Pubdate: Sun, 16 Dec 2012
Source: Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ)
Copyright: 2012 The Arizona Republic
Contact: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/sendaletter.html
Website: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/24

MONTGOMERY WISE TO CONTINUE FIGHT

Give Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery credit: He doesn't back
down from a fight.

Montgomery is no fan of the state's voter-approved medical-marijuana
program. He has spoken strongly against it before and after the
November 2010 election. And he took the issue to court, arguing that
federal drug laws pre-empt any effort to make marijuana available for
supposed medical uses.

He lost in Superior Court. When he announced his intention to appeal,
criticism showered upon him. Why couldn't he just accept the will of
the people?

We will not join that criticism. Voters cannot pass measures that
violate constitutional provisions or are at odds with federal law.
Just because no one has raised this issue in any other state does not
make it moot.

The American judicial system is designed with multiple levels to
ensure difficult issues receive multiple hearings and a full review.

Medical marijuana raises issues about federal and state powers. Can
states create drugs laws, or must such laws be uniform across the nation?

It's an important issue. Good for Montgomery for keeping it alive.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D