MARIJUANA ADVOCATES PLOTTING NEXT STEP

Election Day Defeats Spur Group Initative

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Stung by the defeat of marijuana law reform
measures in three states, proponents of decriminalizing the drug are
preparing for a new round of political and legal battles.

Voters on Tuesday defeated a Nevada measure to legalize possession of up to
3 ounces of marijuana, an Arizona initiative that would have likened pot
possession to a traffic violation, and a South Dakota initiative that would
legalize hemp farms.

Several local measures did pass, including resolutions in 19 Massachusetts
districts asking state representative to support making marijuana
possession a civil rather than a criminal violation.

But the "crown jewel" of marijuana reform laws was passed in San Francisco,
authorizing the city to make it official policy to explore the
establishment of a medical marijuana growing and distribution program, said
Rob Kampia, executive director of the Washington-based Marijuana Policy
Project.

It is in that city - where the mayor, top prosecutor and many voters
support legalizing medical marijuana - that his group's fight will be centered.

"We in hypocrisy-filled, stinkyville Washington, D.C., want to use your
beautiful city as a beachhead in the drug war," he said.

Kampia joined about 500 marijuana reform advocates in Anaheim during the
weekend for a three-day conference to regroup after the election and plan
the next step.

The attendees agreed they have a lot of work to do. Federal drug
enforcement officials have said the election marked the beginning of the
end of the legalization movement.

The election was "a stunning victory of common sense over pro-drug
propaganda," said federal drug czar John Walters. He said that from now on,
"the tide runs our way."

"Well, I'm up to the challenge," Kampia said. "I say we fight."

The next offensive for the reform movement will take place in several
venues, said Kevin Zeese, president of Common Sense for Drug Policy.

Politically, advocates plan to press San Francisco officials to follow
through on what some considered a somewhat symbolic piece of legislation
and start planting pot gardens and giving the drug as medicine to sick and
dying people.

That would be illegal under federal law, despite state and local laws that
allow it, said Drug Enforcement Agency spokesman Richard Meyer in San
Francisco.

"Whoever cultivates, possesses or distributes marijuana is breaking federal
law regardless of intended use," he said. "We'll be conducting business as
usual."

Zeese said such confrontations are necessary.

"Part of the process is to sharpen the conflict," he said.

Eight states have approved medical marijuana, and 35 states have passed
legislation recognizing its medicinal value. But federal law bans marijuana
in any circumstances.