Nevada Clergy Endorse Measure To Liberalize Drug Laws

In Reno, Nevada yesterday, according to the Associated Press, a group of 33 clergy endorsed a measure that will be on November's ballot to legalize possession of small amounts of marijuana by adults. The drug would be sold at government regulated stores. Marijuana would be subject to a $45 per ounce excise tax, with some of the proceeds to be used for alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse programs. The proposal would also increase penalties for sales of the drug to minors and for driving under the influence of it. Supportive clergy argued that the proposal would reduce minors' access to marijuana, reduce gang-related violence and generate funds for drug treatment programs.