Pubdate: Sun, 10 Nov 2002
Source: Tampa Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2002, The Tribune Co.
Contact:  http://www.tampatrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446
Section: Nation/World
Author: Martha Mendoza
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/props.htm (Ballot Initiatives)

MARIJUANA ADVOCATES PLOTTING NEXT STEP

Election Day Defeats Spur Group Initative

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Stung by the defeat of marijuana law reform 
measures in three states, proponents of decriminalizing the drug are 
preparing for a new round of political and legal battles.

Voters on Tuesday defeated a Nevada measure to legalize possession of up to 
3 ounces of marijuana, an Arizona initiative that would have likened pot 
possession to a traffic violation, and a South Dakota initiative that would 
legalize hemp farms.

Several local measures did pass, including resolutions in 19 Massachusetts 
districts asking state representative to support making marijuana 
possession a civil rather than a criminal violation.

But the "crown jewel" of marijuana reform laws was passed in San Francisco, 
authorizing the city to make it official policy to explore the 
establishment of a medical marijuana growing and distribution program, said 
Rob Kampia, executive director of the Washington-based Marijuana Policy 
Project.

It is in that city - where the mayor, top prosecutor and many voters 
support legalizing medical marijuana - that his group's fight will be centered.

"We in hypocrisy-filled, stinkyville Washington, D.C., want to use your 
beautiful city as a beachhead in the drug war," he said.

Kampia joined about 500 marijuana reform advocates in Anaheim during the 
weekend for a three-day conference to regroup after the election and plan 
the next step.

The attendees agreed they have a lot of work to do. Federal drug 
enforcement officials have said the election marked the beginning of the 
end of the legalization movement.

The election was "a stunning victory of common sense over pro-drug 
propaganda," said federal drug czar John Walters. He said that from now on, 
"the tide runs our way."

"Well, I'm up to the challenge," Kampia said. "I say we fight."

The next offensive for the reform movement will take place in several 
venues, said Kevin Zeese, president of Common Sense for Drug Policy.

Politically, advocates plan to press San Francisco officials to follow 
through on what some considered a somewhat symbolic piece of legislation 
and start planting pot gardens and giving the drug as medicine to sick and 
dying people.

That would be illegal under federal law, despite state and local laws that 
allow it, said Drug Enforcement Agency spokesman Richard Meyer in San 
Francisco.

"Whoever cultivates, possesses or distributes marijuana is breaking federal 
law regardless of intended use," he said. "We'll be conducting business as 
usual."

Zeese said such confrontations are necessary.

"Part of the process is to sharpen the conflict," he said.

Eight states have approved medical marijuana, and 35 states have passed 
legislation recognizing its medicinal value. But federal law bans marijuana 
in any circumstances.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jackl