Nader Wants To Legalize Marijuana

Candidate Says Drug Can Be Regulated

SANTA FE, N.M., Posted 3:39 p.m. EDT September 8, 2000 -- Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader joined New Mexico's Republican governor Friday in a call for the legalization of marijuana.

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN 2000 Pop-Up Resources SELECT Issues & Bios Electoral Map Voter Info Debate #3 Debate #2 Debate #1 Discussions NEWS Nov. 6: The Last 'Offline' Election? Nov. 5: The Electoral College Matters This Time Nov. 4: World Is Watching Nov. 2: Campaign's Final Stretch Oct. 27: GOP Boosting Nader? Oct. 24: Attacks Sharpen The Bush-Gore Debates Who's Funding The Campaigns? Chasing Younger Voters THE ISSUES Education Gas Prices Senior Drugs The Economy GEORGE W. BUSH Bio, Ads Platform Convention Contributors AL GORE Bio, Ads Platform Convention Contributors MINOR PARTIES Ralph Nader Green Party Pat Buchanan Reform Party John Hagelin Natural Law Harry Browne Libertarian Other Candidates

Nader, citing what he called the nation's failed war on drugs, said addiction should be treated as a medical problem rather than by sending people to jail.

"Addiction, no matter what kind of addiction, should not be criminalized," he said. "It's got to be subjected to health programs and caring programs, because they work."

Nader made his statements at a news conference where he was flanked by Gov. Gary Johnson, who made national headlines earlier this year when he called for the legalization of marijuana.

Marijuana could be regulated and taxed like tobacco and alcohol if it is legalized, Nader said.

"Marijuana use should be decriminalized," he said. "And if it's decriminalized, it's best that it be subjected to regulation just like tobacco."

Johnson has endorsed Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush, but he did express support for Nader's quest to be included in the presidential debates with Bush and Democrat Al Gore.

Copyright 2000 by GlobalTV. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.