DESPITE LOSSES, MARIJUANA BACKERS NOT DONE FIGHTING

Several Issues On Ballots Failed, But Key Win Has Advocates Hopeful

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)- Stung by the defeat of marijuana law reform measures
in three states, proponents of decriminalizing the drug are preparing for a
new round of political and legal battles.

Last week, voters defeated a Nevada measure to legalize possession of up to
three ounces of marijuana, an Arizona initiative that would have likened
pot possession to a traffic violation, and a South Dakota initiative that
would legalize hemp farms.

Several local measures did pass, including resolutions in 19 Massachusetts
districts asking state representative to support making marijuana
possession a civil rather than a criminal violation.

But the "crown jewel" of marijuana reform laws was passed in San Francisco,
authorizing the city to make it official policy to explore the
establishment of a medical marijuana growing and distribution program, said
Rob Kampia, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana
Policy Project.

It is in that city, where the mayor, top prosecutor and many voters support
legalizing medical marijuana, that his group's fight will be centered.

"We in hypocrisy-filled, stinkyville Washington, D.C., want to use your
beautiful city as a beachhead in the drug war," he said.

Mr. Kampia joined about 500 marijuana reform advocates in Anaheim during
the weekend for a three-day conference to regroup after the election and
plan the next step.

The attendees agreed that they face a major challenge. Federal drug
enforcement officials have said the election marked the beginning of the
end of the legalization movement.

The election was "a stunning victory of common sense over pro-drug
propaganda," said federal drug czar John Walters. He said that from now on,
"the tide runs our way."

The next offensive for the reform movement will take place in several
different venues, said Kevin Zeese, president of Common Sense for Drug Policy.

Politically, advocates plan to press San Francisco officials to follow
through on what some considered a somewhat symbolic piece of legislation
and actually start planting pot gardens and giving the drug to sick and
dying people.

That would be illegal under federal law, despite state and local laws that
allow it, and will be prosecuted, said Drug Enforcement Agency spokesman
Richard Meyer in San Francisco.

Mr. Zeese said such confrontations are necessary.

"Part of the process is to sharpen the conflict," he said.

Eight states have approved medical marijuana, and 35 states have passed
legislation recognizing marijuana's medicinal value. But federal law bans
marijuana under any circumstances.

In the last year, DEA agents have raided several medical marijuana
providers in California, mostly without support from local law enforcement.

Shawn Heller, national director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, which
has chapters at 200 college and high school campuses, said other local
initiatives and perhaps another state proposal should be organized.

On the legal front, a federal appeals court in San Francisco ruled recently
that the government cannot revoke the prescription drug licenses of doctors
who recommend marijuana to patients.

In upcoming months, federal judges in California are expected to hear
several cases involving a patient's right to use medical marijuana, and in
one case to retrieve pot confiscated in a raid.

National Organization for Reasonable Marijuana Laws director Keith Stroup
said his outlook for the marijuana law reform movement remains optimistic.

He said the election losses "represent a temporary setback, but it's one we
know we can and will overcome."