Pubdate: Sun, 26 Sep 2010 Source: Daily Courier (Prescott, AZ) Copyright: 2010 Prescott Newspapers, Inc. Contact: http://www.dcourier.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4036 Author: Ivan Anderson PROP 203 HAS LITTLE TO DO WITH MEDICINE EDITOR: Come November, the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), an advocacy group based in Washington D.C., will be watching the results of Arizona's general election. Their interest in our politics is to see if their initiative, Proposition 203, concerning medical marijuana, has been approved by our citizens. Between now and November the citizens of Arizona need to examine this document and truly understand what is in this initiative. Go to the Arizona Secretary of State website and look under "elections." If Proposition 203 is passed in November, minors under 18 years old, can obtain a registry identification card, become a registered qualifying patient and smoke pot legally. See section 36-2804.03, letter B. The question may be asked, "Why would teenagers need to smoke medical marijuana?" The chief complaint of card holders in the 14 states that allow medical marijuana is 'chronic pain.' This "medical condition" is nothing more than an avenue for abuse. If Prop 203 is passed, a card holder can be issued two and a half ounces of pot every 14 days; that's about 10 joints a day. Arizona teenagers will have their dope distributed to them by their parents or legal guardian. Potential for abuse? Prop 203 also states that, "No person (medical marijuana user) may be denied custody of or visitation or parenting time with a minor," section 36-2813, letter D. "There is no presumption of neglect or child endangerment" for smoking weed while caring for your children. This section does state that if a "person's behavior creates an unreasonable danger to the safety of the minor as established by clear and convincing evidence," the user can face legal consequences. I thought using drugs around children created an unreasonable danger. Vote No Prop 203, it's not about medicine. Ivan Anderson Fire Fighter/CEP MATForce volunteer Prescott - --- MAP posted-by: Matt