Editorial: Taking initiative on medical marijuana

Thursday, Sept. 2, 1999 | 9:35 a.m.

Voters convincingly passed an initiative on November's ballot that would allow marijuana to be used for medical purposes. Law enforcement officials and many physicians were opposed to the ballot question, believing that it would lead to more illegal drug use, but 59 percent of the voters decided otherwise, convinced that the medical benefits -- such as relieving pain for seriously ill patients -- were too important to ignore.

Before the measure takes effect, voters must approve the ballot question again in November 2000, because it seeks to change the Nevada Constitution. But since approval appears likely given its support in 1998, Nevada health regulators already are forming a coalition to present recommendations to the 2001 Legislature, which would have to draw up guidelines on how the drug would be prescribed.

It may seem early, but getting a head start on this issue makes sense since other states that have passed similar initiatives, such as California, have run into federal government roadblocks in allowing the use of medical marijuana. Despite the mixed feelings health officials may have regarding the drug's use, it's better to prepare now to avoid chaos later.