Pubdate: Sat, 03 May 2014
Source: Island Packet (SC)
Copyright: 2014, The Island Packet
Contact:  http://www.islandpacket.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1514
Author: Cassie Cope

SUPERINTENDENT CANDIDATE CALLS FOR LEGALIZING MARIJUANA TO PAY FOR
EDUCATION system

South Carolina superintendent of education candidate Sheila Gallagher
called for legalizing marijuana when she addressed Democrats at the
South Carolina Democratic Party convention in Columbia on Saturday
afternoon.

Gallagher, of Florence, said legalizing marijuana should be put to a
vote and the revenue that would be gained could go toward investing in
the state's education system.

"It isn't about getting high," Gallagher said.

The revenue that could be obtained from legalizing marijuana could be
used to invest millions of dollars into the education system until
S.C. has the best schools in the nation, she said.

Gallagher was one of the four Democratic superintendent candidates who
addressed those at the convention.

Gallagher said teacher pay raises would be a top priority with revenue
raised.

Mattie Thomas, with the Florence County Democratic Party, supported
the idea and pointed to other states that have legalized marijuana are
making money.

"It's lighting up in Colorado," Thomas said.

While Gallagher wants voters to decide on the full legalization of
marijuana, Democratic lawmakers have been focused solely on medical
marijuana.

"Legalization is not even on our radar right now," said Tyler Jones,
spokesman for the House Democratic Caucus.

House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford of Richland County introduced
medical marijuana legislation last month. But the bill did not cross
over to the Senate by the deadline so it is dead for the year.

Rutherford will introduce it again in January with the start of a new
session, Jones said.

A question about legalizing medical marijuana will be on the June 10
Democratic Primary ballot.
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MAP posted-by: Matt