NCJ Number
89505
Journal
American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Volume: 9 Issue: 2 Dated: (1982-83) Pages: 183-193
Date Published
1982
Length
11 pages
Annotation
In a survey of 408 officers of the Prince George's County Police Department (Maryland), the officers indicated that marijuana was harmful physically and psychologically but not necessarily more so than alcohol.
Abstract
A total of 31 percent believed that possession of small amounts (less than 1 oz.) should be decriminalized, and 85 percent did not believe that current laws for possession of small amounts were being actively enforced. Most officers felt that peer pressure is the main reason why people start to use marijuana and that youthful users and their parents are not well-informed about its effects. The officers' rank, educational level, and whether or not they had children were also significantly related to marijuana beliefs, suggesting important demographic factors which determine acceptance of current drug law changes. Tables, the study instrument, and six references are included.