One historically tested model of exploring policy reform is the appointment of a national study commission of experts, politicians, and lay leaders to make findings of fact, the canvass of a full range of policy options, and the recommendation of further research where needed. The overriding goal should be to develop policies directed toward the objectives of reducing drug abuse and reducing the black market pathologies resulting from the billions in drug money generated by drug law enforcement. In pursuit of these dual goals, the commission's study might benefit from adherence to the following five points: (1) define the drug problem; (2) state the goals; (3) set realistic and principled priorities based on truth; (4) focus on the big picture; and (5) substitute study for speculation. Some measure of relaxation of drug laws is both correct in principle and pragmatically necessary in the real world of limited resources. This is not a "surrender" in the war on drugs, but a hope that the use of less force may actually result in producing more control over the drug situation in this country. 78 notes, 1 reference, and bibliography