Pubdate: Thu, 17 Apr 2014 Source: Washington Times (DC) Copyright: 2014 The Washington Times, LLC. Contact: http://www.washingtontimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/492 Author: Jennifer Harper Column: Inside the Beltway Page: A2 ALASKA FUMES OVER COLORADO WEED Colorado has been a test case for marijuana legalization in recent months. Yes, it could prove to be an economic boom. But voters already have remorse over the legislation: New polling reveals that majorities are not eager to mar Colorado's "wholesome" image. Alaska, where the legalization issue will appear on a public ballot this fall, faces similar concerns. The interest group "Big Marijuana-Big Mistake-Vote No on 2" is registered with the Alaska Public Offices Commission, and demand that "Ballot Measure 2," which would legalize weed, be defeated. The group's treasurer Deborah Williams, a youth counselor, calls the measure "extreme" and is annoyed by cute marijuana ads in Colorado that mask serious health concerns. "She also questions whether Alaskans would be OK knowing that potent marijuana products like hash oil, wax, crumble and shatter would be legal under the proposed initiative," writes Alaska News reporter Suzanna Caldwell, citing the street names of the stuff. Ms. Williams has competition from the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol in Alaska, funded by the Marijuana Policy Project, a national interest group which has drawn 45,000 signatures to a pro-weed petition. While Colorado and Washington state sort out legalization complexities, Ms. Williams hopes Alaska will hold off on big decisions. "What do we want our state to look like? Right now, the costs far outweigh the benefits," she asks. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt