Pubdate: Wed, 08 Dec 2004
Source: Columbia Missourian (MO)
Copyright: 2004 Columbia Missourian
Contact:  http://www.columbiamissourian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2282
Author: Bernell Dorrough

ADVOCATES WANT MEDICINAL POT ON THE STATE AGENDA

Advocates of marijuana reform are hoping to follow up their success in 
Columbia with a statewide law to protect medicinal users of the drug. But 
while local residents overwhelmingly supported medical marijuana at the 
ballot box, taking the law statewide will be difficult.

"It will be an uphill fight, but it's possible," said Dan Viets, a board 
member of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. "We 
clearly had a lot of support for Proposition 1 from Republican voters, and 
there are many Republicans - I'm sure - in the legislature who recognize 
the importance of marijuana as a medicine."

Nearly 70 percent of local voters approved a ballot measure Nov. 2 that 
protects users of marijuana from city prosecution if they have written 
permission from a doctor. However, they still can be prosecuted by the state.

Eleven other states already have passed laws that allow marijuana use for 
medicinal purposes. The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard a case that will 
determine whether patients in those states can face federal prosecution for 
using marijuana.

If the Supreme Court rules against the states, Viets said, the Missouri 
medical marijuana movement likely will join an effort to pass a nationwide 
bill in Congress. For now, though, Viets said lawmakers in both houses of 
the Missouri General Assembly are considering a bill for a statewide 
medical marijuana law.

Sen. Rita Days, D-St. Louis, said she might file a bill, following the work 
of her colleague, the late Sen. Ronnie DePasco of Kansas City. DePasco 
began advocating medicinal marijuana after seeing the pain of other cancer 
patients during his own ordeal with lung cancer.

"I have not decided whether I will present a bill, but I do think it's 
worth looking into," Days said.

While some Republican voters in Columbia may support legalizing the 
medicinal use of marijuana, the party as a whole will not support such 
legislation, said Paul Sloca, communications director for the Missouri 
Republican Party.

"Marijuana is still an illegal drug, so we would be opposed as a party to 
such a measure," Sloca said. Even if advocates can overcome opposition to 
medical marijuana, the authority of a statewide law would depend on how the 
Supreme Court rules. Krissy Oechslin, assistant director of communications 
for the nationwide Marijuana Policy Project, said a decision for the 
federal government would not completely undermine state efforts. If the 
Supreme Court sides with the federal government, the decision simply will 
maintain the status quo, Oechslin said.

However, Viets said that if the court decides against the states, he fears 
the federal government will increase prosecutions of those who grow and 
distribute marijuana for medical users, further undermining the state laws.

"For the time being, the federal government has been somewhat restrained," 
Viets said. "I think they recognize it's not clear whether they have that 
authority or not. I think if the Supreme Court gives them a green light, 
then we can expect probably greater persecution and prosecution."
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