SMOKING THAT GRASS - TIME IS NOW TO PUSH FOR POT LEGALIZATION

This Saturday is the 30th anniversary of what has become a well-known Ann
Arbor tradition: The annual Hash Bash. At "high noon" on the Diag many
students, professors and others from across the nation will meet to protest
the ongoing prohibition of marijuana.

This commemorative event will kick off a petition drive that will attempt
to bring the issue of marijuana decriminalization before Michigan voters
this fall. Hash Bash attendees are hoping to collect the 302,711 necessary
signatures statewide to put the Personal Responsibility Amendment on the
ballot for referendum vote. This will allow voters to directly determine
whether or not marijuana should be illegal for personal use. All students,
regardless of their opinion about marijuana prohibition, should sign this
petition because it is important that Michigan citizens get the right to
vote on an issue that affects so many people.

This is not an effort spearheaded by people who smoke marijuana all the
time. The economic, social and political costs of prohibitionist policies
outweigh any supposed benefits of the current state of marijuana laws. The
focus of the initiative is to force the government from limiting people's
personal choices.

The Personal Responsibility Amendment, if approved, would be a reasonable
compromise in the War on Drugs. It would not legalize widespread use of
marijuana, but would simply decriminalize the personal and medical use of
small amounts of the plant. The amendment would decriminalize the private
use and possession of three ounces of dried marijuana for anyone 21 years
and older, within the confines of their own home. The PRA is also very
detailed and specific to ensure that use is private and responsible,
including clauses to keep marijuana away from children and while driving.
The decriminalization of marijuana would end the overflowing of jails in
Michigan and decrease the $1.5 billion corrections budget by reducing the
number of non-violent marijuana users in prison.

The amendment also contains a provision that would allow the use of
marijuana for medicinal purposes for those with terminal and excessively
physically deteriorating diseases. The amendment would not force doctors to
prescribe marijuana, but would simply make it an option for those who need
it. Again, the detail of the PRA ensures that the use of medicinal
marijuana is not abused.

In addition, the PRA contains provisions that will legalize the right to
farm and manufacture non-intoxicating industrial hemp for the use of rope,
clothing, fuel and canvas. And finally, the amendment would require the
money the state receives from criminal forfeitures to be spent on education
for all substances abused, including drugs, alcohol, tobacco and gambling.

The social and economic benefits of passing this amendment are
overwhelming, and the democratic benefit of signing the petition allows
voters to determine the laws in Michigan. Even if you do not support the
decriminalization of marijuana, it is imperative that you sign this
petition so that the people of Michigan can voice their vote in this
matter. Non-pot smokers and pot smokers alike should attend the annual Hash
Bash this Saturday at noon in the Diag.