Dr. Andrew Weil Attacks Drug Laws

Dr. Andrew Weil '64, a noted expert in the field of marijuana research, said last night that society should take an educational rather than a punitive approach to drug use.

Speaking at a Kennedy Institute of Politics seminar on hallucinogenic drugs. Weil explained that the present approach to drugs is one that "tries to make the problem go away" rather than deal with it rationally. He criticized the current government reasoning that "if laws are harsh enough and borders tough enough, then drug use will disappear."

Weil suggested an easing of drug laws coupled with an educational program. Although "there is no such thing as a drug that is inherently evil," he said that improper use can be dangerous. "Why not educate people so that problems of misuse can be minimized?" he asked.

Weil said that he is pessimistic about the chances for the adoption of these proposals until society "changes its whole way of thinking."