Pubdate: Fri, 14 Nov 2014
Source: Oklahoman, The (OK)
Copyright: 2014 Associated Press
Contact: http://www.newsok.com/voices/guidelines
Website: http://newsok.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318
Author: Ben Nuckols, Associated Press
Page: 5A

POT-FRIENDLY STATES TEAM UP ON ISSUE

WASHINGTON (AP) - Members of Congress from states with legal pot 
urged their colleagues Thursday not to stand in the way of expanded 
legalization and to approve measures that would make it easier for 
marijuana businesses to operate.

Voters in Alaska, Oregon and the District of Columbia approved ballot 
initiatives to legalize marijuana possession last week. Those places 
would join Colorado and Washington state, which already have legal pot.

Amid close midterm elections around the country, "there was one clear 
winner: ending our failed prohibition of marijuana and instead 
legalizing, regulating and taxing adult use," Democratic Rep. Earl 
Blumenauer, of Oregon, said at a news conference with three House colleagues.

Drug-reform advocates are planning to push legalization initiatives 
in California and other states in 2016. Republican Rep. Dana 
Rohrabacher, of California, said he expects voters in his state would 
approve an initiative. Polls show a majority of Americans favor legalization.

"My message to my fellow Republicans is wake up and see where the 
American people are, but also see what the fundamental principles are 
in this debate," Rohrabacher said, citing individual liberty, limited 
government and doctors' freedom to make the best decisions for their patients.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom