JOHNSON TO PARTICIPATE IN DRUG FORUMS


ALBUQUERQUE -- Gov. Gary Johnson, continuing his push to legalize drugs,
said Friday he would participate in two forums next month examining the war
on drugs and alternatives to combating drug use.

"The idea again is to present all sides," Johnson said after announcing the
forums in a speech to the New Mexico Mortgage Bankers and Brokers
Association.

The discussions -- "The Drug War: Who is Winning" and "Drug Legalization: A
Bold Alternative to the Drug War" -- are scheduled Nov. 2 and Nov. 16 in
Albuquerque. The forums are sponsored by the nonprofit New Mexico Drug
Policy Foundation, created in 1996 to provide information about the drug
war, its political and social impacts and possible alternatives. The
foundation "is concerned about the efficacy of continuing the current
policy," said Albuquerque attorney Steve Bunch, its president and executive
director.

Panelists will include Ethan Nadelmann of the Lindesmith Center, a drug
policy research institute that supports medical marijuana and needle
exchange programs, and Kevin Zeese of the pro-legalization group Common
Sense for Drug Policy.

"I welcome any and all discussion on our nation's drug policy, and I
believe these first two forums should give New Mexicans a lot of good
information and a lot to think about," Johnson said.

Repeating his call to regulate and tax drugs such as marijuana and heroin,
Johnson told the bankers' association the war on drugs is the "biggest
head-in-the-sand issue that exists in the country today."

The governor's stance, which has moved from decriminalization to
legalization in recent weeks, has provoked the ire of law enforcement
agents around New Mexico and criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike.

Johnson said Friday the failed drug war itself, not his opinions on it, has
demoralized drug agents.

"It isn't me; it's the truth," he said. "None of this would have any
resonance at all if this were crazy. It's not crazy."