Testimony is presented by three mayors, a county prosecutor, a police commissioner, the president of AIDS Commission, the president of the National Medical Association, representatives of various Federal agencies, and a representative of the Council of Churches of Greater Washington. In considering whether the legalization of currently illegal drugs would be more beneficial to society than the current criminalization of drug use and trafficking, most of the witnesses argue that the effects of drug legalization would be disastrous, particularly in African- American communities, where drug addiction is a significant problem and drug use is prevalent as a means of relieving emotional pain and a sense of hopelessness. Witnesses predict that drug legalization would not only perpetuate current addictions but would entice new drug users because of increased availability and the weakening of community pressure against drug abuse. The Mayor of Hartford, Conn., on the other hand, proposes the decriminalization of drug use. He argues this would provide for the tight control of the delivery of drugs while undermining the profitability of illegal drug trafficking, along with associated violence. Prepared, written statements are provided.