Pubdate: Thu, 11 Aug 2016
Source: Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ)
Copyright: 2016 The Arizona Republic
Contact: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/sendaletter.html
Website: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/24
Author: Yvonne Wingett Sanchez

MARIJUANA INITIATIVE QUALIFIES FOR BALLOT

Arizona voters are poised to decide whether to legalize marijuana for 
recreational use.

State officials notified the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like 
Alcohol that it submitted enough signatures to qualify for the 
November ballot. The secretary of state is expected to certify the 
petition Thursday, according to spokesman Matt Roberts. The 
initiative will appear as Proposition 205.

But the campaign faces another hurdle: Marijuana-legalization foes 
are asking a Maricopa County Superior Court judge to toss the 
initiative from the ballot. In a lawsuit, opponents argue 
marijuana-legalization backers are deceiving voters in how they are 
pitching the measure. The lawsuit, brought by 13 individuals and 
groups, is scheduled for hearings on Friday.

Proposition 205 asks Arizona voters to legalize cannabis for 
recreational use and establish licensed shops where sales of the drug 
would be taxed. Among other things, the Regulation and Taxation of 
Marijuana Act would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to 1 
ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants in their homes.

Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy, which brought the lawsuit 
against the measure, have said potential revenues from legalization 
do not outweigh the potential costs of "bad public policy," which 
would affect public health, public safety, the workplace and education.

The pro campaign will have a news conference at 10 a.m. Thursday to 
kick off the "Yes on 205" campaign.

"Eighty-three years ago, Arizona voters approved a ballot measure to 
repeal the failed policy of alcohol prohibition," stated J.P. 
Holyoak, chairman of the Yes on 205. "This November, we will have the 
opportunity to end the equally disastrous policy of marijuana prohibition."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom