Initiative 75 is drawing the attention of the White House, which is concerned that its passage could lead to new attitudes toward marijuana throughout the country.

White House drug czar John Walters is planning a visit to Seattle on Sept. 10. In addition, Dr. Andrea Barthwell, a deputy in the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, spoke against the initiative during a recent appearance in the city.

Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske said the initiative is unlikely to change the approach now being used by police, since arresting people on marijuana possession for personal use is already a low priority.

But proponents of the measure said that voters should have a say in advising law-enforcement officials on which crimes they consider important.

"Given the limited resources, let's focus on public safety and let's not focus on pot smokers, at least not as a criminal matter," said Roger Goodman, director of the King County Bar Association's Drug Policy Project and an adviser to the Initiative 75 campaign.

To date, no citizens group has formed to oppose the measure.

In 1998, Seattle passed a medical-marijuana initiative. The city is also home to the popular Hempfest.

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