‘Reefer Madness’ Comparisons Rise Out of Wall Street Journal Op-Ed That Blames Shootings on Marijuana
Wall Street Journal op-ed suggesting marijuana use is connected to a rise in violent crime was raked over the coals on social media Sunday, with many comparing it to the infamous 1936 propaganda film “Reefer Madness.” The article, written by WSJ editorial board member Allysia Finley, cited studies claiming that schizophrenia and other mental disorders among underage pot smokers have increased. Backing that claim, an addiction specialist based at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego said cannabis-related emergency room cases increased 53% in the three years after California legalized recreational use.