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.