STATES ACROSS THE WEST TO CONSIDER MARIJUANA LAWS

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Marijuana is on the ballot across the West this fall,
from proposals to allow its medicinal use in Colorado and Nevada to
measures that would let it flourish in Alaska and the pot-growing "Emerald
Triangle" of Northern California.

Recent polls suggest the proposals are likely to pass in both Nevada and
Colorado. In the past four years, similar medical-marijuana measures have
become law in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Maine and Hawaii.

Nevada's Question 9 would let doctors prescribe marijuana for severe
illness and pain. Nevada voters approved medical marijuana by 59 percent in
1998, but adding it to the state's constitution requires another "yes" vote
Nov. 7.

Nevada has strict anti-marijuana laws, yet a recent Las Vegas
Review-Journal poll found 63 percent of likely voters backed the measure,
with 28 percent opposed. And the state's policy-making drug commission,
which fought the measure two years ago, has been silent this year.

Colorado's Amendment 20 would permit marijuana use for those with serious
or chronic illnesses, under a doctor's care. A recent Denver Rocky Mountain
News poll found 71 percent of registered voters favored the measure, and
23 percent opposed it.

Advocates of medical marijuana use say it helps people suffering from
ailments such as glaucoma, nausea from chemotherapy and appetite loss from
AIDS. Opponents, including the American Medical Association, say marijuana
can contribute to cancer and affect eye disorders and multiple sclerosis.

Out-of-state money is pushing both measures. Their chief backer is
Americans for Medical Rights, bankrolled by three tycoons: New York
financier and philanthropist George Soros, Cleveland insurance mogul Peter
Lewis and University of Phoenix founder John Sperling.

Since 1998, those supporting the Colorado and Nevada measures have reported
raising at least $1.4 million. Opponents said have they raised less than
$40,000.

Not surprisingly, there's no organized opposition in California's Mendocino
County, where passage of Measure G would allow adults to grow 25 pot plants
apiece as long as they are not for sale or transport.

The Northern California area produces an illegal marijuana crop with an
annual street value of around $1 billion. Last year, more than 300 pot
plantations were raided in Mendocino County and $204 million worth of the
plants was seized. Authorities believe that for every plant they find,
there are 10 more out there.

Under the measure, the sheriff and the district attorney would make
marijuana crime their lowest priority and county officials would seek an
end to state and federal anti-marijuana laws. The district attorney and
sheriff have refused to support the measure.

Alaska's ballot measure may face harder going.

Besides making marijuana legal, the initiative would give amnesty for
marijuana crimes and offer restitution for time in prison.

Anchorage Police Chief Duane Udland warned that the measure would create "a
drug culture, with all the young people sitting around stoned all the time."

Until 10 years ago, Alaska allowed people to have small amounts of
marijuana, based on a 1975 Alaska Supreme Court ruling. Voters banned pot
completely in 1990 but later approved its medicinal use.