Freakonomics Radio 607. Is America Switching From Booze to Weed?
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Oct 17, 2024 
Join experts Jon Caulkins, Yasmin Hurd, Michael Siegel, Tom Standage, and Ryan Stoa as they explore America's cultural shift from alcohol to cannabis. They discuss the rising cannabis usage, especially among older adults, and the historical significance of alcohol. The conversation dives into the complexities of cannabis research, regulatory discrepancies, and the potential health impacts of both substances. The experts also weigh the implications of this transition for public health and the economy, raising important questions about societal perceptions.
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Industry Influence
- The alcohol industry, like tobacco and sugar, funds research that highlights their product's benefits.
- Public health experts debate alcohol's toxicity, from overhyped to essentially toxic.
Cannabis and Society
- Cannabis may have been one of the first cultivated crops, used for food, fiber, and recreation.
- Historically, prohibition targeted lower classes, used as a tool of oppression.
Hemp's Importance
- John Adams prioritized hemp cultivation, placing it above the Declaration of Independence on his to-do list.
- American farmers grew hemp extensively until the 20th century.
