ACLU's Stance On Marijuana In New York Times Attacked By Drug Czar's Office

August 13, 1998, Washington, DC­­ Washington officials attacked an ACLU advertisement in the New York Times questioning marijuana prohibition. In a recent letter sent to ACLU President Nadine Strossen, Office of National Drug Control Policy Chief of Staff Janet Christ expressed "disappointment" with the group's public position, and questioned whether the campaign spoke for the entire organization.

American Civil Liberties Union President Nadine Strossen responded that the organization has "a long history of opposing our nation's drug laws as violating a range of fundamental civil liberties."

She continued saying, "Accordingly, the question raised by our advertisement is whether there is a principles and scientific basis for drawing that line differently for marijuana and alcohol. Any time you, General McCaffrey or, indeed, the President is willing to debate that question with us publicly, we would welcome such an opportunity."

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