Nevada Attorney General Opposes Measure to Legalize Cannabis

The Attorney General in Nevada, along with other law enforcement leaders, declared their opposition to adding legal cannabis to their November ballot.

According to Review Journal, Attorney General Adam Laxalt and the others who oppose the measure stated their opposition officially at the end of August. At a news conference in front of their legislative building, Laxalt explained that he felt Question 2, the proposition that would pose legalization on the ballot, could harm children, increase car accident deaths and increase addiction.

If Question 2 passes, it would allow people over 21 to have an ounce for personal use. It would also restrict growing and distribution of cannabis the same way they restrict liquor sales.

While Nevada does have a medical program, their first medical dispensary opened just this summer, and it appears that many of the officials in the state oppose the idea of legalization.

“None of us care if a 60-year-old baby boomer is smoking marijuana at home,” Laxalt told Review Journal. “As attorney general, my biggest concern is for the safety and health of all Nevadans.”

In addition to Laxalt, Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks, Douglas County District Attorney Mark Jackson and sheriff’s and law enforcement officers from across Nevada came and spoke out in opposition to Question 2.

“There is no provision in this ballot initiative to keep edibles out of the hands of children,” Laxalt added, using the word “horrible” to describe legalization in Colorado and stating that cannabis deaths increased by 32 percent since legalization occurred.

“When you legalize a drug into our community, you put more impaired drivers on our roadways,” he added. The group also expressed concerns about the potency of cannabis today.

While it is unfortunate that such outmoded ideas on the plant still exist so close to a place that has fully legalized, it’s not surprising, as Nevada has always outspokenly opposed Colorado legalization and only just recently started allowing medical cannabis. No doubt they will be ready one day, but it looks like Nevada might not be legalizing this November.