Opponents of legalizing marijuana in Arizona said Friday they would appeal to the state Supreme Court after a judge dismissed their bid to block a statewide vote.
Earlier Friday, a Maricopa County judge rejected the legal challenge by Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy to an initiative that would legalize marijuana in Arizona.
Superior Court Judge Jo Lynn Gentry’s sweeping 12-page ruling dismissed each of the opponents’ arguments against allowing the initiative, known as Prop 205, to go to a statewide vote in November.
Gentry’s key finding was that Arizona law didn’t allow the legal challenge.
“We thank Judge Gentry for her time, but we respectfully disagree with her ruling, said Seth Leibsohn, chairman of ARDP, in a prepared statement.
“Despite todays ruling we still believe this initiative perpetrates a fraud on the electorate for the reasons outlined in our complaint and oral argument, which is why we will be seeking an appeal on the ruling we received today.”
The appeal is backed by the state’s largest business group, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The clock is ticking on an appeal. Ballots for the November vote are scheduled to be printed in less than two weeks.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Marijuana Foes Will Appeal Legal Defeat To Arizona High Court
Author: Brahm Resnik
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