Topic: Gil Kerlikowske

President Obama smoked pot in high school. Why is he against legalizing marijuana?

A new biography details Barack Obama's use of marijuana in high school and college, not unusual for a young man at that time. As president, Obama has taken a tougher line on drug use, including marijuana for medical reasons.

As violent Puerto Rican drug trade seeps into mainland US, Washington must act

Drug trafficking is at the root of most of the 1,136 homicides perpetrated in Puerto Rico in 2011, the highest number ever recorded, exceeding even Mexico's murder rate. The Puerto Rican government cannot manage this crisis alone. Washington must intervene.

Why teens need to know risks of marijuana

Teen use of pot is at its highest in 30 years, with 10th graders more likely to smoke a joint than a cigarette. With the spread of 'medical' marijuana, they perceive less risk – despite the evidence.

High school seniors smoke marijuana more than cigarettes, survey finds

A new survey of US teens found that nearly 23 percent of 12th graders used marijuana over the last month, compared with 18.7 percent who said they smoked cigarettes.

Time to again mobilize against marijuana

Backers of marijuana legalization are not dissuaded by the November defeat of California Proposition 19. Expect them to regroup for 2012. Those who oppose legalization must also mobilize, led by Obama and his administration.

US teens smoke more marijuana than tobacco, says new survey

Marijuana use among American teens is up, but binge drinking is down, says a federal 2010 survey on drug use among teenagers. For the first time, marijuana use has passed cigarette use in the survey.

Prescription drug abuse surged 400 percent in past decade

A new White House study found a 400 percent jump in prescription drug abuse between 1998 and 2008. Experts blame a lack of monitoring programs as well as Americans' increasing unwillingness to bear even small pains.

RAND study: Legalizing marijuana will increase use. Is this what parents want for their kids?

Legalizing marijuana is on the November ballot in California. A RAND study says making pot legal will cut the drug's cost and increase use. My parents intervened with me when I was a kid and it worked. Today's parents must now take a stand against legalization.

White House drug policy: an ounce more of prevention

The five-year White House drug policy emphasizes prevention and treatment, but it could do even more.

Marijuana legalization? A White House rebuttal, finally

White House 'drug czar' Gil Kerlikowske lays out his most thorough arguments yet against marijuana legalization. They help clear up confusion over White House drug policy, and can serve as talking points for parents and officials.

Report: marijuana, prescription drug use up among teens

A federal report on teen drug use released Monday shows some progress. But abuse of prescription drugs is up, and the growing acceptance of medical-marijuana use is making marijuana look safe.

A federal misstep with medical marijuana?

The problem with the Obama administration's new directive limiting federal prosecution of medical marijuana is that it encourages those who would legalize the drug.

Don't prosecute medical-marijuana use, Obama administration says

A Justice Department memo issued Monday tells federal prosecutors to ease off medical-marijuana users and sellers in states that have legalized the drug.

Mexico quietly decriminalizes drug use

Now marijuana, cocaine, LSD, and heroin will be tolerated for personal use. It's part of a bid to free up resources and jail space so that authorities can focus efforts on big-time traffickers.

Rethink Washington's 'War of Ideas'

We need not 'defeat' detrimental ideas. Rather, we should aim to make bestsellers of the ideas that bolster our cause.

Obama drug policy encourages activists in developing world

At Bangkok meeting, they cheer support for needle exchanges but urge further steps toward 'harm reduction.'

Obama rebalances US drug policy

His drug czar – Seattle's police chief – knows the need for treatment and enforcement.

New drug czar gets lower rank, promise of higher visibility