DRUG WAR SURVEY 2003

For the second year, the Drug Policy Forum of Oklahoma was at the
Payne County Fair. We offered hemp goods and conducted a survey. 148
people answered:

. Should we end criminal penalties for non-violent, adult drug users? Yes
66 percent; no 34 percent.

. Do you think the "Drug War" has been effective in controlling drug
use? Yes 14 percent.

. Should a doctor be able to prescribe medical marijuana? Yes 90
percent.

. Should farmers be able to grow industrial hemp? Yes 78
percent.

. For adult marijuana use we should:

a. Legalize (controlled distribution, no criminal penalties), 51
percent;

b. Decriminalize (no criminal penalties for use, distribution
prohibition), 26 percent;

c. Stay with current policy (criminal penalties for all), 23
percent.

Darlyn Shenold wrote a letter criticizing us.

During her "siege" of our booth, she accused us of "sacrilege,"
requested a urine sample and interrogated us about not having children.

Her statements are a perfect example of the kind of hate promoted by
the "Drug War."

Our volunteers don't want to live in a society where aggressive,
prejudiced people have power over freedom. Many of our most active
members have children, and we have a consensus: the Drug War is wrong.

Jeff Pickens

Stillwater