cannabisnews.com: Prop 203 Requires State to Give Away Marijuana Prop 203 Requires State to Give Away Marijuana Posted by CN Staff on October 18, 2002 at 14:27:56 PT By Doug Murphy, Staff Writer Source: Ahwatukee Foothills News Proposition 203 builds on past voter-approved propositions legalizing marijuana for medical use by establishing a system that requires the Arizona Department of Public Safety to distribute the controlled substance to anyone with a doctor's note.It would also mandate probation instead of incarceration for first and second time users of any controlled substance by making possession without a doctor's note a civil instead of a criminal offense. It continues the drive started in 1996 to allow physicians to treat certain diseases with marijuana.It also continues the drive to shift the penalties for possession of drugs for personal use from incarceration to education and treatment.If passed by voters, Proposition 203 also would release prisoners already in jails and prisons who were convicted of possession of marijuana for personal use only.The proposition would make forfeiture of property acquired through the sale of drugs more difficult for law enforcement agencies.On the flip side, Proposition 203 provides for a 50 percent increase in the maximum sentence for anyone convicted of committing a violent crime while under the influence of a controlled substance.Influential community leaders have lined up on both sides of the issue.Former Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods has come out in favor of the proposition, writing in the publicity pamphlet that Proposition 203 "is a safe and effective complement to our drug policy."Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley calls it a smoke screen for drug legalization.Phoenix Councilman Phil Gordon wrote "This is a blatant attempt to legalize Schedule 1 drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, PCP and heroin."Supporters say that drug abuse should be treated with treatment and not with incarceration.Opponents argue that legalizing drugs encourages drug use and abuse. They also point out that federal law prohibits physicians from prescribing marijuana or the police from giving it away.A "yes" vote would lessen the penalties for possession of drugs, requiring treatment instead of incarceration and would require the Arizona Department of Public Safety to distribute marijuana to people with a doctor's note.A "no" vote would keep the law as it is.Sidebar: Proposition 302 adds jail time for drug offenses Proposition 302 would amend the voter approved 1996 Drug Medicalization, Prevention and Control Act which mandates treatment for first and second time offenders convicted of possession of personal quantities of drugs.Currently, if offenders fail to complete treatment, all a judge can do is impose more intensive treatment or home arrest.This proposition would allow judges to jail offenders who fail to complete treatment or commit another drug related offense.Supporters say that judges need the threat of jail to help motivate offenders to complete their treatment.Opponents say that jails and prisons are already overcrowded and that drug abuse is a medical condition, not a criminal problem.A "yes" vote will allows judges to imprison drug offenders who violate probation conditions, including completion of drug abuse treatment.A "no" vote would keep the law as it is. Source: Ahwatukee Foothills News (AZ)Author: Doug Murphy, Staff WriterPublished: October 18, 2002Copyright: 2002 Ahwatukee Foothills NewsContact: news ahwatukee.comWebsite: http://www.ahwatukee.com/home.htmlRelated Articles:Pot Plan a Smoke Screen, Foes Say http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14466.shtmlDrug Czar Urges 'No' Vote On Pot Proposition http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14424.shtmlDrug Czar Opposes Prop 203 http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14403.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Post Comment