DPS: MEDICAL POT PROGRAM COULD COST STATE MILLIONS

Forcing the state Department of Public Safety to hand out marijuana to
those claiming a medical need could cost taxpayers millions of dollars, the
head of the agency said Tuesday.

"It would require our department to take state employees away from their
duties to provide marijuana," said DPS director Dennis Garrett, speaking
against Proposition 203. "It's ludicrous."

Depending on the number of people seeking the drug, it could cost as much
as $12 million to set up state labs to test confiscated marijuana and
distribute it, Garrett said. The measure is on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Proponent Sam Vagenas disputed the amount, saying that implementing the
initiative would only cost $160,000 annually and would save millions to the
state in prison costs.

The initiative, backed by University of Phoenix founder John Sperling,
would require DPS to distribute up to 2 ounces of marijuana to each person
who obtains a recommendation from a physician. A prescription would not be
required. The measure would also decriminalize 2 ounces or less of the drug.