Nevada AG Laxalt, law enforcement announce opposition to legalizing recreational marijuana
CARSON CITY, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — Attorney General Adam Laxalt is urging Nevadans to "vote no" on Ballot Question 2, which proposes the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Laxalt and other law enforcement officials held a press conference Thursday afternoon in Carson City to detail their concerns over Question 2.
First, Laxalt and other officials, say the measure wasn't written with the people of Nevada in mind.
"This ballot initiative was written by major marijuana interests, who's biggest concern is making money," said Laxalt.
Another big concern was public safety. They said the legalization of recreational marijuana could increase crime and make Nevada roadways less safe.
"When you legalize a drug in our community, you put more impaired drivers onto the road that we all have to share," said Chris Hicks, Washoe County District Attorney.
They also voiced concerns over edibles, arguing they would inevitably end up in the hands of children.
Nevadans will be asked to vote in November on whether or not they want recreational marijuana to be legalized in the state.
On the other side, many Nevadans are looking to drum up support for Question 2.
"The argument that they're making is that if you regulate marijuana, as soon as shops open, that's the first time there will be marijuana in Nevada," said Joe Brezny, spokesperson for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. "There's marijuana everywhere right now. It's just being sold through the black market."
Brezny says the regulation of recreational marijuana could equate to significant tax revenues for the state, among other benefits.
"This was written by Nevadans to end marijuana prohibition in Nevada, and we did it because it makes sense," added Brezny.
