Pubdate: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 Source: Star-Ledger (NJ) Copyright: 2003 Newark Morning Ledger Co Contact: http://www.nj.com/starledger/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/424 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) MISSOURI STUDENTS PUSH FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA COLUMBIA, Mo. -- A group of students at the University of Missouri-Columbia have gathered enough signatures to force a vote in the city on legalizing marijuana for medical use. The City Council was to vote today on whether to simply pass the proposed ordinance or put the matter before voters on the April 8 ballot. Law student Anthony Johnson, who wrote the proposed ordinance, said he believes it also would reduce penalties for those caught with small amounts of the drug. City Councilman John John said passing the ordinance would send a message of tolerance for drugs and create problems in the community. "One, it encourages the use of marijuana and two, you've got to get it to use it," John said. Officials also questioned the implications of approving something that is illegal under state and federal law. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh