Date: Tue, 3 Dec 1996 19:26:41 -0500 (EST)
From: David Borden <[b--rd--n] at [intr.net]>
To: [j--r--y] at [pwa.acusd.edu]
Subject: PRESS RELEASE FROM AMERICANS FOR MEDICAL RIGHTS
*****************************************************************
Drug Reform Coordination Network (DRCNet)
Rapid Response Team
*****************************************************************
Please copy and distribute.
--------------------------
(Note: DRCNet is distributing this press release as a
service to our readers. We are not formally
affiliated with AMR, though we support their aims.)
PRESS RELEASE FROM AMERICANS FOR MEDICAL RIGHTS
Repeal of New Ohio Medical Marijuana Law
Could Lead to Ballot Initiative in 1998
SANTA MONICA, December 2 -- Ohio Governor George Voinovich
and other state officials could invite a ballot initiative
fight in 1998 if they take steps to repeal the state's new
medical marijuana law, says a national group advocating
legal permission for the medical use of marijuana.
Americans for Medical Rights (AMR), which sponsored the
successful Proposition 215 campaign in California this past
November under the name Californians for Medical Rights,
today praised the Ohio law and said it should remain on the
books.
AMR spokesman Dave Fratello said, "The new law in Ohio
protecting medical users of marijuana is model legislation.
Political leaders should give it a chance to work, not act
hastily to repeal it."
"In most parts of the country," Fratello continued, "voters
support the medical use of marijuana while opposing its
outright legalization. Thus they are likely to support the
new law in Ohio."
"If it is repealed," Fratello added, "there is every reason
to believe that the voters will get a chance to put the law
back on the books in 1998, through an initiative. Our group
will work with local patients' rights advocates and medical
groups to examine the options if repeal happens. The
politicians must see that voters are ahead of them on this
issue."
The Ohio legislature passed the new medical marijuana law
within a comprehensive crime bill in 1995. The marijuana
provision took effect July 1, 1996, providing an
"affirmative defense" in court to persons facing marijuana
charges who can prove they were using the drug under the
prior, written order of their physician.
Last week, Gov. Voinovich and Attorney General Betty
Montgomery expressed surprise at the law's passage and vowed
to work for its repeal in the legislative session beginning
in January.
------------------------------------------------------------
Join DRCNet! Visit our world-wide-web registration form at
http://www.drcnet.org/drcreg.html (complete with credit card
billing and encryption for your protection), or send e-mail
to [d r cinfo] at [drcnet.org] for more information. To subscribe to
the rapid response team, send e-mail to [l--tp--c] at [drcnet.org]
with the line "subscribe drc-natl <your name>" in the
message. We need your help to survive!
------------------------------------------------------------
Drug Reform Coordination Network (DRCNet)
4455 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite B-500, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 362-0030 (voice) / (202) 362-0032 (fax)
[d r cinfo] at [drcnet.org] / http://www.drcnet.org