FORMER FIRST LADY BARBARA BUSH REJECTS MARIJUANA AS MEDICINE

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 1998--The campaigns
opposing ``medical' marijuana initiatives in Alaska, Washington and Oregon
are enjoying a generous boost this week, courtesy of Former First Lady
Barbara Bush.

Mrs. Bush is featured in a series of television and radio commercials aimed
at convincing voters to reject the initiatives to legalize marijuana as
``medicine''. In the spots, originally recorded as public service
announcements for The Drug Free America Foundation, Mrs. Bush expresses her
concern as a parent and grandparent for the growing numbers of children and
youth using drugs in America today. ``Now is not the time,'' Mrs. Bush
declares emphatically, ``to send the message to our young people that
marijuana is `medicine'. It is not. It is a dangerous, illegal drug.''

The Drug Free America Foundation's agreement to share Mrs. Bush's message
is a marketing coup for state coalitions opposing marijuana legalization.
``She is among the most recognized and highly respected individuals of our
time,'' said Terry Hensley, Drug Free America's executive director. ``We
think of her as our nation's grandmother; compassionate, nurturing and
infinitely wise. Sharing her concerns about legalizing marijuana should
persuade voters to reject so-called `medical' marijuana initiatives.''

The following is Mrs. Bush's statement opposing ``medical'' marijuana:

``Hello. I'm Barbara Bush. Some of the most rewarding experiences of my
life have come from working with children. As parents and grandparents,
George and I have learned first hand the joys and challenges of raising a
family in today's world. That is why I would like to speak with you about
an issue of great concern to us both. Over the past several years, there
has been a dangerous trend of drug use by young people in our country. More
and more are experimenting with illegal drugs and more are using drugs on a
regular basis. That is why we are concerned about efforts to legalize
marijuana and other illegal substances. Now is not the time to send a
message to our young people that marijuana is medicine. It is not. It is a
dangerous, illegal drug.''

Checked-by: Richard Lake