Experts in the News

Marijuana prosecutions in Texas have dropped by more than half since lawmakers legalized hemp -- without providing the means to distinguish it from marijuana. “There are fewer Texans getting slapped with a criminal record for marijuana possession, something that is already legal in other states,” said drug policy fellow Katharine Harris.

Drug policy fellow Katharine Neill Harris commented on Harris County’s efforts to combat opioid addiction by issuing naloxone to inmates as they are released.

“In order to help someone out of drug addiction, you often have to address problems in other parts of their lives, help people get jobs, etc. That costs money so it is an investment, an important public health investment,” said drug policy fellow Katharine Neill Harris.

Incentives such as cash rewards have been shown to motivate drug users to remain sober — but negative perceptions of this approach are preventing broader use, said fellow Katharine Neill Harris.