Study finds no link between psychedelic use and long term mental problems

A large study conducted by researchers in Norway has not found a link between the use of psychedelics and lasting mental problems.  This doesn't mean that there cannot be a danger in using these types of drugs, but that there is a lack of statistical evidence showing long-term mental dysfunction from using them.

Link:  http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/08/19/213550995/study-finds-no-link-between-hallucinogens-and-mental-problems

Intergovernmental panel warns of ocean levels rising 3 feet by 2100

The Nobel Prize winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change not only has found that ocean levels may increase by a dramatic 3 feet in the next 80 years, but also that there is more proof that climate change is caused by humans.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/20/science/earth/extremely-likely-that-human-activity-is-driving-climate-change-panel-finds.html

Werner Herzog releases new documentary on texting while driving

Werzer Herzog, the award winning German filmmaker, has put together a wonderful and moving documentary about the dangers of texting while driving.  I wish the film had examples of other kinds of distracted driving included, but I like how it is targeting one specific kind of behavior and attempting to get people to change their attitudes about it.



More information: http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2013/08/16/212337606/herzog-plumbs-guilt-and-loss-wrought-by-texting-and-driving

Study: Alcoholism and PTSD can be treated simlutaneously

This is promising news for people who have PTSD and are alcohol dependent.

Link: http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/alcohol/alcoholism-and-ptsd-can-be-safely-treated-together-study-finds

One year after Oak Creek

The years have been filled with tragedies like the ones at a Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, WI, and a school in Newtown, CT.  The NRA has largely gone silent, but they are working hard in the background to ensure that gun safety laws never make it to the see the light of day.  You can support efforts to oppose the NRA by voting democrat as well as giving money to groups like Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort.  And, if you can, attend a memorial.

Link: http://host.madison.com/wsj/lifestyles/faith-and-values/religion/in-the-spirit-middleton-sikh-temple-to-commemorate-slayings-with/article_185252be-09ac-5dc3-ad5e-f01938270670.html

Illinois to become next state to allow medical marijuana

Illinois, the 5th largest state in terms of population, is about to allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes when the Governor signs a the bill today.  The law will go into effect January 1st.  Twenty states already allow the practice, including California.

Link: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/illinois-governor-to-sign-medical-marijuana-bill/article_60e90531-0daa-5da2-8f1e-b08fa47f72ff.html