The data collected were controlled for (1) respondent gender, (2) respondent ethnic/racial background, and (3) respondent age. These controlling variables facilitated interpretation of identified trends, and the projection of future trend movements.

Population and Sample, andData Collection

This study relied on secondary data. The required data were collected, reported, and published by the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics (1987). The data were collected by the National Opinion Research Center. The data used in this study were collected through the conduct of national probability sampling polls (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1987). Both cluster and strata procedures are included in the sampling process. Sample sizes relevant to the data used in this study were as follows:

1. The 1973 sample included 1,504 persons, while the 1975 sample included 1,490 persons, and the 1976 sample included 1,499 persons. All provided a 95 percent confidence level.

2. The 1978 sample included 1,532 persons, while the 1980 sample included 1,460 persons, and the 1983 sample included 1,599 persons. All provided a 95 percent confidence level.

3. The 1984 sample included 1,473 persons, while the 1986 sample included 1,470 persons, and the 1987 sample included 1,466 persons. All provided a 95

New York Times. (1947, 1 February). "Reefers" a puzzle to ship searchers. The New York Times, 16.

Based upon the findings of the research performed for this study, it was concluded that, as the great majority of the American public opposes the legalization of marijuana, it is highly unlikely that such legalization will occur. It was also concluded, however, that inconsistencies in federal drug policy concerning alcohol and tobacco on the one hand, and marijuana on the other hand will lead to continuing disregard for drug laws by a population minority of significant size, and that such disregard will make it all but impossible to deal effectively with problems related to the use of illegal substances in this country.

3. It is hypothesized that ethnic/racial background differences with respect to the legalization of marijuana use did not change during the period of analysis.

It cannot be said that opposition to marijuana legalization di