SUPPORT OFFERED FOR MARIJUANA INITIATIVE

In November 2006, the citizens of Nevada will face a difficult
decision. Nevadans will vote on a ballot initiative that seeks to
replace our failed marijuana laws with a system of strict regulation
and control.

Last year in the United States, federal, state and local law
enforcement agencies arrested more people for simple marijuana
offenses that hit an all-time high of 771,605 nationwide - more then
one arrest per minute. That's equivalent of arresting the populations
of Las Vegas and Reno combined. The Nevada Department of Public Safety
has released its crime and justice report for the year 2005, which
contains a monthly crime data report submitted by law enforcement
agencies across the state. According to the monthly data, 5,532
marijuana arrests were made in Nevada. The crime and justice reports
states; "Nevada Arrested More People for Marijuana Possession Last
Year Than Murder, Manslaughter, Rape, Robbery, and Aggravated Assault
Combined."

The marijuana initiative would benefit Nevada; will make our
communities safer by removing marijuana from the criminal market and
taking money out of the hands of violent gangs and drug dealers. This
initiative would crack down on the marijuana sales to minors, by
doubling the penalties for anyone who gives or sells marijuana to a
minor. Also, marijuana stores could not be located within 500 feet of
a school, and only adults ages 21 or older who show a valid ID could
purchase marijuana or even enter marijuana stores; "Drug dealers don't
card". In addition, the initiative would generate tax revenues for
alcohol and drug treatment, by requiring that adults who want to use
marijuana legally must obtain it from strictly regulated business -
generating $28 million in annual tax revenues for the state instead of
profits for drug dealers.

Our marijuana laws in Nevada are not working. It is time for a real
solution: strict regulation and control. Nevada's failed marijuana
laws cost taxpayers millions of dollars a year.

What are the health effects of marijuana? Unlike with alcohol or
tobacco, no one has ever died from using marijuana. In addition, while
marijuana is not harmless, its risks are lower than those of many
legal drugs.

Can cause stroke; Alcohol - yes, Tobacco - yes, Marijuana -
no.

Overdose can cause death - Alcohol - yes, Tobacco - yes, Marijuana -
no.

REGULATION IS THE ANSWER.

The marijuana initiative would remove criminal penalties for adults
aged 21 and older who responsibly use and possess up to one ounce of
marijuana - the equivalent of one-and-a-half packs of cigarettes - in
the privacy of their own homes. Increase penalties for motorists who
kill someone while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or any
other drug, or smoking marijuana in public, using or possessing
marijuana on school grounds or prisons, and transporting marijuana
across state lines.

Steve Williams

Carson City