NCJ Number
119307
Date Published
1968
Length
74 pages
Annotation
This hearing focuses on the clarification of statements made by Dr. James L. Goddard, Commissioner of Food and Drugs of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, regarding the detrimental effects of marijuana use and the revision of marijuana laws.
Abstract
Although various newspaper accounts have attributed statements to Goddard that would have him favoring the decriminalization of marijuana on the basis of its relatively minor negative effects, Goddard testifies that such reports are erroneous. He recognizes the debilitating effects of marijuana and favors the continuation of severe penalties for its sale and distribution. He does, however, advocate lesser penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use. He believes current sanctions are too severe, although he has no specific recommendation for an appropriate sanction. Testimony was also heard from Henry L. Giordano, Commissioner of Narcotics, Bureau of Narcotics of the U.S. Treasury Department. He affirms the current structure for criminalizing marijuana as a dangerous drug with the potential for extensive damage to individuals and society. Although supporting the criminalization of marijuana possession, the Bureau of Narcotics focuses on traffickers. Included are letters and statements submitted for the record.