MARIJUANA: FAR OUT

Sin Central, home of legalized prostitution and gambling galore - i.e.,
Nevada - may jump into the dirty pool feet first yet again.

In November, its citizens will vote on whether to legalize marijuana. And
regulate and (of course) tax sales of the drug.

That's "legalize." Not "decriminalize." Decriminalization typically cuts
penalties to the level of a minor ticketable offense. Right now, possession
of more than one ounce in Nevada is a felony punishable by up to four years
in prison; possession of less than an ounce is a misdemeanor with a $650
fine.

Under legalization, penalties for possessing up to three ounces would be
eliminated. The state would regulate it by overseeing how it is grown,
distributed and sold. It would collect tax revenue. Marijuana would become
sort of an alternative tobacco, an ersatz alcohol.

In talking about the proposal, people use words like "landmark,"
"revolutionary," "unheard-of." It's all that. Nine states, including Nevada,
have approved the medical use of marijuana. Some have decriminalized the
possession of small amounts. But legalization? Whoa. No.

As a source of state revenue goes, legalizing an illegal drug and taxing it
is a pretty awful idea. Matter of fact, if Nevadans do take the plunge,
we're glad they're over there and we're over here, on the other side of the
country. Maybe the side effects of legal marijuana (crime? driving while
stoned? addiction? death? who knows?) won't extend this far.

It's questionable whether the federal government will or can allow this,
anyway. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Whether the FBI and
federal prosecutors would put the arm on individual Nevadans caught with a
joint or two is hard to say. But waving a red flag in Washington's face may
draw unwanted attention.

Positive sides to this are hard to find. But if there is one, it's this: If
this happens, Nevada will become a testing ground - one that can teach other
states about the results of largely unfettered marijuana use. Assuming, of
course, that those consequences can be seen through the smoke.