The measure also authorizes the release of state prisoners serving time for using or possessing drugs. Unless the state's Board of Executive Clemency determines the inmates are a danger to society, they too will be referred to residential drug treatment programs. Finally, it allows doctors to prescribe marijuana or other illegal drugs for medical purposes or to ease the pain and suffering of their patients. While it would still be illegal to fill those prescriptions, the measure would provide prescription-toting drug users a legal defense supporters hope would prompt a court to dismiss criminal charges. Most laws take effect 90 days after the legislative session ends.
Exceptions are bills that appropriate money and laws that increase taxes and fees.
Libertarians opposed the initiative, which was placed on the ballot by the Legislature, claiming it would limit citizens' power to overturn laws by referendum. Proposition 201 Approved by nearly two-thirds of state voters, the measure requires Gov. Fife Symington to negotiate gambling agreements with any state Indian tribes that do not already have permission to build casinos. That tribe and four others have been denied the gambling agreements that allow the state's 16 other tribes to build casinos on their land. Symington, who opposes Indian gaming, negotiated compacts with most of the state's tribes before deciding that a 1994 federal court decision gave him the power to refuse further agreements. But Senate Majority Leader Tom Patterson, R-Phoenix, said the measure will have no practical effect.