DEFEATS FOR MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

Although the dominance of Republican candidates and control of the
U.S. Senate got most of the headlines following this month's election,
the Partnership For A Drug-Free America reminds us that voters in four
states overwhelmingly rejected drug-legalization initiatives. In
Nevada, a measure to legalize up to 3 ounces of marijuana was defeated
by 65 percent of voters. In South Dakota, a proposal to make it legal
for a person to cultivate, transport, sell or buy cannabis was
defeated by a 2-1 margin. In Arizona, the people rejected an
initiative that would have made marijuana possession similar to a
traffic ticket. And in Ohio, a constitutional amendment proposing
treatment for nonviolent drug offenders was soundly defeated.

Recent petition drives to put similar initiatives on Florida's ballot
have fallen short of the 450,000 signatures needed, but
pro-legalization activists have pledged to continue their attack on
drug laws in the Sunshine State.

So be careful when signing such petitions, because they could open up
a road best not taken.