July 23, 1982
Dear General Koop:
Thank you very much for the advanced information on
your statement "Health Risks Associated with Marijuana." I
want to personally thank you for taking this responsible
stand against a growing body of folklore promoting marijuana
as a "mellow turn-on without risks or consequences".   The
Attorney General will be able to integrate your strong
positive stand and mobilize his efforts in crop eradication
and criminal prosecutions for marijuana cultivation.
The National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth
have requested that I send you a copy of Dr. Gabriel G.
Nahas', M.D., Ph.D., letter to the Editor of The New York
Times entitled "Institute of Medicine Report on Cannabis: a
balancing act."  I hope this information is of some use and
benefit to you.  Again, a responsible and strong statement
from the Surgeon General will be of tremendous assistance to
drug enforcement agents, high school teachers, principals,
and parents in their effort to convince children of the
harmful effects of marijuana.
Sincerely,
James K. Stewart
Special Assistant to the Attorney General