Press Release

(Washington, D.C.)—Today Scott M. Burns, Deputy Director for the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), made the following statement regarding marijuana decriminalization legislation, which is currently being debated in New Hampshire:

"Decriminalizing the illegal and highly addictive drug - marijuana - sends the wrong message to New Hampshire's youth, students, parents, public health officials, and the law enforcement community.

"The supporters of decriminalizing marijuana are fooling themselves if they believe the manufacturing, possession, and/or distribution of 1.25 ounces - or over 90 marijuana joints - is good public policy.

"Decriminalizing marijuana - the drug which sends the largest number of America's youth into substance abuse treatment and recovery - is a dangerous first step toward complete drug legalization. In fact, marijuana sends more New Hampshire residents into drug treatment than any other illicit drug.

"The last thing New Hampshire needs is more drugs, drug users, and drug dealers on their streets and communities - further straining limited law enforcement manpower and resources.

"I strongly urge responsible leaders in New Hampshire to stop any effort to decriminalize or legalize the highly addictive drug marijuana."

To learn more about the dangers of marijuana use, please visit: http://www.ondcp.gov/drugfact/marijuana.