SHOULD DANE COUNTY HOLD AN ADVISORY REFERENDUM ON LEGALIZING MEDICAL
MARIJUANA IN WISCONSIN?

In a Nutshell

Federal law prohibits the manufacture, sale and possession of
marijuana, but 14 states and the District of Columbia, have passed
laws allowing the distribution of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

An effort to pass a similar law in Wisconsin during the last
legislative session failed, but supporters have begun a campaign to
place an advisory referendum on local ballots in November that would
call upon the state to legalize medical marijuana.

On Thursday, Dane County became the first county in the state to
introduce a resolution that, if passed, would place the following
question on the fall ballot: "Should the Wisconsin Legislature enact
legislation allowing residents with debilitating medical conditions to
acquire and possess marijuana for medical purposes if supported by
their physician?"

The Case for It

Sup. John Hendrick, of Madison, who introduced the resolution, said
the issue failed because the legislative session ended. Holding a
referendum would send a signal that the public wants the issue
addressed. "Personally I'm in favor of (legalizing medical
marijuana)," he said. "I don't think the county needs to make that
decision, but I think the county is saying we are going to give the
voters a chance to speak."

Gary Storck, president of the state chapter of the National
Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said he hopes the
referendum campaign will educate the public and elected officials.
"Perhaps in areas it's on the ballot, it will have a coattails effect
in helping candidates who embrace medical marijuana," Storck said.

The Case Against It

Sup. Eileen Bruskewitz, of Waunakee, said Hendrick's constituents
should be contacting their state representatives directly, rather than
taking up County Board time on the matter.

"We shouldn't be doing these kinds of lobbying things on the County
Board," Bruskewitz said. "There are endless issues we could bring for
referendum before the people, but we don't."

The Wisconsin Medical Society has recommended further study of smoked
marijuana in patients who have serious conditions and that the
substance continue to be illegal until such studies are complete.
"Smoked marijuana should not be used for therapeutic reasons without
scientific data regarding its safety and efficacy for specific
indications," according to the society.

To Get Involved

The issue will be considered by the County Board's Executive Committee
before coming back to the full County Board for a vote. Referendums
for the November ballot must be approved and submitted to the county
clerk's office by Sept. 28.

To contact your Dane County Board supervisor visit
www.countyofdane.com/board/supervisors.aspx or call the County Board
office at (608) 266-5758.