Oregon Group Convinces Bookstore to Relocate Marijuana Publications

A brief advocacy campaign by Umpqua Partners for a Drug-Free Future led to the Borders bookstore chain to move High Times and other marijuana-related publications away from a display of children’s and teen’s books like Twilight, the group said.

Umpqua Partners founding partner Marlene Petersen visited a Waldenbooks location — owned by Borders — and noticed that publications like High Times and Weed World were displayed right behind the counter and near small backpacks for children and Twilight books intended for teen readers.

“As a parent, grandparent and community member committed to reducing alcohol and other drug abuse, I was concerned that this product placement was sending the wrong message to our kids and may encourage drug use among youth,” said Petersen.

The drug-prevention group wrote to Borders management on June 4, asking the company to establish a policy of placing marijuana-related literature away from materials intended for children and teens. The company quickly replied, saying that this was already their policy and directing the Oregon store to comply, which it quickly did.

“We commend Borders for policy that clearly demonstrates their commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and drug-free communities and Roseburg’s Waldenbooks store for taking positive action by moving the identified merchandise to comply with corporate guidelines,” said Patti LaFreniere, executive director of Umpqua Partners.