Pubdate: Sat, 09 Oct 2010
Source: Camp Verde Bugle, The (AZ)
Copyright: 2010 Western News&Info, Inc.
Contact: 
http://campverdebugleonline.com/Formlayout.asp?formcall=userform&form=1
Website: http://campverdebugleonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4914
Author: Tim Carter, Yavapai County SchoolSuperintendent

PROP 203 NEGATIVELY IMPACTS SCHOOLS

As an elected official, I feel that we have an obligation to speak out
on proposed public policy that directly impacts our office and the
Constitutional duties that we perform. Prop 203, which seeks to
legalize "medical" marijuana in Arizona is on the ballot in November.

In my opinion, Prop 203 will negatively impact the health and safety
of our students, our schools, and our communities.

Children and young adults will be allowed to have "medical" marijuana
cards and schools may not refuse to enroll them! Prop 203 specifically
allows children (with parental permission) to get marijuana cards.
Children who are marijuana cardholders will be allowed to smoke
before, during lunch breaks off campus and after school. (500 feet
away from the school)

Administrators, faculty and employees (including school bus drivers)
who are marijuana cardholders can smoke before, during lunch breaks
off campus and after school (500 feet away from the school).

Administrators, faculty and employees who are marijuana cardholders
can't be disciplined for testing positive for marijuana
metabolites.

The school district will have to prove actual impairment, but the
burden of proving impairment will be on the school and there is
nothing in Prop 203 that provides guidance.

School bus drivers who are marijuana cardholders can smoke marijuana
just prior to driving students to and from school. Prop 203 states
that "medical" marijuana can't be smoked on the bus and does not
"authorize" school bus drivers to drive "under the influence,"
however, it goes on to say "EXCEPT a registered qualifying patient
shall not be considered under the influence of marijuana solely
because of the presence of metabolites or components of marijuana that
appear in insufficient concentration to cause impairment."

Please keep our schools safe and drug free. I will be voting NO on
Prop 203.  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D