Nevada Up in Smoke; S. Dakota Sees the Light

That's not a joint in my father's hand

Nevada voters have rejected a mid-term election ballot measure to allow selling legalized marijuana at state-sanctioned pot shops.

Question 7, to legalize adult possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana and require the state to set up procedures to tax and regulate its sale failed, 56 percent to 44 percent.

While other states have decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana, the Nevada measure sponsored by the Committee to Regulate and Control Marijuana went further. It directed the state Department of Taxation to set up procedures to license and regulate pot growers, distributors and retailers.

Backers argued law enforcement spends too much time and money arresting small-time dope smokers, and that legalizing marijuana would not only raise tax dollars for the state, but free officers to concentrate on more violent crimes. Critics - including law enforcement, civic groups and the nation's drug czar - countered that marijuana is a gateway drug that could lead to harsher substances and negate anti-drug efforts.

Regardless, they argued that possession, sale and cultivation would still be illegal under federal law and likely not be tolerated by federal authorities. They were right.

More here on the initiative and more here on my own toke . . . er, take.

MEANWHILE IN SOUTH DAKOTA . . .

. . . Voters have rejected a measure that would have banned virtually all abortions.

More here on the turn-down and more here on my own take.