Our Drugs Are Better Than Yours: Schools and Their Hypocrisy Regarding Drug Use

Abstract

This article explores the differences in the ways public schools treat teen use of marijuana and ADD/ADHD drugs. While any use of marijuana in and around school is dealt with harshly, schools often encourage students to use ADD/ADHD drugs, even passing them out during the school day. Examining these differences, this article explores the similarities and differences between the two types of drugs. Similarities include ease of access, reasons for use, attitudes about the drugs’ effects, and the U.S. drug culture in general. Differences include the actual effects of the drugs, education about the drugs, and punishments for unlawful use in school. The article concludes that the stance that drugs are ‘good’ when promoted by the school sends students mixed messages that are detrimental to their mental and physical health and serves to undermine educators’ ability to teach students effectively.

Keywords:

• Ritalin
• Adderall
• Marijuana
• Drug Testing
• Strip Searching
• School Drug Laws