I think that the study shows conclusively that either the money itself, or other changes that occurred because of the addition of the money, caused the changes in behavioral welfare. Even if the benefit was derived by an indirect side-effect of the money, in my book that still means that the money caused the change.

I appreciate that a study like this contradicts a lot of conservative views and that proponants will probably hit the campaign trail to detract and confuse. Conservative views like: poor folks who use drugs deserve the worst punishment that money can buy, while conservative talk show hosts in similar straits must be viewed as heroic.

There is real-world truth displayed here in this study. All one has to do is look at it.