Marijuana Policy Project Renews Legalization Effort in Nevada February 23, 2004
News Summary
The Marijuana Policy Project, which failed in a 2002 attempt to get marijuana legalized in Nevada, is trying again, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Feb. 18.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."
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