MPP ACCUSES DRUG CZAR OF ABUSE OF AUTHORITY

Earlier this month, the DC-based Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) filed a
complaint with the Federal Office of Special Counsel accusing the Office of
National Drug Control Policy Director John Walters of using his authority
to negatively campaign against Question 9, Nevada's marijuana ballot
initiative.

"Walters has committed numerous crimes against the taxpayers," said Robert
Kampia, MPP's executive director. "He used his official authority to affect
the outcome of Question 9 election, as well as other state drug policy
initiatives, in plain violation of the Hatch Act [which prevents federal
employees from implementing certain campaign-related activities]. Because
none of this activity was properly reported as campaign contributions, he
is in equally plain violation of Nevada campaign finance laws. Walters
conducted a campaign of lies against Question 9, using the taxpayers' money
to spread misinformation."

Question 9 was defeated 39 percent to 61 percent in November. If passed,
the initiative would have eliminated arrests for adults who were found in
possession of up to three ounces of marijuana and would have allowed
medical marijuana users to pay less for the drug than others.