On Aug. 18, a government survey found that medicinal marijuana reform
did not lead to increased teen marijuana use.

Important findings include:

- Despite a nationwide dispute about the medicinal use of marijuana that has
been making headlines since 1996, the survey found that "past month"
marijuana use -- particularly among young people -- has dropped since 1997
and is at the same level as 1995. (National Household Survey on Drug Abuse:
Table 5b, Page 67, Table 7, page 69)

- Despite the fact that since 1996, patients in California have been
allowed to grow and use marijuana upon their doctors' recommendation,
there are no statistically significant differences in reported
marijuana usage rates among 12- to 17-year-olds in California than in
the rest of the nation. Indeed, "past month" usage rates are currently
lower. (Table 55, Page 122)

- "There was no significant change in illicit drug use in California
between 1997 and 1998, either for youth or for adults." (quoted
verbatim from Page 3).

I urge all readers to contact our members of Congress to ask that the
federal laws be changed. Also, for more information on this subject,
call the Marijuana Policy Project at (202) 462-5747.

Dr. Michael T. Wayda
Madison