cannabisnews.com: Panel OKs Bill to Soften Nevada's Marijuana Laws!





Panel OKs Bill to Soften Nevada's Marijuana Laws!
Posted by FoM on April 09, 1999 at 21:14:39 PT
Source: SF Gate
The Assembly Judiciary Committee voted 11-3 Friday for a California-style marijuana possession law with mild penalties compared with the harsh punishments now imposed in Nevada. 
Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani's AB577, sent to the Assembly floor on the last day possible, would reduce the penalty for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana from a felony to a misdemeanor. First-time offenders could be fined $500 but would face no jail time. Currently the penalty is punishable by up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Under the bill, a second offense could result in a $1,000 fine and referral to a drug court or drug rehabilitation program. To help get the measure out of committee, Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, offered an amendment to let local governments impose matching $500 fines for first-offenders to help cover the drug court or rehabilitation costs. The lawmaker said she's not suggesting drug use is OK. She said Nevada would still have some of the toughest marijuana laws in the nation -- but the focus would be on rehabilitation. Supporters included Judiciary member John Carpenter, R-Elko, a conservative who said he wondered how many people in the committee room ``fell out of their seats'' when he said he'd back AB577. Carpenter said he detests drugs, but he's willing to take a chance on the proposal. Under the current law, ``we not winning the war on drugs, absolutely not,'' he added. ``If we can get some rehabilitation, it would be much better than what we're doing now,'' he added. Under Guinchigliani's bill, money collected from fines would be spent locally to develop drug treatment programs that would be alternatives to jail. Richard Siegel of the American Civil Liberties Union argued during an earlier hearing that the bill would create ``a more efficient judicial system and a more effective jail system.'' The Washoe County public defender's office also backed the bill, saying that the current law is not prosecuted as vigorously as some might think. Most defendants charged with felony possession of an ounce or less of marijuana are allowed to plead down to a misdemeanor and rarely do much jail time anyway, John Morrow of the defender's office testified. Guinchigliani says law enforcement from around the state are tired of busting people for small amounts of the drug only to see district attorneys fail to vigorously prosecute. Judiciary Chairman Bernie Anderson, D-Sparks, praised Guinchigliani's bravery for pushing her bill. ``I always admire someone who has the courage to show up and put this issue forward -- it's been misrepresented for a long period of time,'' Anderson said. Voting against the bill were Judiciary members Don Gustavson, Sharron Angle and Greg Brower, all Reno-area Republicans. 
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help




Comment #3 posted by CHRIS FERRANDINA on February 17, 2000 at 09:00:44 PT:
More Important Issues To Worry About
Wow,you guys finally woke up and realized that it is wrong to prosecute marijuana users at the same level as various violent criminals. Although I am not a user, I do have associates that have been out in Vegas on vacation only to have the whole trip ruined from being treated like a murdurer after cops discovered a joint on them. Come ON!!!!! Let that stuff go! Who is it harming? The law enforcement committees in Nevada should be very much more concerned about the increase robbery rates,prostitution and in Vegas than busting the marijuana user. 
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #2 posted by FoM on April 10, 1999 at 06:17:03 PT
Penalty reduction in Nevada
Good Morning Dr. Ganj!Isn't it good news! I think how when I first started looking for news, stories would run in a order if that makes sense?There isn't any order anymore! You can think that all hope is gone and then this story! They have tried and tried to make us go away but we keep popping up all over the place like dandelions in a freshly manicured lawn! We ain't going away! Peace, FoM!Have a great weekend!
FoM's Freedom Page
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #1 posted by Dr. Ganj on April 10, 1999 at 00:03:53 PT
Penalty reduction in Nevada
Friends, believe it or not, this is really huge! And my goodness, Nevada of all places! This is a turning point. Remember this like prop 215 in California. No, it's not that big, but when we have a normally straight-laced republican like John Carpenter voting for this bill saying;"we are not winning the war on drugs, absolutely not'', this is a mighty statement about truth. The truth being the drug war has been morally bankrupt since its first day. We as a society, are finally beginning to accept this fact.We couldn't stop people from drinking liquor, and we certainly can't stop people from enjoying marijuana either. We are seeing tremendous change, but oh my, the cost has been tremendous. There is a lot to do to make this world a better place, and changing our drug laws is a good start. Finally some reason from lawmakers in Nevada. Good for you.Dr. Ganj  
http://www.famm.org
[ Post Comment ]

Post Comment


Name: Optional Password: 
E-Mail: 
Subject: 
Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message]
Link URL: 
Link Title: