Pubdate: Fri, 05 Jan 2001
Source: Albuquerque Tribune (NM)
Copyright: 2001 The Albuquerque Tribune
Contact:  P.O. Drawer T, 7777 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Website: http://www.abqtrib.com/
Author: Gilbert Gallegos

DRUG PANEL WANTS MORE TREATMENT, NEW LAWS

An advisory group formed by Gov. Gary Johnson unveiled a slew of ideas 
today aimed at cutting into New Mexico's illegal drug problem. The wish 
list includes several proposals to expand drug treatment and prevention 
programs, and to change laws to decriminalize the possession and use of 
small amounts of marijuana.

The Governor's Drug Policy Advisory Group also recommended ideas like 
allowing for the use of marijuana as a medical treatment for some people 
suffering from terminal diseases, and expanding the state's needle-exchange 
program to help reduce drug-related diseases.

The group, led by retired state District Judge Woody Smith, hopes to arm 
Johnson with ideas to lay a foundation for a comprehensive state drug 
policy. Smith admitted some ideas -- such as decriminalizing marijuana 
possession -- might by controversial. But he and others on the group urged 
the public and legislators to consider the entire package of 
recommendations with open minds. "I feel these changes, if they are taken 
seriously, will make things better in this state," Smith said during a news 
conference this morning. Johnson, a Republican, received the group's report 
Wednesday. He will sift through the recommendations and decide which ones 
he will pursue. Johnson will outline his thoughts about the report Friday 
during a news conference, an aide said.

Health Secretary Alex Valdez, a member of the group, said many of the ideas 
can be pursued administratively.

Other policy recommendations, such as changes in criminal sentencing laws 
and money to expand treatment programs, will require approval from the 
Legislature when it meets later this month.

The push for new drug-control strategies was born out of Johnson's 
controversial support, first to decriminalize drug possession, then later 
to legalize some drugs. The reason for decriminalizing marijuana use -- 
basically removing criminal sanctions for possession of one ounce or less 
of the drug -- is to free up jail and prison space for violent criminals.

However, the group did not tackle the idea of legalizing drugs, which 
Johnson feels is a national issue for Congress, not states, to deal with. 
Instead, Johnson asked the group to come up with more practical ideas to 
help reduce the effects of drug abuse.

A leading legislative critic is leery about Johnson's efforts to change 
drug policies. Rep. Ron Godbey, an Albuquerque Republican, has said he 
believes Johnson is using so-called "harm-reduction" programs as a means 
toward more liberal drug laws. Godbey has promised to fight Johnson's 
drug-policy proposals in the Legislature. Mayor Jim Baca, another member of 
the group, urged critics not to overreact to individual recommendations.

Baca said that taken as a whole, the package is a long-range plan that 
would eventually help the state and cities free up money for more important 
priorities, such as fighting violent crime and beefing up education 
programs. "There's nothing very radical in here," Baca said of the 
recommendations. "It's all pretty much common sense stuff."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens