Month of 01/Oct/2006 to 31/Oct/2006

We're pleased to announce the release of another commercial in support of Question 7. You've seen our earlier ads about the thriving criminal market for marijuana, about prohibition's waste of police resources, and about the serious penalties in Question 7 for driving under the influence. Our latest commercial features Cynthia Walling of Yerington, Nevada -- a rural community east of Reno. Cynthia is a breast cancer patient, and under Nevada's medical marijuana law, she's forced to either grow her own marijuana -- or resort to the criminal market to access her medicine. Question 7 will take marijuana out of the criminal market and provide a safe and legal way for medical marijuana patients to obtain their medicine in Nevada. Watch the new Question 7 commercial here.

CRCM wishes all of our supporters a safe and happy Halloween!

Today's Las Vegas Sun includes an article on CRCM's hard-hitting TV ad campaign in support of Question 7, the initiative to tax and regulate marijuana in Nevada.

Key quote:

"Marijuana use is already prevalent in our society," [CRCM Campaign Manager Neal] Levine said. "If Question 7 passes, it would probably be statistically improbable that you would have a huge jump in marijuana use. Anybody who wants to use it can already get it. The problem is that the current laws don't work.

"What marijuana laws are doing now is funneling millions of dollars to violent criminals."

The TV ads promoting Question 7 chastise law enforcement for, from proponents' perspective, wasting police officers' time on marijuana arrests while thousands of violent crimes remain unsolved. The ads also reiterate supporters' contention that current laws benefit violent gangs and drug criminals.

Voters all over the state of Nevada are responding to our cutting-edge ad campaign in support of ending marijuana prohibition in Nevada. Please help make sure we pass Question 7 on November 7. Vote, volunteer, donate.

Today's Reno Gazette-Journal released the results of a poll on Question 7 that -- in their own words -- shows the race "tightening" the week before Election Day.

Key Quote:

Another initiative with tightening numbers is Question 7, the Marijuana Initiative. ... [Yes on Question 7 Campaign Manager Neal] Levine said the RGJ/News 4 poll does show an uptick in support for the initiative, which confirms their internal polling. "Every poll shows we're trending up and we feel pretty good about our chances," he said.

Unfortunately, despite this good news, we don't feel these new poll numbers accurately reflect the real support among Nevadans for taxing and regulating marijuana. How do we know that? As with their last poll on Question 7, the Gazette-Journal didn't use the actual ballot language when asking respondents whether they support or oppose Question 7. Instead, the poll uses made-up language that doesn't accurately convey the provisions of the initiative. CRCM even specifically requested that the Gazette-Journal use the actual Question 7 ballot language over two weeks ago, but they chose not to.

Let's look at the differences between the public polls on Question 7 released last month:

1. First, we were 18 points back in the Reno Gazette-Journal's poll conducted in September. They described Question 7 as simply allowing "those 21 years and older to legally possess, use and transfer one ounce or less of marijuana." As we all know, Question 7 would accomplish far more than this -- it removes marijuana from the criminal market and places into a tightly regulated and controlled market, where we can tax it and place sensible safeguards on its sale. It also doubles the maximum penalties for killing someone while driving under the influence of marijuana, alcohol, or any other drug. Unfortunately, none of this was considered in the Gazette-Journal's recent survey.

The poll released today essentially uses the same language as the last poll they did. The first Gazette-Journal poll showed Question 7 down 18 points, and today's survey has it behind 11 points. Look at the trend -- even this bad poll tells us that we're moving toward victory on Election Day.

2. Now let's look at a second poll that was released at roughly the same time as the first Gazette-Journal poll above. The Las Vegas Review-Journal released a Mason-Dixon survey in late September that showed Question 7 behind by only single digits -- 42% in support, 51% opposed, and 7% undecided. This poll showed a significant improvement in Question 7's numbers over the last Mason-Dixon poll in April, which showed the initiative trailing by a whopping 22 points. Again, a clear trend up for Question 7. However, according to the Gazette-Journal, we were back 18 points at the same time the Review-Journal had us back by 9 points -- and the margin of error in both polls is only 4%. How could this be?

3. Finally, let's look at a third poll conducted during this time. The poll we consider the most accurate -- the Goodwin Simon Victoria Research (GSVR) poll published in the Review-Journal on September 22 -- showed Question 7 up 6 points, 49%-43%. While we did commission this poll, it was conducted independently of the campaign, and the GSVR poll actually polled on the ballot language -- the language people will be reading when they vote on Election Day. It's the only poll to actually use the ballot language.

