Students participating in TADA (Teens Against Drugs and Alcohol) traveled to Des Moines on Feb. 21.

Courtney Davis (10), Libby DeMoss (9), Taylor Hammer (9), Peyton Hass (9), Kyleigh Marsden (9) and Abigail Wilson (12) visited the Capitol with teacher Kathy Naughton and talked with legislators about laws on drugs and alcohol.  

“This trip gives students an opportunity to participate in the legislative process as well as become informed about current issues in drug legislation that are happening in our state,” Naughton said. “It makes the process of drug prevention more personal as students can personally participate and speak to the legislators that are making laws regarding drug use and availability.”

Students asked State Legislators questions to better understand laws on drinking and drugs. They asked what laws could be passed to make certain drugs legal or illegal. This opportunity helped students understand why these laws are important and how they affect young people.

The students in TADA want to see beer taxes raised to help prevent youth from buying alcohol. Naughton said, “The beer tax is an issue because it’s too low in Iowa and hasn’t been changed for years. Beer is inexpensive, which means that it becomes a beverage of choice for those who are underage.”

Prevention advocates believe that once medical marijuana is legalized in Iowa recreational laws will be passed as well.

“The folks in the drug prevention area do not want to see this happen, so keeping marijuana an illegal substance is a primary goal,” Naughton said. “Marijuana is viewed as a gateway drug, meaning youth gets lured in and then gradually move on to hardcore drugs.”