RULING'S EFFECT ON AMENDMENT 20 DEBATED

Two people working different sides of Colorado's medical marijuana law had
divergent views Monday of the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Julie Roche, who managed the campaign that led voters to approve Colorado's
measure, says the high court ruling on cannabis clubs in Oakland, Calif.,
will have no impact here.

"It's not significant to Amendment 20," said Julie Roche, who noted that
Colorado's law does not include distribution centers for marijuana.

But the lawmaker who reluctantly carried the bill that turned voter
sentiment into law predicted the court ruling will be the measure's death
knell.

"I'm going to assume our law will also be overturned," said Sen. Norma
Anderson, R-Lakewood. "I will not shed any tears. In fact, I'm quite gleeful."

Roche interpreted the high court ruling as striking down "medical
necessity" as a defense in marijuana cases at the federal level.

But she claims the defense will hold at the state level, provided that
people obey the law.

The law makes it legal for people with chronic illnesses to possess up to
six marijuana plants and 2 ounces of the drug. They are also required to
obtain a doctor's permission and to register with the state Health Department.