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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom