| Hot
Topics: |
| Drug
Paraphernalia |
 |
Businesses
that specialize
in selling drug
paraphernalia
became popular
in the 1960s
when marijuana
and other drug
use reached
epidemic
proportions.
During
that period a
subculture
developed around
the sue of
illegal
substances, and
businesses
catering to drug
users were
commonly know as
“head
shops”, a
reference to the
mind-altering
substances used
by their
clientele. |
|
| Over
the years, such
businesses have
proliferated,
expanding in
urban and
residential
neighborhoods
alike.
Today they are a
permanent
fixture in many
of our
communities,
often located
near youth
–sensitive
areas such as
churches, parks
or schools.
Many of them
have signage
that clearly
promotes drug
use, making it
seem like
acceptable
behavior.
While
young people
generally
receive the
message that
drugs are
dangerous and
illegal from
their parents
and teachers,
these businesses
send the
opposite
message.
|
| Issue
Briefing
— Reducing
the
Impact
of Smoke
Shops:
How
local
communities
can
mitigate
problems
caused
by
businesses
that
sell
drug
paraphernalia — (PDF file) |
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