WORKSHOPS TO EXPLAIN MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAW

CARSON CITY -- The state Department of Agriculture has scheduled public
workshops in Sparks and Las Vegas to explain how the new medical marijuana
law will work.

The law that goes into effect Oct. 1 allows people with chronic or
debilitating illnesses to seek a registry card from the state agency
allowing them to possess 1 ounce of marijuana and three mature and four
immature plants.

People 18 must have the permission of their parents, who would be
responsible for controlling the drug.

Individuals must have a statement from their physician that the medical use
of marijuana would help ease the pain or suffering from such illnesses as
AIDS, cancer and glaucoma.

The department will hold the first hearing Tuesday in Sparks and the second
at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Las Vegas at the Sawyer State Office Building.
Officials will explain the qualifications and the registration procedures
to qualify for the cards.

A person who is denied a card must wait six months before re-applying. And
the individual can file a court challenge.

Voters in two elections approved the proposed constitutional amendment
allowing medical use of marijuana. And the Legislature set up the law,
establishing the guidelines.