Drug czar is an informal name for the person who directs drug-control policies in various areas. The term follows the informal use of the term czar in U.S. politics. The 'drug czar' title first appeared in a 1982 news story by United Press International that reported that, "[United States] Senators ... voted 62–34 to establish a 'drug czar' who would have overall responsibility for U.S. drug policy."[1] Since then, several ad hoc executive positions established in both the United States and United Kingdom have been referred to in this manner.
Germany
The Drug Commissioner of the German Federal Government has been called the nation's drug czar by the state media company Deutsche Welle.[2]
United States
Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske speaks with staff and patients at the Covenant House, which helps drug-addicted teenagers and adults.
Carlton Turner PhD, ScD, Director of the Drug Abuse Policy Office. Turner, while working as drug czar, was in communication with Elisaldo Carlini, a scientist in Brazil whose lab was studying the beneficial effects of CBD. Turner helped establish the Marijuana Research Project at the University of Mississippi[3]
D. Ian McDonald, MD. Deputy Assistant to the President, Drug Abuse Policy Office
Vice President George H.W. Bush, who created and oversaw the Vice President's National Narcotics Border Interdiction System
Following statewide medical and recreational legalization, the city of Sacramento, California appointed a director of cannabis policy and enforcement, called a pot czar.[7]
^Anthony H. Gamboa (4 January 2005). "Letter to Hon. John W. Olver & Hon. Henry A. Waxman, subject: Office of National Drug Control Policy"(PDF). csdp.org. U.S. Government Accountability Office. pp. 14–15. Retrieved 4 August 2014. We conclude that ONDCP's prepackaged news stories violate the ban on covert propaganda, but its use of the term "drug czar" to refer to ONDCP's Director does not violate the ban on self-aggrandizement.
.jpg)
