Pubdate: Sat, 14 May 2005 Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen (IA) Copyright: 2005 Iowa City Press-Citizen Contact: http://www.press-citizen.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1330 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) PETITION CALLS FOR LEGALIZING MARIJUANA A University of Iowa student filed a petition Friday calling for the Iowa City Council to approve an ordinance that would legalize use of marijuana for medical purposes. George Pappas, co-founder of Student for Sensible Drug Policy, turned in a petition with more than 2,800 signatures before Friday's 5 p.m. deadline. At least 2,500 signatures are required. The city has 20 days to certify the petition. When a petition has been certified, the council must either adopt the proposal or place it on the ballot, according to the city clerk's office. The initiative of the petition is intended to ensure "patients, for whom marijuana has been recommended by a physician, suffer no punishment or penalty for obtaining, possessing and or using medicinal marijuana and or paraphernalia used to consume medicinal marijuana." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth