Pubdate: Sat, 28 Jun 2008
Source: Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Copyright: 2008 Sun-Sentinel Company
Contact:  http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/159
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n606/a07.html
Author: Robert Sharpe

JUMP IN PRESCRIPTION DRUG OVERDOSE DEATHS MAY BE TIED TO DRUG TESTING

The increase in prescription drug overdose deaths in South Florida is 
part of a nationwide trend. Federally funded school drug tests are 
part of the problem. Marijuana is the only drug that stays in the 
human body long enough to make urinalysis a deterrent. Drug tests may 
compel marijuana smokers to switch to harder drugs. This is one of 
the reasons the American Academy of Pediatrics opposes student drug testing.

While culture warriors in the Bush administration obsess over 
non-lethal marijuana, prescription drug overdose deaths are 
skyrocketing. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention, prescription drug overdose is now second only to 
motor-vehicle crashes as a cause of death from unintentional injury 
in the United States. The phrase "if it saves one life" has been used 
to justify all manner of drug war intrusions. Eliminating drug tests 
has the potential to save thousands of lives.

Robert Sharpe

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake