Company Press Release

Source: Citizens for Drug Policy Reform

242,000 Signatures Submitted for Drug Policy Reform Initiative 685

OLYMPIA, Wash., July 3 /PRNewswire/ Petitions containing more than
242,000 signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State today in an
effort to place Initiative 685, an historic drug policy reform measure, on
the November, 1997 ballot. The initiative would fund drug education for
youth, promote treatment for minor offenders, mandate full sentences for
violent criminal drug abusers and permit doctors to recommend medical
marijuana for the relief of pain and suffering of seriously ill patients.

``We are elated with the overwhelming response to this very important
measure,'' said petitioner Dr. Rob Killian, MD/MPH of Tacoma, representing
Citizens for Drug Policy Reform. Killian is part of the growing movement of
doctors, educators, clergy, and law enforcement professionals who believe it
is time for a more effective, intelligent attack on drug abuse. ``The
growing support for this movement shows that most people understand that we
have to attack the drug crisis with education and treatment not just fear
and punishment,'' Killian said. ``We are absolutely confident that
Initiative 685 will qualify for the November ballot, and that the citizens
of Washington will agree that drug abuse is first and foremost a public
health crisis, and should be dealt with as such.''

I685, the Drug Medicalization and Prevention Act of 1997 would not legalize
or allow distribution of any drug. It would require any person convicted of
a violent crime under the influence of illegal drugs to serve their full
sentence; allow judges, at their discretion, to parole and/or mandate drug
treatment for anyone convicted of simple drug possession or use; and provide
funding for a parent's commission on drug abuse prevention programs for youth.

I685 would also help ease the pain and suffering of people with serious
conditions, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, for whom marijuana or
other drugs have demonstrated medical benefit. Because federal law prohibits
it, doctors still would not be allowed to legally prescribe medical
marijuana for these patients. Under provisions of I685, a doctor with a
concurring opinion from a second physician may advise such patients that
drugs with established medical benefit, including marijuana, may help
relieve their symptoms.

``Initiative 685 ensures that decisions about how to deal with serious
illness are made by individuals and their doctors, not by politicians or
bureaucrats,'' said Killian.

Citizens for Drug Policy Reform will defer further comment on the measure
until it qualifies for the ballot. A news conference will be scheduled at
that time.

SOURCE: Citizens for Drug Policy Reform Contact: Madeline Johnson,
2067825649; or Lex Reis, for Citizens for Drug Policy Reform, 2063019518

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