NEVADA VOTERS MAY LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - 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 o 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 o and in 49 states o 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
non-criminal 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 o nearly 4 ounces o bringing a citation and $100 fine.

In Nevada, law enforcement officials oppose the legalization measure.
Undersheriff Richard Winget in Las Vegas said 3 ounces would produce enough
marijuana joints to supply a small-time drug dealer.

And Washoe County District Attorney Richard Gammick said the argument that
Nevada would earn millions in tax dollars is "a ruse on the voting public."

Federal Drug Enforcement Administration chief Asa Hutchinson and federal
drug czar John P. Walters visited the state to underscore the Bush
administration's opposition.

"I don't think Las Vegas and Nevada want to become the center for drug
tourism," Walters said.

Jeff Oakes, a North Las Vegas resident, said he supports legalization.

"As of right now," he said, "the most dangerous effect of marijuana
possession and use is jail."

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On the Net:

Nevadans for Responsible Law Enforcement: http://www.nrle.org

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws: http://www.norml.org