This policy statement reflects the findings of the council's research as well as the judgments of the Nation's top criminal justice professionals. It recommends modifications in the current Federal drug strategy, as it believes the current heavy emphasis on the apprehension and harsh punishment of drug offenders would result in the continued escalation of prison populations, the expansion of police powers, and increased random drug testing in the work place. This drug policy statement contains six positions. It advocates returning sentencing discretion to judges for persons convicted of drug possession and small-time drug dealing, thus requiring the repeal of mandatory prison and jail sentences for such offenses. It recommends expansion of the number of drug treatment programs to allow treatment upon request. An increase in methadone maintenance programs for heroin addicts is also proposed. Other positions advocate drug education curricula in the schools; restriction in the manufacture, importation, and sale of assault and semi-assault weapons and a ban on their possession; and resistance to proposals to increase criminal penalties for the use and possession of marijuana. 11 notes