JUDGE HEARS PLEAS, SAYS LITTLE ON POT VOTE

A federal judge heard arguments yesterday in the dispute over last
month's vote on a medical marijuana initiative in the District but set
no timetable for a decision on whether the results will take effect or
be made public.

U.S. District Judge Richard W. Roberts asked plenty of questions but
gave no signals about how he might rule in the lawsuit filed by the
American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of backers of Initiative 59,
a measure that would permit seriously ill people to use marijuana for
medical reasons.

Federal legislation enacted less than two weeks before the Nov. 3
election prohibits the District from spending money on any initiative
that would "legalize or otherwise reduce" penalties for users of
marijuana. Although D.C. residents voted on the matter, officials have
not tabulated the results or released them because of the
congressional action.

The D.C. government and ACLU joined forces yesterday to argue that the
congressional action infringed upon voters' First Amendment rights.
The Justice Department, representing Congress, contended that Congress
has ultimate authority concerning legislation in the District and
acted legally. Lawyers said they hope for a ruling within the next two
weeks.

Checked-by: Rich O'Grady