Drug policy analysis: There is nothing more practical than a good theory
A common comment from those who work in the alcohol and other drug field is why it is that those
programs for which there is good evidence of effectiveness are seldom routinely implemented and
that it is often the case that those programs with limited evidence of effectiveness are the ones
enacted. Analysis of the processes by which policies are and are not implemented has helped to
shed light on this dilemma and there is an increasing emphasis on using the information derived
from these analyses to advocate for evidence based policies and programs. One aspect of an
evidence-based approach that has received less comment is that of theory. A theory should help in
understanding the information available to us and also generate hypotheses that can be tested in a
scientific manner. A research project currently in progress addresses the question of why some
states in America have enacted legislation to allow for the medical use of marijuana – and why the
majority have not. Using data from this study, this paper will contrast three theories – Kingdon’s
Stream model; the Advocacy Coalition model and the Punctuated Equilibrium model – and their
ability to explain the policy process and generate testable hypotheses for future research.
Presenter and contact person
Dr David Ryder
School of Psychology and Social Science
Edith Cowan University
270 Joondalup Drive
Joondalup
Western Australia 6027
Telephone: (08) 6304 5452
E mail: david.ryder@ecu.edu.au
Co-authors
Jelica Grbic
Doctoral student
Edith Cowan University
Professor Perilou Goddard
Department of Psychology
Northern Kentucky University