MISSOURI STUDENT GROUP FORCES TOWN VOTE ON LEGALIZING MEDICAL MARIJUANA

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- A group of students at the University of
Missouri-Columbia have gathered enough signatures to force a vote in the
city on legalizing marijuana for medical use.

The City Council was to vote Tuesday on whether to simply pass the proposed
ordinance or put the matter before voters on the April 8 ballot.

Law student Anthony Johnson, who wrote the proposed ordinance, said he
believes it also would reduce penalties for those caught with small amounts
of the drug.

City Councilman John John said passing the ordinance would send a message
of tolerance for drugs and create problems in the community.

"One, it encourages the use of marijuana and two, you've got to get it to
use it," John said.

Officials also questioned the implications of approving something that is
illegal under state and federal law.