Punish Columbia, Missouri voters?

[jethro]

As you are likely aware, voters in Columbia, MO last November chose to make marijuana possession the lowest law enforcement priority for the city, while also voting to protect Columbia's medical marijuana patients from arrest.

As expected, the passage of these municipal laws has angered some of Missouri's most ardent drug warriors, including some politicians in State Legislature. Now one of those officials, Senator Chuck Gross (R - St. Charles), has introduced legislation to punish Columbia residents for exercising their right to vote for sensible marijuana policies.

Senator Gross' bill would prohibit public schools from participating in sporting events that take place in cities that have deprioritized marijuana possession or that allow for medical marijuana. This is nothing more than a mean spirited attempt to punish the voters of Columbia for daring to challenge the drug war establishment, and to serve as a deterrent to other cities that might consider similar initiatives in the future.

Further, passage of this bill would have an adverse impact on Columbia's economy, since the city plays host annually to statewide sporting events. These events, which are an important source of revenue for the city's hotels and restaurants, would be forbidden if Senator Gross' bill becomes law.

NORML refuses to let this mean spirited proposal go unchallenged. NORML Board member and Missouri NORML President Dan Viets is already hard at work in the State Legislature to rally opposition to this bill. However, in order for State Senators to oppose this bill they will need to hear a clear message of opposition from their constituents.

Please take two minutes of your time to send a letter to your State Senator urging them to oppose this mean spirited and unnecessary piece of legislation.