Pubdate: Sat, 14 Sep 2002
Source: Athens Banner-Herald (GA)
Copyright: 2002 Athens Newspapers Inc
Contact:  http://www.onlineathens.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1535

NEVADA PLAN TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA WOULD BE NATION'S FIRST

Associated Press

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- In Nevada, they love gambling and tolerate 
prostitution. Now they are talking about legalizing pot.

A measure on the ballot Nov. 5 would make Nevada the first state to allow 
adults to possess marijuana -- up to 3 ounces, enough for maybe 100 joints.

People over 21 would be allowed to smoke it in their homes but not in cars 
or public places. Pot would be sold in state-licensed smoke shops and taxed 
like cigarettes.

''This initiative will allow the police to spend more time going after 
murderers, rapists and other violent criminals,'' said Billy Rogers, leader 
of the group that is pushing the measure.

Whether it could actually take effect is unclear. Federal law bans 
marijuana possession, and the White House has come out strongly against the 
idea. Also, Nevada voters would have to approve the proposal again in 2004 
before it became law.

Nevada, home of the nation's gambling capital, has long had a fondness for 
what others forbid. Although prostitution is banned in Las Vegas, Reno, 
Carson City -- and in 49 states -- it is legal in 10 of Nevada's 17 
counties. The 30 licensed brothels in the state are monitored by the state 
Health Division. In addition, Las Vegas has a multitude of outcall 
entertainment services that are thought to be fronts for call-girl businesses.

But the vote on marijuana represents a remarkable about-face in Nevada's 
attitudes toward pot.

A year ago, Nevada had one of the nation's strictest marijuana laws. 
Possession of a single joint was a felony punishable by a year or more in 
prison.

In 2000, Nevada voters approved the use of medical marijuana, and the 
Legislature voted in 2001 to make possession of less than an ounce of pot a 
misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Opinion polls on the marijuana measure show Nevadans almost evenly split, 
with opponents gaining ground.

''What message are we sending our youth if this initiative passes? That 
it's OK to take drugs?'' said school counselor Teresa Jempsa. ''If 
marijuana becomes legal, then what drug is next?''

The plan was put on the November ballot after the group led by Rogers, 
Nevadans for Responsible Law Enforcement, gathered the necessary 75,000 
signatures.

Other states are debating looser marijuana laws, but none are considering 
legalization for recreational purposes.

Arizona voters will soon decide on making possession of up to 2 ounces a 
non-criminal violation punishable by a maximum fine of $250. San Francisco 
is exploring the idea of growing pot on public lots and distributing it to 
ill people.

Ohio has the most lenient law in the nation, with possession of less than 
100 grams -- nearly 4 ounces -- bringing a citation and $100 fine.

In Nevada, law enforcement officials oppose the legalization measure. 
Undersheriff Richard Winget in Las Vegas said 3 ounces would produce enough 
marijuana joints to supply a small-time drug dealer.

And Washoe County District Attorney Richard Gammick said the argument that 
Nevada would earn millions in tax dollars is ''a ruse on the voting public.''

Federal Drug Enforcement Administration chief Asa Hutchinson and federal 
drug czar John P. Walters visited the state to underscore the Bush 
administration's opposition.

''I don't think Las Vegas and Nevada want to become the center for drug 
tourism,'' Walters said.
Jeff Oakes, a North Las Vegas resident, said he supports legalization.

''As of right now,'' he said, ''the most dangerous effect of marijuana 
possession and use is jail.''
On the Net:

Nevadans for Responsible Law Enforcement: http://www.nrle.org

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws: http://www.norml.org
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens