Pubdate: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 Source: Columbia Daily Tribune (MO) Copyright: 2003 Columbia Daily Tribune Contact: http://www.showmenews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/91 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) GROUP FORMS TO PASS MARIJUANA ORDINANCE A student-led group hoping to change Columbia's marijuana ordinance has organized a campaign committee to promote Proposition 1 in the April 8 election. After filing with the Boone County Clerk, the Columbia Alliance for Patients and Education can move forward with fund-raising for political advertising and other campaign activities. Amy Fritz, who is listed on the application as deputy treasurer, said the University of Missouri-Columbia group hopes to raise about $60,000 through local and national donations. "We have approached some people in the community and have targeted other people in the country who have donated large amounts of money for decriminalization efforts in the past," Fritz said. Last fall, the group obtained more than enough signatures to put Proposition 1 on the ballot. The measure would reduce fines for those caught with small amounts of marijuana and refer all misdemeanor marijuana cases to municipal court. Proposition 1 would also decriminalize marijuana for medicinal use. Art Auer, the county elections director, said no opposition group has filed with the county. The last day to file as a campaign committee is March 9. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager