36-2544. Education; research; public notices

A. The board and department shall cooperate with the department of health services in carrying out educational programs designed to prevent and deter misuse and abuse of narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, marijuana and controlled substances. In connection with these programs they may:

1. Promote better recognition of the problems of misuse and abuse of narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, marijuana and controlled substances within the regulated industry and among interested groups and organizations.

2. Assist the regulated industry and interested groups and organizations in contributing to the reduction of misuse and abuse of narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, marijuana and controlled substances.

3. Consult with interested groups and organizations to aid them in solving administrative and organizational problems.

4. Evaluate procedures, projects, techniques and controls conducted or proposed as part of educational programs on misuse and abuse of narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, marijuana and controlled substances.

5. Disseminate the results of research on misuse and abuse of narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, marijuana and controlled substances to promote a better public understanding of what problems exist and what can be done to combat them.

6. Assist in the education and training of state and local law enforcement officials in their efforts to control misuse and abuse of narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, marijuana and controlled substances.

B. The board, department and department of health services shall encourage research on misuse and abuse of narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, marijuana and controlled substances. In connection with the research, and in furtherance of the enforcement of this chapter and title 13, chapter 34, they may:

1. Establish methods to assess accurately the effects of narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, marijuana and controlled substances and identify and characterize those with potential for abuse.

2. Make studies and undertake programs of research to:

(a) Develop new or improved approaches, techniques, systems, equipment and devices to strengthen the enforcement of this chapter and title 13, chapter 34.

(b) Determine patterns of misuse and abuse of narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, marijuana and controlled substances and the social effects of such misuse and abuse.

(c) Improve methods for preventing, predicting, understanding and dealing with the misuse and abuse of narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, marijuana and controlled substances.

3. Enter into contracts with public agencies, 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 narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, marijuana and controlled substances.

C. The board may authorize the possession and distribution of narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, marijuana and controlled substances for scientific purposes. Persons who obtain this authorization are exempt from state prosecution for possession and distribution of narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, marijuana and controlled substances to the extent of the authorization.

D. The department shall prescribe the posting of a public notice designed to educate the public regarding the dangers of using anabolic steroids and human growth hormone to deter the illegal use of these drugs. The notice shall cite the laws prohibiting the use of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone and the criminal penalty for their use, distribution, unauthorized prescribing, possession and sale. The department shall require that this notice be displayed prominently in the following locations:

1. High schools, colleges and universities.

2. Professional athletic team facilities.

3. Facilities that offer, promote or provide physical fitness or body building programs to members or clients.