PROPOSAL PARTIALLY GOES UP IN SMOKE

Arizona voters approved a hike in the state's tobacco tax Tuesday, while
turning down a measure that would have eased up on marijuana laws. While
consideration of marijuana for medical reasons isn't that unusual these
days, the Arizona proposal called for the state to be required to
distribute marijuana free of charge if for medical reasons.

There is substantial research into the benefits of medical marijuana,
especially for cancer patients, but apparently Arizona thought it was just
so much smoke and mirrors and decided to pass on passage.

Arizona does have what might be considered both an innovative and worthy
alternative to jail time for first-time drug offenders, offering treatment
as opposed to incarceration. Another facet of the law would have allowed
judges to send offenders to prison if they refused treatment.

The additional money generated by raising the tobacco tax will go to
low-income healthcare, trauma centers and medical research.

South Carolina legislators might give Arizona's decision a healthy dose of
consideration.