Pubdate: Wed, 05 Feb 2014
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2014 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Author: Paresh Dave

ALASKA TO VOTE ON LEGAL POT USE

Alaska voters will get a third chance to legalize the recreational 
use of marijuana: The Alaska Division of Elections released data 
Tuesday showing that the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana in Alaska had 
collected enough signatures to qualify for the Aug. 19 primary election ballot.

Medical marijuana use was approved by state voters in 1998 by an 
18-percentage-point margin. But two years later, voters rejected by 
the same margin a measure that would have legalized pot for 
recreational use. In 2004, another legalization measure was defeated 
by 11 percentage points.

Alaskans are allowed to possess as much as 4 ounces of marijuana for 
personal use within their homes, the result of a state Supreme Court 
ruling in 1975 citing the right to privacy. But there is no legal 
means to buy or distribute marijuana for recreational use in the state.

The latest ballot measure would allow anyone 21 or older to use 
marijuana. They could grow a limited amount or buy marijuana from 
licensed retailers. Public consumption would be banned.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom