Dr. Phillip Drum - No Such Thing as Medical Marijuana

Dr. Phillip Drum - No Such Thing as Medical Marijuana

Author: Joanie Sigal March 20, 2026 Duration: 41:56

The conversation covers the personal tragedy that led to advocacy, the evolution of marijuana, the impact of THC, roadside testing, controlled substance classification, medical marijuana misconceptions, marijuana research and FDA approval, and the impact of marijuana legalization. It also addresses the public health and safety concerns, marijuana-related incidents, and the need for advocacy and action.

Takeaways

Marijuana's evolution has led to higher THC concentrations

The legal system and testing methods for marijuana are inadequate

Chapters

00:00 Personal Tragedy and Advocacy

05:54 THC Absorption and Testing

11:04 Marijuana Classification

16:23 Medical Marijuana Studies

21:40 Marijuana Research and FDA Approval

27:28 Public Health and Safety

Our guest today is Dr. Phillip Drum, a veteran clinical pharmacist and educator who has spent the last 13 years at the intersection of science and advocacy. From managing hospital pharmacy programs to training Drug Recognition Experts and advising the California Governor’s office, Dr. Drum is a recognized authority on the impact of marijuana on our roads. He was the sole pharmacist invited to present at a landmark DEA hearing, and he’s here to give us the clinical facts on marijuana today.

Take action today and write to the administration: president@whitehouse.gov

Please ask him NOT to reclassify marijuana from a CS1 to a CSIII.  His reason for moving it to a CSIII was because he said that it could be studied more.  Please let him know that since 1985 there have been 11,309 studies done to the tune of 4.7 billion dollars of taxpayer money and as a result, not one FDA approval was given for marijuana or cannabis. As a citizen, you urge him to leave marijuana as a controlled substance (CS) I.

For more information read: The Attacker smoked Cannabis by Ross Granger



Hosted by Joanie Sigal, The Addiction Podcast-Point of No Return is a raw and necessary conversation about substance use and the path out of it. This isn't a clinical lecture, but a collection of real voices from the heart of the crisis. You'll hear from people who have lived through addiction to opioids, heroin, cocaine, prescription drugs, and fentanyl, sharing their journeys from dependence to recovery. The podcast also makes space for the families and loved ones whose lives are intertwined with this struggle, offering their perspectives on the chaos, the repeated attempts at rehab, and the strategies that finally made a difference. Each episode tackles the complex societal and personal issues surrounding addiction, all while grounding the discussion in tangible hope and practical recovery options. By focusing on these firsthand accounts, Joanie creates a podcast that serves as both a lifeline and a roadmap for anyone touched by this challenge-whether you're seeking help for yourself or striving to understand how to support someone else. Tune in for stories that don't shy away from the darkness but consistently point toward the light of resilience and regained control.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Addiction Podcast-Point of No Return
Podcast Episodes
Hon Mary Bono Powerful Advocate for Addiction Prevention [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:21
A successful businesswoman and well-known political leader, Congresswoman Mary Bono (ret.) was hailed as the "embodiment of powerful American womanhood" by the Washington Times, rising to become Chairman of the influenti…
Julieta Santagostino Working for a Drug Free World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:58
Julieta's powerful journey from the border town of Juarez, Mexico, to becoming a relentless advocate for drug education is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in a community deeply affected by drug abuse, she witnesse…
Lang Martinez Sober and Giving Back Living his Best Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:25
Lang Martinez, a resident of Los Angeles, CA, has successfully transformed his life's challenges into a compelling narrative of resilience. As a Trauma Survivor, Unconventional Advocate, Recovery Mentor, Hope Dealer and…
DeDee Pfeiffer - Actress and Activist in Helping Others in Addiction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:02
Dedee Pfeiffer, celebrated actress and younger sister of Michelle Pfeiffer, is known for her roles in hit shows like *Cybill* and *For Your Love* and her recent return to television as Denise Brisbane in ABC's *Big Sky.*…
Jackie Siegel - Helping Others with Victorias Voice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:20
Jackie Siegel is best known for her role in the award-winning documentary feature, Queen of Versailles (Magnolia Pictures), which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012. A little back story: Jackie earned the "Q…
Denise Barnes NARCAN+911 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:38
Denise Barnes is a devoted mother of three, married to a wonderful Christian husband, and a proud native of San Diego, California. Her family, deeply rooted in their love for surfing and faith, faced an unimaginable trag…
Rev Melissa Hayward Tucker Faith Overcoming Addiction's Chains [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:55
Melissa Hayward-Tucker was caught in the grip of addiction for years, a victim of drugs and alcohol from her early teens. Growing up in a turbulent world of abandonment, domestic violence, and abuse, she faced trauma mos…
Lance Dyer - Turning his Grief to Fight Against Synthetics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:39
In 2012, 14-year-old Dakota Dyer tragically took his own life after trying a synthetic drug. His father, Lance Dyer, was determined to prevent other families from experiencing this devastation. Confronted with the growin…
Lauren Sisler From Grief to Greatness Shatterproof [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:25
Lauren Sisler is an Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster, ESPN sideline reporter, author, and keynote speaker known for her sideline shimmy. After landing her dream career with ESPN, reporting on college football and gy…
Marcel Gemme Drug Education Child Approved [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:55
Marcel Gemme is a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS) and a member of NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals who concentrates on helping families find help for their loved ones. He is the founder an…