Lothar121

Regents Debate Pot
Ballot initiative gets heat at meeting
Natasha Shepherd | Rebel Yell | 10/16/2006

Nevada -- "This is a joint," Regent Stavros S. Anthony said.

The Board of Regents was one vote shy Friday of the seven needed to adopt a resolution stating the Board's position opposing ballot Question No. 7, which proposes to amend the Nevada Revised Statutes to allow and regulate the sale, use and possession of one ounce or less of marijuana by persons 21 or older.

"It's going to send a very bad message to the youth of this state that it's OK to get high," Anthony said. He opened the discussion, which was heated at times, with some statistics that explained why he feels the board should take a position on the issue.

Impaired judgment and memory lapse are effects of marijuana that directly interfere with a student's ability to do well in school. Other negatives about the most widely-used illicit drug are, according to Anthony, its link to violence, suicidal thoughts and its reputation as a gateway drug.

"I believe we ought to shout to the world if there is something destructive to the people," Regent Jack Lund Schofield said, who opposes the legalization of marijuana and was a strong supporter of the board adopting the anti-legalization resolution.

Schofield said people don't act the same when they are on substances, and he wants to see alcohol eliminated at UNLV sporting events.

Although none of the regents voiced support for the legalization of marijuana, it boiled down to whether or not it was ethical to take a position on the issue as it's something that people will vote on individually.

"I think we need to leave this up to the legislature," Regent Linda C. Howard said. "I'll be voting against this because I think it's too political."

Regent James Dean Leavitt also felt that the issue wasn't up to the board to decide. "I'm just not sure we can ever be right if we make a political statement," Leavitt said. "I don't think it's the role of this board."

It was also said that a board resolution is like a press conference and that it can't support a candidate or use funds.

"I'm troubled that the board is using state resources on a personal issue," Regent Jason Geddes said. He said that putting the issue on the meeting's agenda and taking the time to discuss it was wrongfully using funds.

Regent Howard Rosenberg didn't vote in favor of the board resolution because he feels it's an issue involving personal responsibility and that people should learn how to make decisions at home.

"I'm watching my students smoking (cigarettes), and it scares the hell out of me," Rosenberg said. "You're in college. You're supposed to be intelligent. Don't you know it will kill you?"

Intelligent or not, voters will be the ones who determine whether or not Ballot Question No. 7 will be passed in November.

TheNewGuy

What the hell does this amendment have to do with kids? They're afraid that a law allowing people 21 and older to use cannabis will somehow effect people under the age of 18? If a youth wants to buy weed, they can already find someone to buy it from.

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"Anyway, no drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we're looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs, we should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed and love of power." ~P.J. O'Rourke