Guam § 67 - Education and Research.

§ 67. Education and Research.

(a) DPHSS or the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, or both, may carry out education

programs designed to prevent and deter misuse and abuse of controlled substances. In connection with these

programs DPHSS and GBHWC may:

(1) promote better recognition of the problems of misuse and abuse of controlled substances

within the regulated industry and among interested groups and organizations;

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(2) assist the regulated industry and interested groups and organizations in contributing to the

reduction of misuse and abuse of 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 controlled substances;

(5) 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 alleviate them; and

(6) 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) GPD, DPHSS and GBHWC may encourage research on misuse and abuse of controlled substances.

In connection with the research, and in furtherance of the enforcement of this Act, GPD, DPHSS and

GBHWC may:

(1) establish methods to assess accurately the effects of 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 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; and

(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

that bear directly on misuse and abuse of controlled substances.

(c) DPHSS and GBHWC, with the approval of the Attorney General, may 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. A person who obtains this authorization

is 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.

(d) DPHSS and GBHWC with the approval of the Attorney General, may authorize the possession and

distribution of controlled substances by persons engaged in research. A person who obtains this

authorization is exempt from state prosecution for possession and distribution of controlled substances to

the extent of the authorization.

NOTE: Pursuant to the authority granted by 1 GCA § 1606, numbers and/or letters were altered to adhere to the

Compiler’s alpha-numeric scheme.

2013 NOTE: P.L. 32-024:2 (May 6, 2013) renamed the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse to the

Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center. Reference to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse

changed to Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center pursuant to P.L. 32-024:4.

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