COMPROMISE REACHED IN MEDICINAL POT LAW

Nevada Lawmakers Have Come Up With A Last-Minute Compromise To Allow
Sick Nevadans To Smoke Pot.

Nevadans suffering from AIDS, glaucoma, cancer and other terminal
diseases would still be able to grow up to seven plants for personal
use. But the state also will request federal approval for a study
through the University of Nevada, Reno medical school on the effects of
marijuana for medical use.

"It shows that Nevadans recognize the federal government hasn't been
progressive enough in moving on this issue but still implements the will
of the people," said Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas,
sponsor of AB 453.

The fate of the bill was in question after a recent U.S. Supreme Court
ruling didn't provide any protection to medical marijuana users. But
Republican and Assembly leaders say the compromise should deal with
those concerns.

Sen. Ray Rawson, R-Las Vegas, worked with Giunchigliani on the
compromise and said he hasn't lobbied other Senators on the issue but is
cautiously optimistic the Senate will approve the compromise. "Some
people may have a moral objection, but I think it's our duty," Rawson
said.

If approved by the full Senate and the governor, AB 453 would take
effect on Oct. 1.

Nevada voters have twice approved medical marijuana use in Nevada, with
two of three voters supporting the proposal in the 2000 election.

AB 453 would create a state registry for patients prescribed the drug by
a licensed physician and the Department of Motor Vehicles would issue
identification cards. No state money will be used for the program, which
will be funded entirely by donations.

AB 453 not only allows for medical marijuana use but also reduces
penalties for possession of less than an ounce of the illegal weed.
Under current law possession of any amount, even a seed, is a felony
with possible jail time.

The bill would bring the law into line with the current practice by
judges, which is to reduce the penalty for first-time offenders to a
misdemeanor. The compromise also gives judges discretion in sentencing
and provides for a penalty ranging from probation to six years in prison
for fourth time possession offenders.

Giunchigliani had no objection to the change and said, "If you get to
the fourth offense there's probably a habit or close to it at that
point." Nevada would join eight other states that have approved
medicinal use of the drug. Voters in Arizona, Alaska, California,
Oregon, Colorado, Maine and Washington have approved similar plans. The
Hawaii legislature also approved a medical marijuana bill that was later
signed by the governor.