AMERICAN DRUG POLICY

To the Editor:

Re "Lighting Up in Amsterdam" (column, Aug. 26):

John Tierney quotes Peter Cohen, a Dutch researcher and a former
director of the Center for Drug Research at the University of
Amsterdam, as saying that "drug policy is irrelevant" because
America, with strict drug laws, is said to have no less drug use than
the free-wheeling Europeans.

The facts tell a different story. Consider the rates of current
marijuana use by young people here and abroad.

No fewer than five European countries with softer drug laws have
higher rates of use (while the Dutch experienced a near-tripling of
marijuana use by 18- to 20-year-olds after their "coffee shops" began
selling pot).

Meanwhile, Sweden, which has maintained tough drug policies, has
marijuana rates of only 1 percent, a mere fraction of its
"progressive" neighbors.

Closer to home, Canada, sliding toward decriminalization, experienced
a doubling of marijuana use between 1994 and 2004, while the United
States witnessed a nearly 20 percent decline among young people
between 2001 and 2005.

No doubt several variables affect drug use, but one cannot dismiss
the impact of effective policies.

Tom Riley

Communications Director

Office of National Drug Control Policy

Washington