Pubdate: Thu, 17 Oct 2002
Source: Reno News & Review (NV)
Copyright: 2002, Chico Community Publishing, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.newsreview.com/issues/reno/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2524
Author: Chad Shenk
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?162 (Nevadans for Responsible Law
Enforcement)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?163 (Question 9 (NV))
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1864/a02.html

READING Q-9'S FINE PRINT

Re: "Got Pot?" [RN&R, Oct. 3]:

After reading the article on Question 9, I realized that it was time to 
take a stance on this issue. This was a result of two things. One was the 
frustrating style the author used in the article to make his points. After 
reading the article, I recognized that not having a position on this issue 
is the frustrating part about it. If only I had the actual measure to help 
me make a stand. Thankfully the RN&R printed the actual text of the 
proposed measure at the end of the article. Reading this led me to form my 
opinion.

As I understand it, people 21 or over with a medical prescription to 
possess marijuana will be protected from legal penalty (Article 4, Section 
38.1). Penalties still apply to those who legally possess marijuana but 
drive under the influence (4.38.3.a), distribute to minors (4.38.3.b), 
smoke marijuana in public (4.38.3.c), or distribute, sell or possess on the 
property of a school or jail/prison (4.38.3.d). What I do not see is a 
penalty for adults who legally possess marijuana and who distribute to 
other adults for non-medical use. A section in the current state 
constitution adresses this (4.38.2.a) but Q-9 proposes that this be 
stricken (4.38.5.a). If this is the case, legal possessors of marijuana can 
become a new wave of drug dealers. I cannot support this measure as it 
currently stands. If this should change, then I would be willing to give my 
vote to help those who suffer from diseases.

I thank the RN&R for printing the measure and the author for candidly 
presenting what has been a very confusing issue for me as well.

Chad Shenk

Reno
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MAP posted-by: Alex