U.S. WON'T DEFEND LAW LIMITING MARIJUANA ADS

The Justice Department has decided not to appeal a decision throwing
out a law aimed at keeping pro-marijuana ads out of the nation's bus
and subway stops.

The law threatened to cut off up to $3.1 billion in federal funds to
local transit authorities in 2004 if they displayed ads promoting the
legalization or medical use of marijuana or other drugs. U.S. District
Judge Paul L. Friedman ruled in June that it unconstitutionally
infringes on free-speech rights.

Acting Solicitor General Paul D. Clement sent letters to lawyers for
the House and Senate saying Friedman's decision would not be appealed
because "the government does not have a viable argument to advance in
the statute's defense."