I agree with Randy Shelden 99% of the time and respect his views, but I argue his blog on Proposition 19, as well as other commentaries such as the Media Awareness Project ‘s, are dead wrong in both facts and emphasis. Those who want to reform destructive drug policies should not join drug warriors in obsessing over the unimportant issue of how many teenagers smoke pot. Shelden argues that under the current marijuana criminalization, “according to several studies, currently it is…
Blog Oct 23, 2010
Proposition 19: Will the Drug Warriors Win Again?
Proposition 19, California’s initiative that would legalize marijuana, is opposed by the majority of the citizens, according to the latest polls, as reported in the Los Angeles Times . Proposition 19 “Allows people 21 years old or older to possess, cultivate, or transport marijuana for personal use. Permits local governments to regulate and tax commercial production and sale of marijuana to people 21 years old or older. Prohibits people from possessing marijuana on school grounds,…
Blog Oct 20, 2010
Bizarre Drug Czar Logic
The most fundamental disagreement between drug policy reformers and drug warriors such as Office of National Drug Control Policy chief Gail Kerlikowske – who is warning that the federal government may sue to overturn California’s Proposition 19 should the initiative to legalize adult possession of small quantities of marijuana pass on November 2 – is what constitutes “the problem.” Reported the Associated Press on October 20: Kerlikowske was in Southern California on Wednesday for…
Blog Oct 17, 2010
Proposition 19 Provokes Legislative Reform
Regardless of the outcome of the November election, Proposition 19 ‘s strong poll showing has already achieved a major victory. California’s legislature and governor, seeking to preempt 19’s potential to legalize low-level marijuana possession for those over age 21, approved Senate Bill 1449 to reduce possession of less than one ounce of marijuana to a mere civil infraction carrying a fine of up to $100 for all ages. My investigation of fine schedules suggest that’s roughly…
Blog Oct 12, 2010
The Importance of an IBTM
DJF has begun to implement some cognitive-behavioral evidence-based treatment programs in their facilities. These model programs include Aggression Replacement Training (ART) and CounterPoint. Both programs are designed in a similar format with the goal of skill acquisition: first the facilitators teach and model relevant skills, then the youths role-play these skills, and eventually the youths are required to practice the skills in their natural setting. The aim is that youths internalize…