.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis (drug)</span> Psychoactive drug from the cannabis plant

Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, weed, and pot, among other names, is a non-chemically uniform drug from the cannabis plant. Native to Central or South Asia, the cannabis plant has been used as a drug for both recreational and entheogenic purposes and in various traditional medicines for centuries. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive component of cannabis, which is one of the 483 known compounds in the plant, including at least 65 other cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis can be used by smoking, vaporizing, within food, or as an extract.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Legalization of non-medical cannabis in the United States</span>

In the United States, the non-medical use of cannabis is legalized in 24 states and decriminalized in 7 states, as of November 2023. Decriminalization refers to a policy of reduced penalties for cannabis offenses, typically involving a civil penalty for possessing small amounts, instead of criminal prosecution or the threat of arrest. In jurisdictions without penalty the policy is referred to as legalization, although the term decriminalization is sometimes used for this purpose as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Legal history of cannabis in the United States</span>

In the United States, increased restrictions and labeling of cannabis as a poison began in many states from 1906 onward, and outright prohibitions began in the 1920s. By the mid-1930s cannabis was regulated as a drug in every state, including 35 states that adopted the Uniform State Narcotic Drug Act. The first national regulation was the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in the United States</span>

The use, sale, and possession of cannabis containing over 0.3% THC by dry weight in the United States, despite laws in many states permitting it under various circumstances, is illegal under federal law. As a Schedule I drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970, cannabis containing over 0.3% THC by dry weight is considered to have "no accepted medical use" and a high potential for abuse and physical or psychological dependence. Cannabis use is illegal for any reason, with the exception of FDA-approved research programs. However, individual states have enacted legislation permitting exemptions for various uses, including medical, industrial, and recreational use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Berenson</span> American writer (born 1973)

Alex Norman Berenson is an American writer who was a reporter for The New York Times, and has authored several thriller novels as well a book on corporate financial filings. His 2019 book Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness and Violence sparked controversy, earning denunciations from many in the scientific and medical communities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Medical cannabis in the United States</span>

In the United States, the use of cannabis for medical purposes is legal in 38 states, four out of five permanently inhabited U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia, as of March 2023. Ten other states have more restrictive laws limiting THC content, for the purpose of allowing access to products that are rich in cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis. There is significant variation in medical cannabis laws from state to state, including how it is produced and distributed, how it can be consumed, and what medical conditions it can be used for.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in California</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Sabet</span> American scholar and former government advisor

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Long-term effects of cannabis</span>

The long-term effects of cannabis have been the subject of ongoing debate. Given that the use of cannabis is illegal in most countries, clinical research presents a challenge and there is limited evidence from which to draw conclusions. In 2017, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine issued a report summarizing much of the published literature on health effects of cannabis, into categories regarded as conclusive, substantial, moderate, limited and of no or insufficient evidence to support an association with a particular outcome.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Texas</span>

Cannabis in Texas is illegal for recreational use. Possession of up to two ounces is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in prison and a fine of up to $2000. Several of the state's major municipalities have enacted reforms to apply lesser penalties or limit enforcement, however.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Effects of legalized cannabis</span> Economic and societal effects of legalized cannabis

The use of cannabis as a recreational drug has been outlawed in many countries for several decades. As a result of long-fought legalization efforts, several countries such as Uruguay and Canada, as well as several states in the US, have legalized the production, sale, possession, and recreational and/or medical usage of cannabis. The broad legalization of cannabis in this fashion can have numerous effects on the economy and society in which it is legalized.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Florida</span>

Cannabis in Florida is illegal for recreational use. Possession of up to 20 grams is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $1000, and the suspension of one's driver's license. Several cities and counties have enacted reforms to apply lesser penalties, however.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Mexico</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glossary of cannabis terms</span>

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Lewis, Amanda (January 12, 2019). "Is Alex Berenson Trolling Us With His Anti-Weed Book? - A former 'New York Times' journalist wrote about a "hidden epidemic" cause by pot — but it seems he got the science wrong". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on January 23, 2019. Retrieved May 7, 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Hart, Carl; Ksir, Charles (January 20, 2019). "Does marijuana use really cause psychotic disorders? - Alex Berenson says the drug causes 'sharp increases in murders and aggravated assaults'. As scientists, we find his claims misinformed and reckless". The Guardian . Archived from the original on February 1, 2019. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Multiple Signatories (February 14, 2019). "Letter from Scholars and Clinicians who Oppose Junk Science about Marijuana". Drug Policy Alliance. Archived from the original on April 17, 2019. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
  4. 1 2 Ecarma, Caleb (April 10, 2020). "An Ex-New York Times Reporter Has Become the Right's Go-To Coronavirus Skeptic - Alex Berenson, a journalist and thriller writer, is being quoted on Breitbart and appearing on Fox News—even going too far for Sean Hannity". Vanity Fair . Archived from the original on April 13, 2020. Retrieved April 30, 2020. This isn't the first time Berenson has peddled health misinformation moonlighting as hard, contrarian truth. In 2019, he published Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness and Violence, a Reefer Madness–style book warning of rampant THC-linked societal problems. In a letter, 100 academics and clinicians from some of America's top medical institutions denounced arguments in Berenson's book, describing his research as "flawed pop science" and a perpetuation of "the worst myths about people of color and people with mental illness".
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Way, Katie (January 28, 2019). "What Fearmongering About Pot Tells You About Mainstream Marijuana Coverage - Alex Berenson's Tell Your Children relies on hyperbole and paranoia to argue against legalization". The Nation . Archived from the original on February 3, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Lartey, Jamiles (February 17, 2019). "Popular book on marijuana's apparent dangers is pure alarmism, experts say - Doctors and scientists criticize 'flawed pop science' of Tell Your Children – but author Alex Berenson stands by his claims". The Guardian . Archived from the original on February 23, 2019. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
  7. 1 2 Dufton, Emily; Richert, Lucas (April 16, 2019). "The return of 'reefer madness'". The Washington Post . Archived from the original on April 17, 2019. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
  8. 1 2 Lopez, German (January 14, 2019). "What Alex Berenson's new book gets wrong about marijuana, psychosis, and violence - The book, Tell Your Children, has received a lot of media attention, but it's essentially Reefer Madness 2.0". Vox . Archived from the original on February 4, 2019. Retrieved April 30, 2019.
  9. ↑ Geller, Craig (January 7, 2019). "The Case Against Cannabis: A journalist's pursuit of the truth about marijuana, mental illness and violence". The Marshall Project. Retrieved October 13, 2019.
  10. ↑ Berenson, Alex (January 4, 2019). "Marijuana Is More Dangerous Than You Think". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
  11. 1 2 Berenson, Alex (January 4, 2019). "What Advocates of Legalizing Pot Don't Want You to Know - The wave toward legalization ignores the serious health risks of marijuana". The New York Times . Archived from the original on January 8, 2019. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
  12. ↑ Matthews, Dylan (June 4, 2013). "The black/white marijuana arrest gap, in nine charts". The Washington Post . Retrieved April 22, 2019.
  13. ↑ "Ziva D Cooper Biography". Archived from the original on May 2, 2019. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  14. ↑ @zivacooper (January 9, 2019). "In response to the recent @NYTimes editorial on cannabis and as a committee member on the @theNASEM #cannabis and #cannabinoids report we did NOT conclude that cannabis causes schizophrenia" (Tweet). Retrieved April 22, 2019– via Twitter.
  15. ↑ @zivacooper (January 9, 2019). "We found 1) an #association between cannabis use and schizophrenia and 2) an #association between cannabis use and IMPROVED cognitive outcomes in individuals with psychotic disorders (not mentioned in the editorial)" (Tweet). Retrieved May 1, 2019– via Twitter.
  16. ↑ @zivacooper (January 9, 2019). "Since the report, we now know that genetic risk for schizophrenia predicts cannabis use, shedding some light on the potential direction of the association between cannabis use and schizophrenia. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30150663" (Tweet). Retrieved May 1, 2019– via Twitter.
  17. ↑ @zivacooper (January 9, 2019). "We also now know that under placebo-controlled conditions, #cannabidiol (#CBD) improves outcomes in patients with schizophrenia when given as an adjunct med, showing that cannabinoids (not necessarily cannabis) improve symptoms. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29241357" (Tweet). Retrieved May 1, 2019– via Twitter.
  18. ↑ Hamblin, James (January 14, 2019). "If Legal Marijuana Leads to Murder, What's Up in the Netherlands? - A terrifying argument that cannabis causes homicides sparks a debate over whether the drug is more dangerous than its criminalization". The Atlantic . Archived from the original on January 16, 2019. Retrieved May 9, 2019.
  19. ↑ @AlexBerenson (February 8, 2019). "Cannabis causes psychosis causes violence" (Tweet). Retrieved May 1, 2019– via Twitter.
  20. ↑ @AlexBerenson (February 8, 2019). "Back in Texas: Jessica Langlais faces life in prison for (her version of the story, anyway) getting high in a closet as her boyfriend killed her son. Guess what non-violence provoking drug the happy couple enjoyed using together?" (Tweet). Retrieved May 1, 2019– via Twitter.
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