Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press - Tuesday, October 29, 1996.
Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and George Bush said in the letter that they "categorically oppose" Proposition 200 in Arizona and Proposition 215 in California on next week's ballot. The letter was released by the White House drug policy chief, retired Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey.
"Given the resurgent drug use by our youth, these measures pose enormous threats to the public health of Arizonians, Californians, and all Americans," the letter said.
The letter warned that the measures imply that the illegal drugs are safe and would undermine youth drug prevention programs.
"Their passage would presage further increases in drug use by our children," the letter said.
Arizona's measure would allow doctors to prescribe marijuana, heroin and some other illegal drugs to seriously ill patients. Supporters say the drugs can relieve pain for people who suffer from serious illnesses such as AIDS and cancer.
California's measure would legalize the cultivation, possession and use of marijuana for medical purposes, and provide that doctors who recommend marijuana to patients are not subject to punishment.
Californians apparently support the measure. An independent Field Poll released Oct. 14 found that 56 percent of respondents favored the proposition and 35 percent were opposed. The poll of 505 likely voters, conducted Oct. 7 through Oct. 9, had an error margin of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.
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