PRO-MARIJUANA INITIATIVES SUPPORTED ACROSS THE BAY STATE

Pro-marijuana initiatives supported across the Bay State
Massachusetts voters approved all 12 public policy questions that
proposed changing marijuana policy. According to Associated Press
tallies, the questions won in all three state Senate and nine House
districts, ranging from the South Shore to the Berkshires.

Mass Cann spokesman Steve Epstein predicted victory in every
district, noting that, "Our unanimous results of 2000 and 2002
demonstrate that actual voters know that marijuana use is not
sufficiently dangerous to justify handcuffing, booking and criminal
prosecution, much less the $25 million or more annual taxpayer expense.

"Massachusetts voters, including those in Belmont, Gov. Romney's
place of residence, overwhelmingly want the state to permit seriously
ill patients, with their doctor's written recommendation, to possess
and grow small amounts of marijuana for their personal medical use,"
said Epstein. Anne Paulsen, who is Romney's representative in the
General Court, is already a sponsor of effectuating legislation. Sen.
Richard Moore, Senate chairman of the Committee on Health Care, as
well as reps. William Galvin, Kathleen Teehan and Peter Larkin were so
instructed. Montana voters also approved a citizen initiative to
become the 11th state to pass into law such a policy. A measure
making possession of marijuana a civil violation, and requiring police
to hold a cited person younger than 18 until released to a parent or
legal guardian or brought before a judge, swept through the North
Shore with more than 60 percent of the votes in the districts of
Senate Majority Leader Frederick Berry and Criminal Justice Committee
Chairman Thomas M. McGee. House Chairman James Vallee was instructed
as well, with more than 57 percent of the votes in Medway and Franklin.

There was similar support in three additional districts that approved
making possession of less than one ounce of marijuana a civil
violation, subject to a maximum fine of $100 and not subject to any
criminal penalties. Reps. Garrett J. Bradley of Hingham, Mark J.
Carron of Southbridge and Harold P. Naughton of Clinton were all so
instructed by more than two-thirds of the voters on these questions.

Voters in the First Hampshire District of Rep. Peter V. Kocot
approved "regulating the taxation, manufacture and sale of marijuana
to adults 21 and older," provided that sales outlets are
state-licensed, do not sell alcohol and are not within 500 yards of a
school.

"Studies show that almost half of adults have tried marijuana. These
are almost all good people. Some are even politicians. Just this last
month, the studies show half a million smoked in Massachusetts," said
Epstein. "We know them as friends, relatives and neighbors, and we
don't think they should be arrested, and it is time the Legislature
took the voters' advice." The 12 public policy questions were mounted
through the efforts of Mass Cann and the Drug Policy Forum of
Massachusetts.