Pubdate: Mon, 20 Jan 2003
Source: Express-Times, The (PA)
Copyright: 2003 The Express-Times
Contact:  http://www.pennlive.com/expresstimes/today/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1489
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

MISSOURI STUDENT GROUP FORCES TOWN VOTE ON LEGALIZING MEDICAL MARIJUANA

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- A group of students at the University of 
Missouri-Columbia have gathered enough signatures to force a vote in the 
city on legalizing marijuana for medical use.

The City Council was to vote Tuesday on whether to simply pass the proposed 
ordinance or put the matter before voters on the April 8 ballot.

Law student Anthony Johnson, who wrote the proposed ordinance, said he 
believes it also would reduce penalties for those caught with small amounts 
of the drug.

City Councilman John John said passing the ordinance would send a message 
of tolerance for drugs and create problems in the community.

"One, it encourages the use of marijuana and two, you've got to get it to 
use it," John said.

Officials also questioned the implications of approving something that is 
illegal under state and federal law.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager