The campaign to legitimize what is called "medical" marijuana is based on two propositions: first, that science views marijuana as medicine; and second, that the DEA targets sick and dying people using the drug. Neither proposition is true. Specifically, smoked marijuana has not withstood the rigors of science-it is not medicine, and it is not safe. Moreover, the DEA targets criminals engaged in the cultivation and trafficking of marijuana, not the sick and dying. This is true even in the 15 states that have approved the use of "medical" marijuana.1 On October 19, 2009 Attorney General Eric Holder announced formal guidelines for federal prosecutors in states that have enacted laws authorizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The guidelines, as set forth in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General David W. Ogden, makes clear that the focus of federal resources should not be on individuals whose actions are in compliance with existing state laws, and underscores that the Department will continue to prosecute people whose claims of compliance with state and local law conceal operations inconsistent with the terms, conditions, or purposes of the law. He also reiterated that the Department of Justice is committed to the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act in all states and that this guidance does not "legalize" marijuana or provide for legal defense to a violation of federal law.2 While some people have interpreted these guidelines to mean that the federal government has relaxed its policy on "medical" marijuana, this in fact is not the case. Investigations and prosecutions of violations of state and federal law will continue. These are the guidelines DEA has and will continue to follow.

Parenting can be the most rewarding job on earth-and sometimes the toughest. You cradle your newborn the first time and promise, either silently or aloud, to provide the best life possible for him or her. The years quickly fly by-and suddenly, your youngster is about to enter school. If you're like most people, that is a scary day. How will little Sara react to being away from me? What will happen if Noah misbehaves? Will the teacher provide the attention that Riley needs in order to learn? As your child grows older and continues to achieve new milestones, your concerns grow, too. Can I trust Sara being home alone after school until I get home? What will Noah do if his friends offer him a cigarette? Will Riley's friends tempt her to try drugs? These types of worries are normal and show that you are a loving, attentive parent who wants what is best for your child. Reading this booklet also shows that you are concerned and that you want to help your child achieve a healthy, drug-free lifestyle from preschool through high school-a dozen or so critical years when attitudes about drug use are formed. Many school districts across the country have had to cut funding for alcohol and drug education programs, making it even more important that you are informed, consistent, and current when you communicate with your child about drugs and alcohol. This publication was designed to help you understand: The substances children are exposed to and where they get them. It will explain the names (and "street names") of common drugs, how they're used, their effects, where children obtain them, and how to know if your child is using them; Which children are most at risk for using drugs and how you can offset some of those risk factors; The importance of providing what are called protective factors-at home, in school, and in the community. How to talk to your children about drugs and alcohol. It will suggest ways to initiate conversations with your child at different ages and at various stages of physical and mental development; What role social media play in what your child learns about drugs; The steps to take if you suspect your child may already be using drugs or alcohol. This booklet also provides answers to questions your child may have and resources you can use to find more information or get help with your concerns. It covers important topics such as: Why drinking alcohol-even once-is a serious matter. Each year, approximately 5,000 young people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking, which is more than from all illegal drugs combined; The importance of maintaining a close relationship with your child. A child who gets through age 21 without smoking, using illegal drugs, or abusing alcohol is much less likely to do so as an adult. No one has greater power to influence your child's behavior than YOU do, and a close bond can spare your child the negative experiences associated with illegal drug use. It may even save your child's life.

Drug use in the United States is a serious problem, but much progress has been made through effective drug prevention and enforcement programs during the past decade. Teen drug use decreases when young people perceive that drug use is risky, and good drug prevention programs help teens understand how and why drugs are harmful. Most kids don't take drugs. According to a recent government survey drug use rates have decreased since 2001. Kids are rejecting marijuana, LSD, steroids, ecstasy, methamphetamine, alcohol and tobacco. They are also telling researchers that they know more about the dangers of drugs- and that helps them say no to drugs. This book is organized in three parts: Today's Drug Problem, Drug Prevention and Awareness, and What You Can Do. The first part covers 13 different drugs with graphics of each drug. The second part includes various drug prevention programs and prevention resources. The third part provides helpful ideas on prevention projects and activities in which teens can be involved.

