Pubdate: Wed, 02 Oct 2013
Source: Portland Daily Sun (ME)
Copyright: 2013 The Portland Daily Sun
Contact:  http://portlanddailysun.me/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5257
Author: Craig Lyons

BUS ADS AIM TO EDUCATE PORTLANDERS ABOUT MARIJUANA

An effort to legalize marijuana in Portland is on the move - literally.

The Marijuana Policy Project, one of the groups involved in the Yes 
on Question 1 campaign, rolled out a series of advertisements placed 
on four METRO buses and two bus shelters on Wednesday. The ads are 
aimed at the promoting marijuana as a safer alternative to alcohol 
and attempt to de-stigmatize people who us it. "Americans realized 
the prohibition on alcohol failed," said David Boyer, the MPP's Maine 
political director. "The same can be said for marijuana prohibition."

The ordinance would decriminalize the use and possession of up to 2.5 
ounces of marijuana and accessory paraphernalia for adults who are 21 
years or older but prohibit its use in public spaces, school grounds 
or transportation infrastructure. The Yes on Question 1 campaign has 
earned the support of Portland Green Independent Committee, the 
American Civil Liberties Union of Maine and Medical Marijuana 
Caregivers of Maine.

The six ads read, "I prefer marijuana over alcohol because it's less 
harmful to my body"; "I prefer marijuana over alcohol because it's 
less toxic, so there's no hangover"; "I prefer marijuana over alcohol 
because it doesn't make me rowdy or reckless" and all end with "Why 
should I be punished for making the safer choice?"

The ads were quick to draw criticism; 21 Reasons, a Portland-based 
nonprofit, called for them to be removed because the organization 
thought the ads promoted drug use. "If we truly all agree that 
marijuana should not be used by youth, then placing such promotions 
where youth are likely to view them should be banned. School children 
ride the Metro buses to school," wrote 21 Reasons, in a statement. 
"We urge the Metro Transit District to review their guidelines with 
regard to alcohol or tobacco advertising and ask that marijuana 
promotion follow those same guidelines."

The organization said the ads minimize the harmful effects of 
marijuana on children. Adults and children are bombarded with alcohol 
ads, Boyer said, and society is OK with it. Marijuana, on the other 
hand, has been demonized but the campaign aims to educate people 
about how it's the safer substance, he said, and people shouldn't be 
punished for using it.

The six ads, which cost $2,500, had to be approved by METRO for 
content, Boyer said. The transportation service doesn't allow 
advertisements for alcohol sales, he said, but because the initiative 
is a political campaign, it was allowed.

Since the launch of the Yes on Question 1 campaign in September, the 
MPP has reached out to voters through a flyer campaign, Facebook and 
Twitter, according to Boyer. As the election nears, Boyer said the 
proponents of the initiative will do phone banking to help educate 
voters about the campaign and mobilize support. Boyer said the 
proponents are hopeful the referendum will pass.

"We're cautiously optimistic but we're going to make sure we do 
everything to win," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom