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.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager