MARIJUANA ABUSERS

To the Editor:

Re Bill Keller's Nov. 30 column about drug policy:

The increase in the number of people needing treatment for marijuana is not
a function of "more aggressive law enforcement." The data derive from
applying the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association to
responses from the National Household Survey of Drug Abuse.

Fully 62 percent of the need for treatment is due to marijuana use.
Likewise, trends in drug-related emergency department episodes tell the same
story.

Marijuana now surpasses heroin as a reason for an emergency visit. No
responsible public official can ignore these facts.

Those sentenced for drug violations are overwhelmingly traffickers and those
with extensive criminal histories, including crimes of violence.

Those for whom marijuana possession is their most serious offense represent
less than one-half of 1 percent of all state drug offender inmates.

John P. Walters, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy

Washington, Dec. 10, 2002