KEEPING IT SIMPLE: 203 NO, 302 YES 2 DRUG INITIATIVES NEED CAREFUL SORTING

Just what were the authors of Proposition 203 smoking? Did they really
think voters wouldn't notice that this wrongheaded ballot measure requires
state police to hand out free marijuana?

Proposition 203 purports to do nothing more than extend the measure voters
approved six years ago, which authorized the use of marijuana for medical
reasons and put non-violent drug users into treatment instead of jail.

But wait, it doesn't stop there. This is a Trojan horse, full of bad ideas.
And they're all reasons to vote "no" on Proposition 203.

The Department of Public Safety would have to give free pot to anyone with
a registration card for medical marijuana. This is not only inappropriate,
and an undoubted violation of federal law, but it's a poor way for state
police to spend their time and resources.

Then there's the registration card system, which entitles people with
qualifying health conditions to get 2 ounces of free pot a month. It's hard
to imagine a better invitation to counterfeiting and phony authorizations
from doctors.

One of the main thrusts of Proposition 203 is decriminalizing the
possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana for personal use, with
penalties limited to fines or court-approved drug treatment.

It may be time for a careful discussion of the pros and cons of
decriminalizing marijuana. But Proposition 203, with all of its other
freight, is no way to start a cool, well-reasoned debate.

In contrast, Proposition 302, the other drug-related ballot measure, is
right on target. It would give judges the hammer of imposing jail time on
convicted drug users who refused to get court-ordered treatment.

Under current law, first-time offenders for personal possession are put on
probation and required to attend a drug treatment or education program. But
the law has no good tools for dealing with those who flout the requirement.
Proposition 302 would give judges the logical option of putting those who
refused treatment behind bars.

For the best approach to drug use, voters should say "yes" to Proposition
302 and "no" to Proposition 203.

Sunday: A summary of our recommendations for Tuesday's legislative, state
and congressional elections will be published on the Editorial and Opinions
pages.

The Arizona Republic