Editing 76-14-B5 (section)

=== Transcript ===
A few days ago I was approached by several young men who wanted to know
my stand on marijuana. They frankly told me they were users ranging from
pretty regular by one to now-and-then by the others. Just as frankly I gave
my opinion that it was definitely harmful to health and probably represented
a dangerous threat to an entire generation.

It is estimated conservatively that more than half of all Americans
between the ages of 18 and 25 have tried pot, grass, the weed, or whatever
other names are given to marijuana. Another finding puts use by high school
freshmen (now we're down to age 14 or 15) at almost half. Whatever the figure,
use by youngsters is referred to by the National Institute on Drug Abuse as
being of epidemic proportion.

In my discussion with the young men, their defense was chapter and verse
from the cliches being uttered and repeated in what can only be called a public
relations campaign in behalf of marijuana. It is less harmful than alcohol or
even tobacco; it is a mild intoxicant at worst, but really just a pleasant
relaxant.

They were not familiar with the facts refuting these easily sold cliches.
For example, a sketchy experiment in Jamaica was quoted to the effect that 30
laborers were tested and it was found that their labor output was increased by
smoking pot. But the experiment didn't show that at all. What it did prove
was that productivity declined. The workers just thought they were doing
better, because being "stoned", they weren't aware of the boredom of their jobs.

Peter Bourne used the easing of the marijuana laws in California (an
easing I hasten to add, which took place after I left Sacramento) to persuade
the Congressmen that such a course had proven beneficial. He did not, however,
quote the present Chief of the Bureau of Investigation and Narcotics Enforcement
of California who has testified that since the change in the law there has been
a sharp increase in the use of marijuana -- an increase he puts at some 55%.
Arrests of juveniles for driving under the influence of drugs has increased
more than 70%.

But, Mr. Bourne and others who press for decriminalization and even
legalization are signaling to young people that marijuana is harmless or in
the parlance of the day, "real cool". They and our young people should read
Keep Off The Grass, a report published by Readers Digest Press and authored
by Dr. Gabriel Nahas of Columbia University. He confirms other research
findings by reputable scientists that marijuana is far from harmless. It
interferes with mental function, the grasp of reality and the reproduction of
cells by the human body. Habitual smoking of pot weakens the body's ability
to fight disease and can affect children yet to be born to those who indulge.

I asked my young questioners something we all ought to be asking
ourselves. Obviously these scientists have no ulterior motives -- no ax to
grind in declaring that marijuana is harmful. But, what is the motive behind
the propaganda campaign to sell the idea that it isn't? In my own opinion,
it's rather obvious; decriminalization leads to legalization and legalization
leads to commercialization. Already a number of marijuana trade names have
been registered in Washington looking toward the day. Can you see the billboards
that will spring up in the land? "Smoke X Brand and Fly Higher". There's
a whole new money making industry waiting to be born.

This is Ronald Reagan.

Thanks for listening.

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