LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

U.S. SENATE'
COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND PUBLIC WELFARE,'
TV ashington,D.0 .,February 23,1971.
Hon. HARRISON WILLIAMS, Jr.,
Chairman, Committee on Labor and Public Welfare,
New Senate 0/Pe Building ,
TV ashington,D.C.
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN : Present figures indicate that eight to twelve million Americans have had some experience with marihuana, and the use of the drug continues to grow, especially among our young people. As the usage of marihuana continues to increase, so seemingly do the clainis concerning the effects of the drug.
As you know, the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare felt that a report by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare containing current information on the health consequences of using marihuana, and whatever recommendations for legislative and ad-ministrative action that the Secretary felt were appropriate, would prove to be a useful tool in the public debate on this issue, would be helpful as a matter of public information and education, and would stimulate additional research concerning marihuana in those areas which need further attention. Conse,quently, the Committee recom-mended the enactment of the Marihuana and Health Reporting Act to the 91st Congress. The legislation was subsequently enacted as title V of Public Law 91-296 and became law on June 30, 1970.
I am convinced that the reports made under the authority of this new legislation will prove to be valuable tools in the public educa-tion and debate concerning the health impact of this widely discussed drua. Consequently, I am pleased to transmit this latest Marihuana and*Health Report to you and to recommend its distribution by the Committee.
Sincerely,
HAROLD E. HUGHES'
Chairman, Subcommittee Alcoholism and Narcotics.