‘Head Shops’ in New
Hampshire-The Harm to Communities
A ‘Head
Shop’ can be defined as a retail outlet which specializes in drug paraphernalia. Some of the most
common items that might be found at a ‘Head
Shop’ in New Hampshire include;
pipes,
rolling papers, bongs, roach clips, lighters, counterculture art,
magazines, music, clothing and products which claim to produce false negative
results on urinalysis tests.
‘Head Shops’ were
first developed in the 1960’s and since then have spread around the nation. ‘Head Shops’ can be found throughout
the state of New Hampshire and
customers include males and females of all ages, racial groups and economic
classes.
Marijuana is Illegal in New Hampshire, so why are ‘Head
Shops’ legal?
Due to the nature of the products sold in ‘Head Shops’, such businesses skirt
within the ‘grey area’ of legal. Since such products as pipes, bongs, lighters
and other related items can be utilized for use of legal tobacco products as
well as Cannabis; authorities are
not able to ban ‘Head Shops’ from
existence. Many ‘Head Shops’ are
required by law to only sell select products to individuals eighteen and older.
However, this does not stop individuals under eighteen from regularly attaining
such products, nor does it ensure legal use of the products sold.
How do ‘Head Shops’ affect drug use rates in New
Hampshire?
Illegal drug use
will always be an issue, regardless of whether or not ‘Head Shops’ are located within the state of New Hampshire. However, such businesses are harmful to communities
for several reasons.
Head Shops Make Paraphernalia
More Accessible-‘Head Shops’
provide a central location for users to attain drug paraphernalia. Users do not have to search for such products
as pipes and rolling papers and they can easily attain products which help them
keep illicit drug use more discrete,
(such as products which claim to produce false negative results on urinalysis
results). Drug paraphernalia which
may have otherwise been difficult to attain can be purchased legally at
locations around the state.
Head Shops Encourage Drug Use-‘Head Shops’ encourage individuals to use illicit drugs. When drug paraphernalia
is sold legally, shoppers are made to assume that drugs are not as harmful as
they were told in health class. After all, as long as something is legal, it is
healthy right? (Not).
Head Shops are a Trigger- One of the largest contributors to relapses in drug
addicted individuals is exposure to triggers. If there is a ‘Head Shop’ on an individual’s daily
route to work or next to an individual’s favorite restaurant; it is much more
likely that this individual will be affected by such a trigger and relapse as a result. Since there are no legalities
regulating where ‘Head Shops’ can be
placed, there have even been instances where ‘Head Shops’ were placed directly next to Substance Abuse
Counseling Centers.
But New Hampshire is the ‘Live Free or Die’ state…
In reference to the argument that New Hampshire is a ‘Live Free or Die’ state, thus should not
criminalize the existence of ‘Head
Shops’; individuals must consider the harm that ‘Head Shops’ present to communities. Illicit drug use has increased within New Hampshire in recent years and the problem is not going away. ‘Head Shops’ both support and inspire illegal drug use.
Addiction Support is Available: Self-empowerment, NH
LLC is Here to Help
‘Head Shops’
present a large problem within the state of New Hampshire, as they contribute to illegal drug use. However, ‘Head
Shops’ are not the only influence inspiring illegal drug use within New
Hampshire communities. All populations of people in all economic and social
classes are affected by drug addiction. Addiction can be the result of many
different factors, some of which include; peer, media and/or culture influence,
exposure to trauma, genetics and economic standing.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a drug addiction, Self-empowerment, NH
LLC is here to help. We offer individual counseling, group counseling, support
groups and presentations for educators, parents and workplaces in reference to
signs and symptoms of substance abuse. Please contact Lori Magoon, LCMHC, MLADC
at selfempowermentnh@gmail.com
or (603)40-6937.
Open the door to self-empowerment. Open the door to a better
tomorrow.