Increasingly the news is full of reports providing misleading or biased information about our nation's drug policies. Whether there are questions about the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) actions to enforce federal law, or challenges to the basic concept that drugs are dangerous, there is a growing discussion as to whether our current drug policies are effective and appropriate. This booklet, Speaking Out Against Drug Legalization, is designed to cut through the current fog of misinformation with hard facts. It presents an accurate picture of America's experience with drug use, the nature of the drug problem, and the potential for damage if the United States adopts a more permissive policy on drug abuse. The information is presented in a bulleted format, in an effort to provide specific points in response to the most common myths and facts about drugs and drug abuse. Drug abuse, and this nation's response to it, is one of the most important and complex challenges facing all Americans-especially our youth. The national drug policies presently in place were not dreamed up from an ivory tower of idealism, but instead were constructed from the cold realities of experience. From a historical perspective, the unique freedoms offered by the United States have always depended on a well-informed public. Accordingly, the DEA hopes you will use the scrupulously researched facts you find in this booklet to help you educate your friends and family. This book is designed to dispel the inaccuracies about drug legalization and present accurate information on legalization, drug policy and drug abuse. Some of the topics include: a balanced approach of prevention, enforcement, and treatment; smoked marijuana; crime, violence, and drug use; and nonviolent drug users and treatment.

The abuse of drugs is not a harmless personal decision: there are real, long-lasting, and devastating outcomes for those who abuse drugs and for their families, friends, and communities. And for some, the outcome may be lethal. With the knowledge contained in this edition, you can make smart choices for yourself, and help others avoid the tragedy that inevitably comes from drug abuse and addiction. Whether you purchase drugs from a pharmacy, or you get them from a friend, knowing the truth about them will help you understand the dangers they pose. Measured in American lives, health, safety, and resources, this cost is enormous: More young Americans die from drugs than suicides, firearms, or school violence; The use of illicit drugs, and the non-medical use of prescription drugs, directly led to the death of 38,000 Americans in 2006, nearly as many who died in automobile accidents; The only disease that affects more people than substance abuse in America today is heart disease; Substance abuse is the single largest contributor to crime in the United States; In the latest year measured, the direct cost of drug abuse was estimated at $52 billion, with indirect costs of $128 billion. I believe none of this is necessary, and that with accurate, honest information about drugs, more Americans will make the right choices. Drugs of Abuse is designed to be a reliable resource on the most popularly abused drugs. This publication delivers clear, scientific information about drugs in a factual, straightforward way, combined with scores of precise photographs shot to scale. We believe that Drugs of Abuse fulfills an important educational need in our society. Around the world and across the nation, the dedicated men and women of the DEA are working hard to investigate and arrest the traffickers of dangerous drugs, such as those described here. They help keep our schools and neighborhoods safe and secure. But just as important, they are working hard to educate America's youth, their parents, and their teachers about the very real dangers of illegal drugs. Drugs of Abuse is an important step in that direction. This book delivers clear, scientific information about drugs in a factual, straightforward way. With the information in this guide, parents and caregivers can help their children make smart choices and avoid the consequences of drug abuse.

The official manual used by the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration for its agents.

On cover: A DEA Resource Guide. This publication delivers scientific information about drugs in a factual, straightforward way, combined with scores of precise photographs shot to scale.

Around the world and across the nation, the dedicated men and women of the DEA (US Drug Enforcement Administration) are working hard to investigate and arrest the traffickers of dangerous drugs, such as those described in this report. They help keep our schools and neighborhoods safe and secure. They are also working hard to educate America's youth, their parents, and their teachers about the very real dangers of illegal drugs.

Includes tables, charts and photographs of some of the drugs.

Each section includes information about the topical area and their origin. Additionally, for each of the specific drugs covered in this resource, the following criteria are included:

What are the common street names?

What do they look like?

How are they abused?

What is their effect on the mind?

What is their effect on the body?

What are their overdose effects?

Which drugs cause similar effects?

What is their legal status in the United States?