Caffeine Quote by Maia Szalavitz
“Marijuana is not not harmful, but is the least harmful psychoactive substance that we have, with the possible exception of caffeine.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New York Times, 2020
Marijuana is less harmful than most psychoactive drugs, possibly only caffeine is less risky.
In simple terms: Marijuana is relatively low risk compared to other drugs.
Key Takeaway
Consider marijuana's relative safety in policy debates.
Themes
health
policy
substance use
risk assessment
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
informative
policy‑oriented
When to use this quote
- legislative hearings
- public health campaigns
- medical research
- education programs
Key Concepts
harm reduction
comparative toxicity
public health
Questions to Reflect On
- How should policymakers weigh relative harms?
- What evidence is needed for regulation?
A Different Perspective
Cultural acceptance varies; long‑term effects still need study.
![“For instance, they [The Federal Narcotics Bureau ] give out that marijuana is a harmful and habit-forming drug, and it simply isn't. They claim that you can get addicted to opiates with one shot, and you can't. They over-estimate the physical bad effects, and so forth.” quote by William S. Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d9a/william-s-burroughs-528_claims_for-instance-they-the-federal-narcotics_1760539.jpg)
![“The use of psychoactive drugs - including both antidepressants and antipsychotics - has exploded...[yet] 'the tally of those who are disabled...increased nearly two and a half times.” quote by Marcia Angell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a78/marcia-angell-19102_antidepressants_the-use-of-psychoactive-drugs-including_1103729.jpg)
