David Evans Speaks Out on Fox and Friends
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David Evans, executive director of Drug Free Schools Coalition, speaks out on Fox and Friends about medi-pot being administered at teaching hospitals throughout New Jersey, a proposal currently being considered by the state legislature. Although Evans agrees this would be better than approving pot shops similar to those scattered throughout California, he is skeptical about the efficacy of smoked marijuana as a medicine, as well as the legal ramifications of dispensing a drug that has not been proven safe by the FDA.
Drug Crimes and Animal Cruelty 'Undeniably Connected'
Companion animals, especially dogs, are commonly exploited by marijuana growers and dealers, according to Dr. Kris Otteman, Director of Shelter Medicine of the Oregon Humane Society. She traces the abuse and neglect of animals used as guards and as intimidation in marijuana trafficking and recounts how complaints about animal cruelty have led to arrests for drug dealing and investigations into marijuana trafficking have led to felony charges of aggravated animal abuse.
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
On June 26th, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking (link to info piece here) to point out how the drug trade affects the environment, economic development and public health. Drug trafficking is linked to the deforestation and pollution of the very land that poor farmers depend upon for their survival. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon points out that "(t)he illicit drug trade also undermines governance, institutions and societal cohesion. Drug traffickers typically seek routes where the rule of law is weak. In turn, drug-related crime deepens vulnerability to instability and poverty."
