The group recently established the Committee to Regulate and Control Marijuana and has filed a ballot-initiative petition with the secretary of state's office.

The goal of the Regulation of Marijuana Amendment is to legalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana, which would make Nevada the first state in the country to legalize marijuana possession. In 2002, the group tried to convince voters to legalize possession of up to three ounces of the drug.

The new initiative also would increase penalties to a minimum of five years in prison for those convicted of vehicular manslaughter for driving while under the influence of any controlled substance. This component was lacking in the 2002 measure.

In addition, the regulation calls for penalties of up to 10 years in prison for first-time offenders and life in prison for second-time offenders convicted of delivering marijuana to a minor.

"We have a much more directed petition than the one two years ago," said Jennifer Knight, spokeswoman for the Committee to Regulate and Control Marijuana. "I did not vote for this two years ago because I was concerned about it, but this alleviates my concerns."

In order for the initiative to qualify for the ballot, the committee must collect the signatures of 51,244 registered voters by June 15. The signatures must represent at least 10 percent of the voters in 13 of Nevada's 17 counties.

Opponents of marijuana legalization said they would prevail again this year. "It's a public-safety issue, whether it's three ounces or one ounce," said Sandy Heverly, executive director of Stop DUI. "We do not need to legalize another drug that impairs."

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Your Turn! Post a public comment (read guidelines):

Name:
Comment: (limit 200 words)
Enter this word (help):	Change

GUIDELINES: 
To keep this feature useful for all, please:

1. Keep it clean, courteous, and on-topic. Comments are meant for thoughtful discussion of the article published above.
   
   
2. Do not post promotional links to organizations, products or services, or personal requests for assistance (get help).
   
   
3. Proof your comments carefully, use good spelling and punctuation, and don't use ALL CAPS. Comments are published immediately and cannot be edited.

Deceptive, slanderous and commercially-motivated posts are prohibited. We reserve the right to remove comments not conforming to these guidelines. (Report a comment).

Have questions or feedback? Contact us.