Pubdate: Fri, 17 Feb 2012
Source: Verde Independent (AZ)
Copyright: 2012 Western News & Info, Inc
Contact: http://verdenews.com/Formlayout.asp?formcall=userform&form=1
Website: http://verdenews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4433
Author: Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services

HOUSE VOTES TO BAN MEDICAL MARIJUANA ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES

PHOENIX -- Ignoring a possible lawsuit, the state House voted Thursday
to ban marijuana on college and university campuses, even for those
who have a state-issued card entitling them to use it for medical reasons.

A 2010 voter-approved initiative allows those who have a doctor's
recommendation to possess and use up to 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana
every two weeks.

That initiative bans use in public areas and public schools. But it
leaves the door open for possession and use on the campuses of
colleges and universities.

Rep. Amanda Reeve, R-Phoenix, said that runs afoul of rules that all
campuses have against illegal drugs, rules she said are necessary to
make the schools eligible for federal grants and their students for
federal aid and loans. Her legislation would alter the initiative to
comply.

Thursday's voice vote on HB 2349 came over the objections of Rep. Ed
Ableser, D-Tempe. He said lawmakers should not alter anything that
voters have approved.

The Arizona Constitution precludes legislators from tinkering with
voter-approved initiatives. But it does allow changes that "further
the purpose' of the measure, and only with a three-fourths vote of
both the House and Senate.

It remains to be seen whether lawmakers can marshal that three-fourths
margin when it comes back for a final roll-call vote.

Even if it does, proponents of the law say the move remains illegal.
Joe Yuhas, spokesman for the Arizona Medical Marijuana Association
said that, in denying college students and visitors the opportunity to
use medical marijuana, it does not further the purpose of the
initiative. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.