Liberal views on marijuana

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33693, 16 November 1974, Page 17

Liberal views on marijuana

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) WASHINGTON, November 15. The top White House official on drug policy is about to announce opposition to criminal penalties for the use of marijuana, according to informed officials.

The sources say that the official, Dr Robert Dupont, will continue to advocate public programmes that discourage use of the drug, but will argue that people should not be put through the criminal process for possession of small quantities of marijuana.

Dr Dupont is director of the White House special action office for drug abuse ■ prevention and head of the United States National Institute on Drug Abuse.

; He will address the annual

conference of the National Organisation for Reform of Marijuana Laws in Washington today. The sources say that Dr Dupont, in his speech and in appearances next week at a news conference and before the Senate, will issue a very carefully balanced statement that explains his position on the legal issues, while at the ‘same time discussing new ! medical evidence that indiclates long-term use of marihuana can be dangerous,. i The sources say that the [speech is the beginning of a ; process intended to divorce | the Ford Administration (from Mr Richard Nixon’s [ refusal to consider reforming ■ marijuana laws. President Ford in the past [has opposed outright legalisation of marijuana but ihas indicated he has an ■ open mind on the issue of removing legal penalties \against users.