MEASURE 33: MEDICAL MARIJUANA

What it would do: The measure would broaden Oregon's Medical Marijuana
Act. It would create state-regulated dispensaries to sell the drug to
cardholders; increase the amount patients are allowed to possess from
3 ounces to 1 pound; and allow naturopaths and nurse practitioners to
sign a patient's request for a medical marijuana card.

Who's behind it: Voter Power and other medical marijuana advocacy
groups. Chief petitioner John Sajo also sponsored the original 1998
medical marijuana initiative, which passed 55 percent to 45 percent.

Background: Oregon is one of nine states where medical marijuana is legal.
Patients must have a debilitating condition such as cancer, AIDS or severe
pain and get a doctor's signature. The annual fee is $150, or $50 for
people on the Oregon Health Plan. Sales of the drug are illegal, so
cardholders -- about 10,000 currently -- must grow their own marijuana or
find a caregiver to do so.

Arguments: Proponents say current limits on possession and the ban on sales
make it unduly difficult for patients to get reliable marijuana.

Opponents, including the Bush administration, the Oregon Medical
Association and law enforcement groups, say that the medical claims
for marijuana are unproven, and that the measure is a "backdoor" step
toward legalization.

Contacts:

Pro: Voter Power: 503-224-3051; www.yeson33.org

Con: Stormy Ray Foundation: www.stormyray.org.

Oregon Medical Association: 503-226-1555, www.theoma.org