cannabisnews.com: Marijuana Laws an Election Issue in Many W. States Marijuana Laws an Election Issue in Many W. States Posted by FoM on September 29, 2000 at 10:18:23 PT By Brendan Riley, Associated Press Source: San Jose Mercury News Marijuana is on the ballot across the West this fall, from proposals to allow its medicinal use in Colorado and Nevada to measures that would let it flourish in Mendocino County and Alaska.Nevada and Colorado voters will be asked if marijuana should be legal for medicinal use. Recent polls suggest likely passage in both states. Since 1996, similar measures became law in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Maine and Hawaii.Pot would be legal in Alaska under the measure there. Under Mendocino County's Measure G, adults could grow 25 pot plants apiece, but not for sale or transporting. The sheriff and prosecutor would make marijuana crime their last priority and county officials would seek an end to state and federal marijuana laws.There's no organized opposition -- little surprise in an area whose yearly marijuana crop has a street value around $1 billion.Nevada voters already approved medicinal marijuana by a 59 percent vote in 1998. A second ``yes'' vote is needed to modify the state's constitution to allow medicinal-marijuana use. A Las Vegas Review-Journal poll reported Sept. 18 that 63 percent of likely voters backed Question 9, 28 percent opposed it and 9 percent were undecided.``Nevada voters get it. They know this is a public-health issue completely unrelated to the war on drugs,'' said Dan Geary of Nevadans for Medical Rights, the measure's sponsor.Colorado's Amendment 20 also would permit marijuana for serious or chronic illness, under a doctor's care. A Denver Rocky Mountain News poll published Sept. 17 found 71 percent of registered voters favored the measure, and 23 percent opposed.Advocates say prescribed marijuana aids thousands coping with ailments such as glaucoma, nausea from chemotherapy and appetite loss from AIDS.The Justice Department points to marijuana's ill effects, including cancer, addiction and mental disorders. Also opposed are the American Medical Association, and national groups dealing with eye diseases, cancer and multiple sclerosis.Alaska's Ballot Measure No. 5 faces much hard going, and could fail by a 2-1 ratio, according to preliminary poll results by Anchorage-based Dittman Research.Besides making marijuana legal, the initiative would give amnesty for marijuana crimes and offer restitution to those who served prison time. It also would require state challenges to relevant federal laws.Len Karpinski, an Anchorage oil worker and a backer of ``99Hemp,'' says the measure would have a chance ``if people will just let us go out and show everybody what this wonderful plant is about.''Note: Proposals Range from Medicinal Use to Full Legalization, AmnestyComplete Title: Marijuana Laws an Election Issue in Many Western States This FallSource: San Jose Mercury News (CA)Published Friday, September 29, 2000Author: Brendan Riley, Associated Press Copyright: 2000 San Jose Mercury NewsContact: letters sjmercury.comAddress: 750 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, CA 95190Fax: (408) 271-3792Website: http://www.sjmercury.com/Free Hemp in AlaskaAl Anders, Chair2603 Spenard RoadAnchorage, Alaska 99503 (907) 278-HEMP E-mail: freehempinak gci.netVisit their web site: http://www.freehempinak.orgHemp 2000R.L. Marcy, ChairP.O. Box 90055Anchorage, AK 99509907-376-2232 (p)Fax: 907-376-0530 (f)E-mail: marcy hemp2000.orgVisit their web site: http://www.hemp2000.org Americans for Medical Rights http://www.medmjscience.org Coloradans For Medical Rights http://www.medicalmarijuana.com/Drug Policy Forum of Coloradohttp://www.drugsense.org/dpfco/Two States Vote On Marijuana http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread7186.shtmlHigh Hopes in Alaska for Sweeping Pot Law http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread7173.shtmlColorado To Vote on Marijuana Uses http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread7018.shtmlHigh Court Ruling Concerns Nevada Marijuana Backerhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread6947.shtmlAlaska Hemp Initiative 2000http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread6045.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #2 posted by tom karlicek on June 29, 2001 at 09:30:18 PT: refare legalize the shit already [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by EdC on September 30, 2000 at 04:50:46 PT: Cannabis laws on ballots I hope these measures win in every state. Cannabis is a remarkable plant. There is no question in my mind that both Bush and Gore have toked, but they would rather not talk about it for obvious reasons. Bush is owned by the big oil companies who would take a huge hit if hemp were made legal. Anything that can be made from petroleum can be made from hemp.Gore doesn't really know if those shaved heads with the robes were Buddhists, so why even ask him? He still believes that there is not a shred of evidence that cannabis has therapeutic value.Bore and Gush. What a pair [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: