NEVADA BALLOT MEASURE TO CONSIDER LEGAL POT

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Nevada already allows gambling and prostitution. Soon,
voters will decide whether the state should legalize pot.

A measure on the ballot Nov. 5 would make Nevada the first state to allow
adults to possess marijuana -- up to 3 ounces, which is enough for about 100
joints.

If passed, the measure would permit people over 21 to smoke marijuana 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
Nevadans for Responsible Law Enforcement, the group that is pushing the
measure.

Whether it could actually take effect is unclear. Federal law bans marijuana
possession, and the White House strongly opposes the legalization of
marijuana. Also, Nevada voters would have to approve the proposal again in
2004 before it became law.

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 Rogers' group gathered the
75,000 signatures required for a ballot vote.