(1) The department shall carry out educational programs designed to prevent and deter misuse and abuse of controlled substances. In connection with these programs, the department may:
Promote better recognition of the problems of misuse and abuse of controlled substances within the regulated industry and among interested groups and organizations;
Assist the regulated industry and interested groups and organizations in contributingto the reduction of misuse and abuse of controlled substances;
Consult with interested groups and organizations to aid them in solving administrative and organizational problems;
Evaluate procedures, projects, techniques, and controls conducted or proposed as partof educational programs on misuse and abuse of controlled substances;
Disseminate the results of research on misuse and abuse of controlled substances topromote a better public understanding of what problems exist and what can be done to alleviate them; and
Assist in the education and training of state and local law enforcement officials intheir efforts to control misuse and abuse of controlled substances.
(2) The department shall encourage research on misuse and abuse of controlled substances. In connection with the research, and in furtherance of the enforcement of this article, the department may:
Establish methods to assess accurately the effects of controlled substances and identify and characterize those with potential for abuse;
Make studies and undertake programs of research to:
Develop new or improved approaches, techniques, systems, equipment, and devicesto strengthen the enforcement of this article;
Determine patterns of misuse and abuse of controlled substances and the social effects thereof; and
Improve methods for preventing, predicting, understanding, and dealing with themisuse and abuse of controlled substances; and
(c) Enter into contracts with public institutions of higher education and private organizations or individuals for the purpose of conducting research, demonstrations, or special projects which bear directly on misuse and abuse of controlled substances.
The department may enter into contracts for educational and research activities.
The department may authorize persons engaged in research on the use and effects ofcontrolled substances to withhold the names and other identifying characteristics of individuals who are the subjects of the research. Persons who obtain this authorization are not compelled in any civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceeding to identify the individuals who are the subjects of research for which the authorization was obtained.
The department may authorize the possession and distribution of controlled substances by persons engaged in research. Persons who obtain this authorization are exempt from state prosecution for possession and distribution of controlled substances to the extent of the authorization.
Source: L. 92: Entire article R&RE, p. 382, § 1, effective July 1.