Therefore, we've proven that if you don't ask the ballot language, you're not going to get an accurate read on Question 7's support. All of these polls were completed by respected polling firms and are scientifically accurate. Yet all of the polls are outside the margins of error, and the only real difference is the polling language. If you use the language folks will actually be reading in the ballot box, we're ahead in the polling as we head toward Election Day. The closer a poll gets to asking the actual ballot language, the more support there is for Question 7. Period.

Of course, the most crucial poll in this race remains the one on Election Day, and Nevadans are ready for a commonsense alternative to the failures of prohibition. Please help us pass Question 7 on November 7. Vote, volunteer, and donate today.

Sister Toni Woodsen, one of the religious leaders who announced support for regulating marijuana last month, wrote a letter to the Nevada Appeal about their misguided editorial against Question 7.

Key quote:

Our marijuana laws don't work. They make dangerous drug dealers rich and ruin the lives of otherwise law abiding citizens.

I am one of the 33 Nevada religious leaders who recently came out in favor of regulating and taxing marijuana. Our current marijuana laws only appear to be moral. A closer look reveals that, like Alcohol Prohibition, they are causing more harm than good.

Sister Toni makes a powerful argument for removing marijuana from the criminal market and placing into a tightly regulated system. It's a sensible alternative to the failures of prohibition.

Please help us pass Question 7. Vote, volunteer, donate.

The Rebel Yell, student newspaper for the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, published an article about students' perspectives on Question 7.

Key quote:

In 2004, 771,605 people were arrested in marijuana-related situations, and many feel that these cases waste law enforcement agents' time that could be spent seeking out more "serious" criminals. .... Many students have admitted that the campaign in support of Question 7 has been run well, and there is a good possibility of passage.

We are working hard at Question 7 headquarters to pass a sensible marijuana policy for Nevada on November 7. Please help us by voting, volunteering, or donating.

Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist Vin Suprynowicz again respectfully disagrees with Question 7 in his latest column ... even though he predicts Question 7 is likely to pass.

Specifically, Mr. Suprynowicz takes issue with the provisions of the initiative that create a system of taxation and regulation and double the maximum penalty for killing or seriously injuring someone while driving under the influence. He argues that Question 7 institutes too many regulations and safeguards and proposes his own version of a new marijuana policy for Nevada.

Key quote:

[A]ny and all laws, ordinances, and regulations which tax or otherwise tend to restrict, infringe, or limit the possession, manufacture, cultivation, purchase, sale, or use of the cannabis plant, once known as Indian hemp and now commonly called marijuana, are declared anathema by the people of Nevada, and are hereby revoked, repealed, and declared null and void, retroactively and forever.

Unfortunately, Mr. Suprynowicz's theoretical free-for-all overlooks one major point: The situation he describes is pretty much what we have now in Nevada. Sure, there are laws against the possession and sale of marijuana in Nevada, but they have no impact on actually restricting either one. And what's the downside to this utopian ideal of not having any effective laws or restrictions? The criminal market. When we allow the sales of marijuana to remain in the criminal market, they finance the activities of violent gangs and drug dealers. That's one of the most urgent reasons for passing Question 7 on Election Day.

As for increasing the maximum penalty for hurting or killing someone while driving under the influence, well, on that one we'll have to agree to disagree with Mr. Suprynowicz. We believe that in egregious cases, a judge should be permitted to throw the book at someone who ruins another person's life through such irresponsible behavior.

In the end, we're happy to have the overall endorsement of the newspaper that Mr. Suprynowicz writes for, and we respect the fact that he thoughtfully disagrees with us -- as opposed to the over-the-top rancor of prohibitionist folks like Sandy Heverly.

Please help us pass Question 7 and adopt a sensible alternative to the failures of marijuana prohibition in Nevada. Vote, volunteer, donate.

Check out Sandy Heverly's hilarious foaming-at-the-mouth rant that was printed in today's Las Vegas Review-Journal. Unfortunately, our opponents have resorted to blatant lies and personal attacks. When you can't intelligently debate the message, attack the messenger, right?

And for the record, Question 7 does not repeal the DUI law, and it will not cause car insurance rates to go up. Straight up lies, folks.

To catch Ms. Heverly's insanity in live motion, check out the latest webisode.

And please get out there and vote Yes on 7. Do we really want people like this acting as our moral compass?

The Nevada Appeal recently ran an editorial about Question 7 -- the marijuana initiative on this November's ballot -- that attacked the idea of taxing and regulating marijuana in Nevada. The Appeal claims that our marijuana laws aren't really doing much societal harm and that regulating marijuana will generate more problems. CRCM Campaign Manager Neal Levine wrote to the Appeal to explain the flaws in their reasoning.

