Federal tax dollars earmarked for anti-drug trafficking efforts are being used by the Washington state Lieutenant Governor’s office to sponsor a website highlighting the alleged dangers of marijuana. The timing of the newly established site, launched only weeks before state voters will decide on a ballot measure to allow seriously ill patients to use marijuana under the supervision of a physician, drew sharp criticism from the drug reform community who speculate that the state’s anti-pot campaign may violate federal tax laws.
“The misuse of public funds to propagandize against the 1998 medical marijuana initiatives is repugnant,” charged Allen St. Pierre, executive director of The NORML Foundation. St. Pierre noted that present laws prohibit tax dollars from being used to fund a political campaign. He urged concerned citizens to contact: The United States Department of Justice, Attention – Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder, Constitution Ave., 10th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20530 or call (212) 514-2101.
“Ask Deputy Attorney General Holder not to allow moneys intended for street level law enforcement to be used to fund propaganda against voter initiatives,” St. Pierre said.
The Lieutenant Governor’s office found itself embroiled in a similar controversy in 1997 when it used $170,000 in federal funds to sponsor a high-profile anti-marijuana campaign months before voters decided on a drug reform initiative.
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre of The NORML Foundation @ (202) 483-8751.