Pubdate: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 Source: Guardian, The (UK) Copyright: Guardian Media Group 1999 Contact: http://www.guardian.co.uk/ Author: Martin Kettle, Washington AMERICAN CAPITAL VOTES FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA Voters in Washington have strongly endorsed the legalisation of marijuana for medical purposes, ballot results released yesterday show. The measure, initiative 59, was passed by a majority of more than two to one. Unless blocked by congress, it will change District of Columbia law to legalise the possession, use, cultivation and distribution of marijuana if recommended by a physician for serious illnesses. Under existing law in the capital district, marijuana possession is punishable by up to six months' jail and a fine of $1,000 (pounds 625). The vote was 69% in favour of legalisation and 31% opposed, on a 40% turnout of Washington's 420,000 eligible voters. It is the biggest majority in favour of marijuana legalisation in any US jurisdiction. The result was greeted by Chuck Thomas of the reformist Marijuana Policy Project as "phenomenal". "For the eighth time in two years, American voters have made it clear that patients should not be arrested for using marijuana," he said. The capital joins four west coast states - Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington - where voters have endorsed similar laws. Arizona, Colorado and Nevada have also voted for change but have been unable to implement it for various local legal reasons. The eastern state of Maine is expected to vote on the issue in November, and other states, including Massachusetts, are expected to face similar ballot resolutions during the 2000 election cycle. Voting in the District of Columbia took place during the midterm national elections in November last year, but publication of the results was blocked until yesterday by Republican opponents of legalisation in congress, which oversees the government of the capital. Last week a federal judge accepted a legal challenge and lifted the ban. The law change cannot come into effect for 30 days, during which congress must decide whether to allow it or try to block it. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D