Key quote:

The editorial claimed more people would use marijuana if it were "more readily available." But marijuana is already widely available -- how else would 100 million Americans have tried it?

The Appeal states that there is no war on marijuana, yet Nevada law enforcement spends $42 million every year in its attempt to enforce the failed policy of marijuana prohibition.

Rather than admitting the real failures of prohibition, the Appeal instead argues that we should continue blindly pursuing the war on marijuana. But Nevada is ready for an alternative to our ineffective marijuana laws, and Question 7 is a sensible marijuana policy for our state.

Please help us pass Question 7. Vote, volunteer, donate.

Authentic Entertainment, the filmmakers who are documenting the campaign to end marijuana prohibition in Nevada, are releasing a new webisode. In this installment of your view into the Question 7 campaign, CRCM confronts Sandy Heverly of the Committee to Keep Nevada Respectable, which held a press conference recently to denounce Question 7. Ms. Heverly has a few choice words for Neal Levine, CRCM Campaign Manager. See the fireworks in the latest webisode of the Question 7 campaign.

Las Vegas ABC affiliate KTNV recently ran a profile of Question 7 during a primetime newscast. It includes statements from CRCM Campaign Manager Neal Levine about the failure of our marijuana laws -- as well as from Clark County Sheriff Bill Young and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Detective Todd Raybuck arguing against taxing and regulating marijuana. The piece is a thorough overview of the issue of fixing Nevada's marijuana laws, so be sure to check it out here.

CRCM represented Question 7 at a forum on the University of Nevada, Reno, campus earlier this week. KTVN, the CBS affiliate in Reno, covered the event. Check out CRCM Communications Director Patrick Killen making the argument for a sensible marijuana policy for Nevada. You'll also see prohibitionist Todd Raybuck of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department representing the anti-Question 7 side.

Ok, actually it's Nevada Day today -- a state holiday -- but the campaign to pass Question 7 isn't taking any time off. There are only 11 days between now and Election Day, which means you have 11 days to help us end marijuana prohibition in Nevada. And how can you do that, you ask?

Vote! If you are registered to vote in Nevada and haven't yet voted yes on Question 7, get out to the polls today. Voting is the most important thing you can do to make sure Question 7 passes on November 7. To find the most convenient early voting location near you, click here. Question 7 is polling in a dead heat, so every single person who supports a sensible marijuana policy for Nevada needs to get out and vote! (A big thank you to everyone who has already cast their ballot for Question 7.)

Volunteer to help pass Question 7! We need each and every supporter to do their part to help pass the marijuana initiative. We have calls to make, mailers to stuff, and signs to put up, so please get involved today. If you have an hour or two to give toward ending marijuana prohibition in Nevada, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at Krystal@RegulateMarijuana.org or 702-425-2242, ext. 810.

We can't pass Question 7 without your help. Celebrate Nevada Day by supporting Question 7 today!

Deputy Drug Czar Scott Burns traveled to Dayton, Nevada, to speak out against Question 7, and CRCM was on hand to object to the federal government's interference in Nevada's election matters. The event was covered in Tuesday's Nevada Appeal. CRCM Communications Director Patrick Killen and about a dozen other Question 7 supporters protested outside the event.

Key quote:

"The reason we're here tonight is we believe Washington, D.C., needs to fix its own problems before telling Nevadans how to vote on a local issue," Killen said. "We support Question 7 because we believe that Nevada marijuana laws have failed and it's time for a sensible alternative. Question 7 would tax and regulate marijuana in Nevada, taking it away from violent gangs and drug dealers."

Additionally, many people in the audience disputed the statements of the deputy drug czar. It seems the folks of Dayton weren't won over by the usual over-the-top prohibitionist rhetoric provided by the drug czar and his lackeys.

The citizens of Nevada are ready for a sensible marijuana policy for our state. Please help us pass Question 7. Vote, volunteer, donate.

KOLO News in Reno covered the lawsuit filed by CRCM against public officials who have used public resources to campaign against Question 7, the marijuana initiative. CRCM is seeking an injunction against any other officials who might use taxpayer resources to oppose Question 7. Watch the clip here.

Las Vegas station KVCW carried a story about CRCM filing a lawsuit against public officials who are illegally campaigning against Question 7. CRCM is asking the court to issue a restraining order against any other officials speaking out in opposition to the marijuana initiative and harming the campaign for a sensible marijuana policy in Nevada. See the clip here.

KVVU covered CRCM's press conference announcing that we filed suit against public officials who have used public resources to oppose Question 7 -- the Clark County Board of Commissioners, six members of the Nevada Board of Regents, Washoe County District Attorney Dick Gammick, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Lieutenant Stan Olsen. You can watch that footage
here.

