Pubdate: Fri, 6 Nov 1998 Source: Australian, The (Australia) Page: 14 Contact: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/ Copyright: Australian, The Author: Alex Wodak AMERICANS HAVE SPOKEN ON DRUG REFORM AS part of the November 3 United States mid-term congressional elections, voters in six western States and the District of Columbia took part in a total of 11 ballots on drug policy. A majority of voters in a all 11 ballots supported drug reform. In Alaska, 58 per cent of voters supported a proposal to allow the controlled use of medical cannabis for patients with cancer, AIDS and other serious illnesses provided this had a doctor's approval. In Arizona, 57 per cent of voters rejected a proposal to overturn a 1996 medical-marijuana law, 52 per cent rejected an attempt by the Arizona legislature to dismantle an earlier proposal for mandatory treatment and education for first and second-time drug offenders while 52 per cent supported a block on the State Government's authority to veto or amend initiatives arising from referendums. In Colorado, 57 per cent supported an amendment to allow a patient with a debilitating condition to discuss with their doctor the benefits and drawbacks of medical use of cannabis. With a doctor's prescription and written permission from the State health agency, patients would be immune from prosecution. Authorities attempted unsuccessfully to stop this vote being tallied. In Nevada, 59 per cent of voters supported a proposal to allow doctors to recommend the medical use of cannabis to patients with cancer, AIDS and other debilitating conditions. In Oregon, 52 per cent supported a ballot to make smoking marijuana legal for patients with cancer, AIDS and other debilitating conditions, provided this had a doctor's approval while 67 per cent rejected a 1997 attempt by the State's legislature to recriminalise marijuana, making it punishable by a fine of up to $1000 and 30 days in jail. In Washington (State), 59 per cent supported an initiative to decriminalise the medical use of marijuana for patients with debilitating diseases if this had their doctor's approval. In Washington DC, a majority supported an initiative to legalise the possession and use of marijuana, as recommended by a doctor, for patients with serious illnesses. Because Congress passed a law that prohibits expenditures of any federal money on this initiative, the results will be tallied but not registered with the election commission. The people of the United States have spoken. They are ready to move on from ideological policies that don't work to evidence-based policies that are effective. Are our politicans going to hear this clear message? Dr ALEX WODAK President, Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation Darlinghurst, NSW - ---