By Jonathan Perri
Surreal yet patronizing taxpayer-funded advertisements – often featuring talking dogs, deflated humans, and girlfriend-stealing aliens – aimed at stopping teen marijuana use may be a thing of the past. Last week, the House Appropriations Committee recommended reducing funding for the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign by 71%. The cut would slash funding from $70 million to $20 million annually, and shifts the target of the campaign from youth to parents. Who of course never use drugs themselves.
The commercials have been found to be ineffective at reducing drug use at best, and to increase drug use at worst. With evidence that the ads don't work - it probably a smart to move to shift resources toward more effective programs.