Foes of marijuana legalization file lawsuit to stop ballot measure in Arizona

Opponents of an initiative that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Arizona have filed a lawsuit to keep the issue off the ballot in November.

The lawsuit, by Arizonans for Health and Public Safety, argues that the initiative’s backers did not accurately describe the measure in a 100-word summary included on petitions that voters signed for it to qualify for the general election.

The group contends that the summary should have included or at least expanded on a range of details in the 16-page initiative.

For example, the lawsuit argues that the summary should have made clear that legalizing marijuana under the proposed initiative would also legalize marijuana concentrate.

“The proponent’s summary of the initiative is confusing and deceptive in numerous ways, beginning with the very definition of marijuana,” said former Congressman John Shadegg, one of the attorneys who filed the lawsuit.

The summary’s claim that the initiative would “protect employer and property owner rights” is also misleading and the summary should have explained how governments could not tax marijuana on top of the proposed rate of 16%, the lawsuit argues.

The lawsuit also contends that the 100-word summary should have explained how Arizonans under the age of 21 caught in possession of marijuana no longer would be charged as felons, as they are today. [Read More @ AZCentral]