From the Administrator

In many circles, U.S. drug policy is under attack. It is being criticized primarily by those who favor a legalization agenda. It is also being challenged by those who encourage certain trends in European drug policy, like decriminalization of drug use, “harm reduction” programs, and distinctions between hard and soft drugs.

Proponents of legalization are spending huge amounts of money to encourage a greater tolerance for drug use. A number of states have passed referendums to permit their residents to use drugs for a variety of reasons. The citizens who vote in these referendums too often have to rely on the information—or rather, misinformation— being presented by the sponsors of these expensive campaigns to legalize drugs.

This booklet, Speaking Out Against Drug Legalization, is designed to cut through the fog of misinformation with hard facts. The ten factual assertions, taken together, present an accurate picture of America’s experience with drug use, the current state of the drug problem, and what might happen if America chooses to adopt a more permissive policy on drug abuse.

Drug abuse, and this nation’s response to it, is one of the most important and potentially dangerous issues facing American citizens—and especially its youth—today. The unique freedoms of America have always depended on a well-informed citizenry. I hope you will use the facts you read in this booklet to help inform your friends and neighbors so that America can make a wise and well-considered decision on the future of its drug policy.

John B. Brown, III
Acting Administrator