Source: Phoenix Gazette

STATE 'MEDICAL MARIJUANA' LAW WINS SPOT ON 1998 BALLOT

PHOENIX PHOENIX GAZETTE : Arizona's
controversial law allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana, heroin and
other illegal drugs
to critically ill patients is headed back to the voters.

The Secretary of State's Office said Tuesday that the socalled
medical marijuana law, approved last year by voters but gutted by the
Legislature, will be placed on the November 1998 general election
ballot. A related measure aimed at repealing a new law establishing
special drug courts also will be on the ballot.

State officials said they have verified about 80,000 signatures of
registered voters for each measure, far more than the 56,481 needed.

The medical marijuana law called for legalizing marijuana and other
illegal drugs for use by patients if two licensed physicians offer
supporting research. It also sought to establish a probation and
treatment program for nonviolent drug offenders.

But legislators suspended enactment until the federal Food and Drug
Administration approves the drugs for medical use. Lawmakers also
passed a law establishing courts to decide whether drug offenders
should receive treatment or jail time.

Opponents of the law have vowed to launch a campaign against the new
ballot measures.

[Copyright 1997, Dialog]