White House drug czar to address drug policy reform, federal response to nation's drug problem at April 17 luncheon

Gil Kerlikowske, director of National Drug Control Policy and President Obama's top advisor on drug policy, will address drug policy reform and the Obama administration's response to substance use at a National Press Club luncheon April 17.

Last November, voters in Colorado and Washington passed initiatives legalizing the recreational use and sale of marijuana. Kerlikowske, who previously served as Seattle’s police chief, has decried both the “war on drugs” and legalization approaches to drug policy.

As an alternative, Kerlikowske is leading Obama Administration efforts to treat drug use in America as both a public health and safety issue, emphasizing prevention and treatment over incarceration.

Luncheon tickets cost $21 for NPC members and up to one guest, $35 for general admission, and $20 for students. Tickets must be purchased at time of reservation. To reserve tickets, please click here. For questions regarding reservations, please e-mail [email protected] or call (202)662-7501.

The National Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. in the Holeman Lounge. Remarks will begin at 1 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session ending at 2 p.m.

To submit a question in advance, put KERLIKOWSKE in the subject line and email to [email protected] before 10 a.m. on the day of the luncheon.