Drug czar plans Nevada visit to fight pot question

By Emily Richmond

Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2002 | 9:24 a.m.

As Nevadans consider whether or not to support legalizing small amounts of marijuana through Question 9, the nation's drug czar is planning a two-day visit to the state as part of an aggressive campaign to defeat the measure.

John Walters, chief of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, is expected to meet with law enforcement officials and visit treatment centers during the two-day visit Oct. 9 and 10, according to a spokeswoman. Walters was also in Nevada this summer, speaking out against the legalization of marijuana.

Walters' agenda distressed some of the ballot measure's supporters.

"It's somewhat disturbing that our federal tax dollars are being used to campaign on a state issue," said Bruce Mirken, spokesman for the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington, one of the principal backers of the Nevada initiative.

"Mr. Walters is paid to serve the public, not tell them what to think."

In addition to targeting the upcoming ballot question, Walters' office has stepped up anti-marijuana campaigns on other fronts, with television and radio spots aimed at both children and parents. The project includes public service announcements and brochures that portray marijuana as a potent and addictive drug that can lead to high-risk behavior.

If approved by voters in November, Question 9 would allow people older than 21 to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana, which could be used at home but not in public places. Like tobacco, marijuana would be taxed and available for sale in licensed stores.

Nevadans for Responsible Law Enforcement, the group backing the ballot initiative, say the measure would allow critically ill patients to more easily obtain marijuana without paying exorbitant prices. It would also impose penalties on anyone who provided marijuana to minors or smoked in public.