§ 35-7-1052 — Educational programs; research

(a) The commissioner may carry out educational programs
designed to prevent and deter misuse and abuse of controlled
substances. In connection with these programs he may:
(i) Promote better recognition of the problems of
misuse and abuse of controlled substances within the regulated
industry and among interested groups and organizations;
(ii) Assist the regulated industry and interested
groups and organizations in contributing to the reduction of
misuse and abuse of controlled substances;
(iii) Consult with interested groups and
organizations to aid them in solving administrative and
organizational problems;
(iv) Evaluate procedures, projects, techniques, and
controls conducted or proposed as part of educational programs
on misuse and abuse of controlled substances;
(v) Disseminate the results of research on misuse and
abuse of controlled substances to promote a better public
understanding of what problems exist and what can be done to
combat them; and,
(vi) Assist in the education and training of state
and local law enforcement officials in their efforts to control
misuse and abuse of controlled substances.
(b) The commissioner may encourage research on misuse and
abuse of controlled substances. In connection with the research,
and in furtherance of the enforcement of this act, he may:
(i) Establish methods to assess accurately the
effects of controlled substances and identify and characterize
those with potential for abuse;
(ii) 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 act;
(B) Determine patterns of misuse and abuse of
controlled substances and the social effects thereof; and,
(C) Improve methods for preventing, predicting,
understanding, and dealing with the misuse and abuse of
controlled substances.
(iii) 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 of controlled substances.
(c) The commissioner may enter into contracts for
educational and research activities without performance bonds.
(d) The commissioner shall authorize persons engaged in
research on the use and effects of controlled 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.
(e) The commissioner 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.
Article VII.