Something You Should Know: Episode Summary

Title: The Objective Science of Marijuana & Understanding the Certainty Trap
Host: Mike Carruthers | OmniCast Media
Guests:

• Godfrey Pearlson: Psychiatric Researcher, Physician, Yale Neuroscience Professor, Author of The Science of Weed: An Indispensable Guide to Cannabis.
• Ilana Redstone: Professor of Sociology at the University of Illinois, Author of The Certainty Trap: Why We Need to Question Ourselves More and How We Can Judge Others Less.

1. Introduction

In this episode of "Something You Should Know," host Mike Carruthers delves into two intriguing subjects: the disparity in how often women and men apologize, and the multifaceted science behind marijuana use. Additionally, the episode explores the psychological concept of the "certainty trap," which affects interpersonal and societal interactions.

2. The Apology Gap: Women Apologize More Than Men

Mike Carruthers opens the discussion by addressing the phenomenon where women tend to apologize more frequently than men. Referencing a study published in the journal Psychological Science, Mike shares that:

• Statistics: Over 12 days, women apologized 217 times, while men apologized 158 times.
• Insight: The study authors concluded that men are just as willing to apologize as women. However, men have a higher threshold for what bothers them.

Mike explains, “We tend to apologize for something we feel might be offensive or hurtful. Men and women in general have different levels of sensitivity. A woman might snap at a friend and feel bad and then apologize, while a man might just think, no big deal, he'll get over it” ([03:36]).

Key Takeaway: The difference in apology frequency stems from varying emotional sensitivities and thresholds between genders rather than willingness to apologize.

3. The Objective Science of Marijuana: Insights with Godfrey Pearlson

Introduction of Guest:
Mike introduces Godfrey Pearlson, a Yale neuroscience professor and author, to provide an objective analysis of marijuana. Godfrey clarifies the terminology and history:

• Definitions:
  • Cannabis: The plant species Cannabis sativa, historically used for food, fibers, and as an intoxicant.
  • Marijuana: A slang term with pejorative connotations, often associated with negative stereotypes.

Godfrey emphasizes the preference for the term "cannabis" within the research community to maintain scientific objectivity ([05:33]).

Historical Context:
Marijuana's societal perception has evolved:

• Early 19th Century: Napoleon's soldiers introduced cannabis to France for recreational use among European elites ([07:07]).
• Early 20th Century: Mexican immigrants introduced marijuana to the U.S., associating it with working-class recreational use ([07:57]).

Current Usage Statistics:
Godfrey states that approximately 15% of the U.S. population used marijuana in the last week, and about 45-50% of adults have tried it at some point in their lives. It remains the most commonly used illicit substance in the U.S. and Europe ([08:11]).

Dangers and Risks:
Godfrey outlines known and suspected risks associated with marijuana use:

• Cannabis Use Disorder: Addiction with withdrawal symptoms making cessation difficult.
• Psychosis in Teens: High-THC cannabis use increases the risk of schizophrenia and similar disorders, potentially tripling the odds ([11:31]).
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Cannabis impairs driving differently than alcohol, leading to increased crash risks but less impulsivity ([24:35]).
• Other Risks: Potential links to heart attacks, strokes, and certain cancers, though these are less certain ([13:19]).

Potency and Genetics:
Modern cannabis strains are more potent due to selective breeding, increasing THC levels while decreasing CBD, which can moderate THC's effects ([13:19]).

Gateway Drug Debate:
Godfrey refutes the gateway drug theory, stating there's an association but no causation. Most individuals progressing to harder drugs initially use substances like alcohol and tobacco rather than marijuana ([19:44]).

Medicinal Uses:
Contrary to the perception that marijuana has no benefits, Godfrey points out medicinal applications:

• CBD: Approved by the FDA for treating childhood epilepsy, it offers anxiety relief without psychoactive effects.
• THC: Potential pain relief, though more rigorous studies are needed.

Social Policy and Public Perception:
Public support for marijuana legalization has grown, influenced by increased usage, skepticism towards anti-cannabis propaganda, and economic incentives for states through taxation ([09:15]). Godfrey advocates for sensible social policies to manage drug use and mitigate harms, drawing parallels with alcohol regulation in Scotland ([22:14]).

Notable Quotes:

• Godfrey Pearlson ([16:24]): “If you have to pick among your recreational drugs, and most people do, then in many respects cannabis is a safer drug than alcohol.”
• Godfrey Pearlson ([20:32]): “When epidemiologists have looked at people who use cannabis regularly, you'd expect that they would be couch potatoes… But in fact, the average user loses a small amount of weight for reasons that we don't quite understand.”

Key Takeaways:

• Marijuana's societal perception has shifted significantly, with increased acceptance and recognition of its medicinal benefits.
• The risks associated with marijuana use are nuanced, varying by age, frequency, and potency of use.
• Policy and education should focus on harm reduction and informed usage rather than blanket prohibition.

4. Understanding the Certainty Trap: Conversations with Ilana Redstone

Introduction of Guest:
Ilana Redstone, a sociology professor, discusses the "certainty trap," a psychological phenomenon characterized by moral outrage and contempt for opposing viewpoints.

Defining the Certainty Trap:
Ilana explains, “The certainty trap is the feeling of moral outrage, righteous indignation, contempt for somebody who disagrees, particularly on a heated or contentious topic” ([30:19]). This occurs when individuals treat their knowledge and beliefs as definitive rather than provisional.

Human Nature and Judgments:
While making judgments is inherent to human behavior, the certainty trap exacerbates divisions:

• Example of Parenting Dispute: Ilana narrates a scenario where initial judgments about a friend's marital conflict were later reassessed upon understanding underlying concerns, illustrating the pitfalls of snap judgments ([35:45]).

Impact on Society:
The certainty trap contributes to:

• Political Polarization: Strengthening of partisan divides.
• Social Trust Erosion: Decreased willingness to engage constructively with differing opinions.

Role of Social Media:
Ilana attributes the rise in the certainty trap partially to social media platforms that reward outrage, incentivizing users to adopt more extreme stances to gain engagement ([40:29]).

Strategies to Mitigate the Certainty Trap:
Ilana proposes conscious efforts to destabilize certainty:

1. Perspective-Taking: Challenge oneself to understand and articulate the opposing viewpoint without assumptions about intent ([46:29]).
2. Question Assumptions: Evaluate whether disagreements stem from malice, misinformation, or differing value systems.
3. Clarify Core Principles: When disagreements are intractable, identify and communicate the fundamental principles driving one's stance to foster mutual understanding ([35:01]).

Notable Quotes:

• Ilana Redstone ([32:54]): “It's asking people to do something that does go against arguably human nature. It feels good to be morally outraged.”
• Ilana Redstone ([42:21]): “It's the idea that the person who disagrees with me must be an idiot or hateful in some way.”

Key Takeaways:

• The certainty trap intensifies conflicts by eliminating the space for nuanced discussions.
• Social and personal strategies are essential to navigate and reduce the impacts of the certainty trap.
• Promoting empathy and understanding can bridge gaps in polarized environments.

5. Conclusion

This episode of "Something You Should Know" offers comprehensive insights into human behavioral patterns and societal issues. From understanding gender differences in apologies to dissecting the complexities of marijuana use and the psychological barriers in the certainty trap, listeners are equipped with knowledge to navigate personal and societal challenges more effectively.

Final Thoughts:
Mike Carruthers emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and open-mindedness, encouraging listeners to share the podcast and engage in informed discussions.

Resources:

• The Science of Weed: An Indispensable Guide to Cannabis by Godfrey Pearlson
• The Certainty Trap: Why We Need to Question Ourselves More and How We Can Judge Others Less by Ilana Redstone

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Godfrey Pearlson ([05:33]): “Marijuana is a slang word that was used by Mexicans... used in a pejorative sense, like these evil marijuana uses are corrupting our youth.”
• Mike Carruthers ([03:10]): “Today on something you should know the interesting reason women apologize a lot more than men then an objective look at marijuana...”
• Ilana Redstone ([30:19]): “The certainty trap is the feeling of moral outrage, righteous indignation, contempt for somebody who disagrees...”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode, providing a valuable resource for those seeking to understand these complex topics.