Pubdate: Tue, 28 Feb 2012
Source: Merritt Herald (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Merritt Herald
Contact:  http://www.merrittherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1446
Author: Judith Renaud, Executive Director, Educators for Sensible Drug Policy
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n155/a04.html?1145
Cited: Educators for Sensible Drug Policy: http://www.efsdp.org

BETTER WAY TO TEACH DRUG EDUCATION

RE: Students offered drugs on school property

Educators for Sensible Drug Policy suggests that the outmoded and zero
tolerance DARE program not only damages law enforcement officers
credibility but exacerbates the problem by inspiring rebellion against
an authoritarian legal system.

EFSDP research suggests that the DARE program is not only ineffective,
which is why it has been discontinued in a number of cities, but may
even be harmful.

Exaggerating the dangers of cannabis creates skepticism among
teenagers about the real dangers of hard drugs such as cocaine,
heroin, alcohol and tobacco thus encouraging experimentation and use.

Our research shows that cannabis policy with its focus on prohibition
and extensive efforts on enforcement has failed, cannabis is more
available, cheaper and more potent than ever even after billions of
tax dollars have been spent on prohibition. 

Worse, organized crime is rolling in cash because of the same policies.

EFSDP is not saying that cannabis should be legalized and taxed
because it is safe.

Rather EFSDP is saying that proven public health approaches should be
used to constrain its use.

While the abstinence-only mandate is well intended this approach is clearly not enough.

Only qualified health care professionals and educators trained in
solid scientific, compassionate, health and evidenced based drug
education should be teaching our youth, not law enforcement officers.

There is a better way. We must consider it.

Judith Renaud

Executive Director

Educators for Sensible Drug Policy

Gibsons, B.C.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.