Wording unveiled for pot ballot

Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002 | 9:45 a.m.

The wording for the November ballot question that would make possession of small amounts of marijuana legal has been released by the Secretary of State's office.

Secretary of State Dean Heller on Tuesday released the final language that includes the question, explanation and brief arguments for and against passage. It is posted on the secretary of state's website at sos.state.nv.us.

The question as it will appear on the ballot reads:

"Shall the Nevada Constitution be amended to allow the use and possession of up to three ounces or less of marijuana by persons aged 21 years or older, to require the Legislature to provide or maintain penalties for using, distributing, selling or possessing marijuana under certain circumstances and to provide a system of regulation for the cultivation, taxation, sale and distribution of marijuana?"

A "yes" answer means a voter wants to amend the Nevada Constitution to legalize possession of three ounces or less of marijuana by adults.

Washoe County District Attorney Dick Gammick, a vocal opponent of the measure, said early today he had not read the final wording and said the secretary of state's office sought no help from him on the argument against passage.

Attempts to reach the Clark County District Attorney's office and a spokesman for the Nevadans for Responsible Law Enforcement, supporters for the measure that was placed on the ballot by the Washington, D-C.-based Marijuana Policy Project were not successful.

The explanation for the question, as well as both arguments, repeat much of what has been printed in numerous news stories throughout the summer.

The explanation by the secretary of state's office says in part that the proposal also requires "distribution of marijuana at low cost to those medically authorized to use it."

The measure also prohibits advertising of marijuana and requires the purchase of the drug from "licensed establishments."