Last updated on May 6, 2004.

In less than three years, Nevada has reversed its approach to marijuana offenses. In 1996 and 1998, voters approved an initiative legalizing the medicinal use of marijuana (amendments to the constitution are required to pass twice in the state in order to become law). In June of 2000, a 40-member judicial commission - headed by the Nevada Supreme Court's Chief Justice - recommended reducing penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use from a felony to a misdemeanor. In November of 2000, voters approved the medical marijuana initiative a second time (under Nevada law, initiatives have to be approved twice before they can take effect). In 2001, the legislature passed legislation implementing the medical marijuana initiative and decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana for personal use. 

In November of 2002, the highly publicized Question 9 was defeated by voters at the ballot box. Question 9 would have legalized three ounces or less of marijuana for personal use. The initiative was heavily campaigned against, and vehemently opposed by, the federal Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). Drug Czar John Walters has refused to declare how many taxpayer dollars were spent on his campaign against Question 9. Efforts are underway to force Walters to disclose his exorbitant spending.

Nevada Attorney General Sandoval criticized Walters for his interference: "It is unfortunate that a representative of the federal government substantially intervened in a matter that was clearly a State of Nevada issue. The excessive federal intervention that was exhibited in this instance is particularly disturbing because it sought to influence the outcome of a Nevada election.

A signature drive is currently underway to place a decriminalization initiative on the November 2004 ballot.

Organizations and Resources in Nevada:

• Nevada Substance Abuse Resource Center