MARIJUANA BILL BRINGS OUT STRONG EMOTIONS

After supporters of a plan to decriminalize marijuana cried foul over
their opponents' fundraising tactics yesterday, a powerful group of
law enforcement officials and religious leaders stood before the
State House and denounced the proposal as "dangerous" and "insulting."

Question 2, if passed, would reduce possession of up to an ounce of
marijuana to a civil offense punishable by a small fine, rather than
an arrest that straps simple offenders with criminal records and --
according to backers of the plan -- crowds prisons.

According to the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy, the
Massachusetts District Attorney Association and its team of Question
2 opponents raised funds for their campaign before official
recognition by the Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

CSMP campaign manager Whitney Taylor said such actions make
yesterday's show of force a nonfactor and called remarks by opponents
"scare tactics."

"I'm surprised in the first place that they broke the law," said
Taylor, who has filed complaints.

Among those opposed to the initiative are all 11 of Massachusetts'
district attorneys, Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas
Menino. Those on the front line, however, were there to deliver their
shots at the proposal.

"To see all the young black boys I've had to bury ... because of
drug-related violence," said Rev. William Dickerson of the Greater
Love Tabernacle in Dorchester. "Show me how marijuana can improve
someone's judgement, how it can bring families together, how it can
curb the violence that plagues our society. I'd like to see it."

Suffolk County DA Daniel Conley and Middlesex County DA Gerry Leone
both detailed recent cases involving marijuana-related crimes and
pinned marijuana as a gateway drug that can lead offenders to more
serious crimes.

Taylor said there is no link between marijuana use and criminal
activity, except under the current law itself.