NEVADA VOTERS MAY LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

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 over 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. Although prostitution is banned in Las Vegas, Reno,
Carson City - and in 49 states - it is legal in 10 of Nevada's 17
counties. The 30 licensed brothels in the state are monitored by the state
Health Division. In addition, Las Vegas has a multitude of outcall
entertainment services that are thought to be fronts for call-girl businesses.

In 2000, Nevada voters approved the use of medical marijuana, and the
Legislature 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.

Other states are debating looser marijuana laws, but none are considering
legalization for recreational purposes.

Ohio has the most lenient law in the nation, with possession of less than
100 grams - nearly 4 ounces - bringing a citation and $100 fine.