LAND OF HIGH ROLLERS MIGHT BECOME THE STATE OF HIGH TIMES

Nevadans to Vote On Whether to Let Adults Possess Pot

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 older than 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. Prostitution is banned in Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City
- -- and in 49 states -- but is legal in 10 of Nevada's 17 counties. The
state Health Division monitors the 30 licensed brothels. Las Vegas also 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, the state had one of the nation's
strictest marijuana laws. Possession of a single joint was a felony
punishable by more than a year in prison.

In 2000, Nevada voters approved the use of medical marijuana, and
legislators 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 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?"

Nevadans for Responsible Law Enforcement gathered the 75,000 signatures
required to put it on the ballot.

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 $250 fine. San Francisco is
exploring the idea of growing it on public lots and distributing it to ill
people.

Ohio has the most lenient law in the nation: a $100 fine for possession of
less than 100 grams -- nearly 4 ounces.