GAMBLING, PROSTITUTION: IS STATE NOW GOING TO POT?

Nevada's proposal to legalize marijuana would be first in nation

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.

But the vote on marijuana represents a remarkable about-face in Nevada's
attitudes toward pot.

A year ago, Nevada had one of the nation's strictest marijuana laws.
Possession of a single joint was a felony punishable by a year or more in
prison.

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.

Opinion polls on the marijuana measure 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?"

The plan was put on the November ballot after the group led by Rogers,
Nevadans for Responsible Law Enforcement, gathered the necessary 75,000
signatures.

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
noncriminal violation punishable by a maximum fine of $250. San Francisco is
exploring the idea of growing pot on public lots and distributing it to ill
people. 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.