COMMITTEE CREATED TO EASE POT PENALTY

A group of Columbia residents that wants to soften penalties for
marijuana-related convictions formed a campaign committee to promote its
cause in the April 8 election.

The four-person committee plans to contact voters and potential
contributors by letters, e-mails and phone calls, said Anthony Johnson,
executive director of the committee.

Johnson said he anticipates raising $60,000 in a month and a half. The
money would be spent on yard signs and on television, radio and print ads,
he said.

Proposition 1 would diminish the penalty for misdemeanor possession of
marijuana to a fine and would permit the use of marijuana as a medical
treatment with a doctor's recommendation.

The committee cooperates with two national organizations, Students for
Sensible Drug Policy and the Marijuana Policy Project, said Sarah Duff, the
group's communications director.

No political committee has yet been formed in order to oppose the
proposition. The deadline for organizing a campaign committee is March 3,
according to the county elections office.