TAKE NOTE

Despite shameful scare tactics and outright lies by opponents,
Massachusetts and Michigan voters sent a signal to the new
administration on Tuesday that it's time for this country to take a
hard look at our current marijuana policies.

Massachusetts voters approved a marijuana decriminalization
initiative by a 65 percent to 35 percent margin, Michigan voters
enacted the nation's 13th medical marijuana law by a 63 percent to 37
percent margin, and at least nine local reform measures were
approved by voters in communities across the county, including Hawaii
and Arkansas .

In Massachusetts, criminal penalties for possession of an ounce or
less of marijuana will be replaced by a fine of $100, similar to a
speeding ticket.

In Michigan, patients with serious diseases like HIV/AIDS, cancer,
and multiple sclerosis will no longer have to fear arrest if they use
marijuana pursuant to the recommendation of a doctor and have a
state-issued I.D. card. One in four Americans now live in a state
with such protections.

President-elect Barack Obama has said he would end federal raids on
patients and caregivers obeying state medical marijuana laws.

Missouri legislators should take note and pass a medical marijuana
law next session.

Kelly Maddy, president, Joplin NORML

Joplin