GOVERNOR SUPPORTS DRUG LEGALIZATION

SANTA FE, N.M. Gov. Gary Johnson has taken his controversial stance on drugs
a step further by announcing that he supports the legalization of substances
such as marijuana and heroin.

"I am advocating that I think legalization is a viable alternative to what
we are now doing," the Republican said Wednesday.

Johnson said he had no plans to propose legislation to make drugs legal in
New Mexico, but said he personally supported legalization as a national policy.

The governor, who has acknowledged using marijuana and cocaine in the 1970s,
is an avid athlete who doesn't drink alcohol or use drugs. He contends the
national war against drugs has failed to stop the flow or use of drugs and
it consumes too much money that could be better used to stop violent crime.

He is the highest ranking elected official to promote drug legalization.

In the upcoming issue of Playboy magazine, Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura
recommends the less drastic approach of decriminalization.

"The prohibition of drugs causes crime. You don't have to legalize it, just
decriminalize it. Regulate it. Create places where the addict can go get
it," he told the magazine.

In the past, Johnson stopped short of advocating legalization and instead
focused on decriminalization. That would treat drug possession much like a
traffic violation and make it punishable by a small fine.

But Johnson now says decriminalization would not eliminate the black market
economy of drug trafficking. Legalization would allow governments to
regulate, tax and control drugs, much like alcohol and tobacco.

Johnson expressed support for legalizing marijuana and heroin. He said he
didn't know enough about the potential long-term effects of other illegal
drugs, such as cocaine, to advocate their legalization. He said many health
problems involving heroin abuse stem from dirty needles rather than the drug
itself.

Johnson's latest position stirred new criticism from some Republicans, who
say he is going against the party's national platform that backs strong
criminal penalties for drug-related crimes.

"Maybe the next thing he'll do is be bold enough to smoke a joint on TV,"
said Republican state Sen. Billy McKibben.

Last week, a spokesman for the Office of National Drug Control Policy
described the New Mexico governor as the "poster child for the drug
legalization movement."

Johnson is barred from seeking a third consecutive term in 2002.