Las Vegas' NBC station covered CRCM's lawsuit against public officials using taxpayer resources to oppose Question 7. The suit named officials who have spoken out against Question 7 while on public time, as well as asked for a restraining order against any officials speaking out against Question 7 between now and Election Day. Check it out here.

Las Vegas news on KTNV has a story about CRCM filing a lawsuit to prevent public officials from using taxpayer resources to speak out against Question 7, the marijuana regulation initiative. The suit asks the court to implement a restraining order against other public officials who might try to oppose Question 7. See that clip here.

Reno's CBS affiliate tuned in to our press conference announcing CRCM's lawsuit against public officials who use public resource to oppose Question 7. Washoe County District Attorney Dick Gammick was named in the suit, along with the Clark County Board of Commissioners, six members of the Nevada Board of Regents, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Lieutenant Stan Olsen. Check it out here.

As we blogged last week, CRCM has filed a suit against public officials who are using public resources to campaign against Question 7. You can see coverage of our press conference announcing the suit from KLAS news here and here.

Monday's Las Vegas Sun includes a letter-to-the-editor from CRCM Campaign Manager Neal Levine, who responds to a recent letter to the Sun that contained inaccurate information about Question 7, the marijuana initiative on this November's ballot. Lee Gliddon wrote in complaining that the initiative would force people in public to be exposed to marijuana smoke.

Key quote:

Mr. Gliddon is apparently not familiar with the specifics of Question 7. Public consumption of marijuana is explicitly prohibited under the initiative, therefore the scenario he paints of unsuspecting passers-by getting a "contact high" from public marijuana use would be illegal if Question 7 passes.

Question 7 would enact sensible safeguards on the use and sale of marijuana -- one of which is the requirement that only adults over the age of 21 would be permitted to use marijuana, and only in the privacy of their own homes. It's a commonsense alternative to our current broken marijuana laws.

Please help us pass Question 7. Vote, volunteer, donate.

The local CBS affiliate presented a piece on the exaggerations and outright lies of Stop DUI in their attack on Question 7, the marijuana initiative. Once again, county prosecutor Bruce Nelson makes the false claim that Question 7 will prevent anyone from being prosecuted for driving under the influence. He's lying, and CRCM Campaign Manager Neal Levine argues instead that Question 7 is a sensible marijuana policy for Nevada. Watch that footage here.

Watch the coverage on the clash between CRCM and Stop DUI from local NBC news on KVMY and KVBC. In these clips, you'll see a local prosecutor appear on behalf of Stop DUI, claiming that no one will be punished for driving under the influence of marijuana if Question 7 passes. Incredible, right? It seems that a simple message about the dangers of driving while intoxicated isn't enough for this group -- they're resorting to blatant lies about the initiative.

In reality, once Question 7 passes, anyone caught driving under the influence of marijuana, alcohol, or any drug will face double the maximum penalty. Our campaign believes that anyone who drives under the influence of any substance should get the book thrown at them, as you'll see here and here.

Stop DUI, a group that works to prevent driving under the influence in Nevada, has come out against Question 7, the marijuana initiative on this November's ballot. They claim that taxing and regulating marijuana will increase the number of people driving under the influence. But as we have always said, anyone who wants to use marijuana can get it, and it just doesn't make sense that someone who isn’t using marijuana because it’s illegal would suddenly start using marijuana once Question 7 passes and then ignore the DUI laws. There are, sadly, people who use marijuana irresponsibly and drive under the influence -- but that happens now, under our current failed system of prohibition.

CRCM completely opposes driving under the influence, and we take it very seriously. In fact, Question 7 doubles the maximum penalty for anyone who kills or hurts someone while driving under the influence of marijuana, alcohol, or any drug.

Stop DUI held a press conference opposing Question 7, and CRCM was on hand to refute their mischaracterization of the initiative. See the CBS LV1 coverage here.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal published an article on the funding for the Question 7 campaign. As you probably know if you've been following our campaign, the Marijuana Policy Project is the national parent organization of CRCM, and they have put a lot of backing into passing Question 7 -- being in favor of a sensible marijuana policy and all. The article features local infamous prohibitionist, Officer Todd Raybuck, who attacks CRCM for trying to deceive Nevada voters with our nefarious agenda ... of passing a sensible marijuana policy. Fortunately, CRCM Campaign Manger Neal Levine straightens things out.

Key quote:

Levine said marijuana backers are not using Nevada.

"Why would we pick on Nevada?" he asked. "We wouldn't think poorly of people who agree with us. At the end of the day, the people of Nevada will decide."

Not only that, consider this: The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy has spent billions of dollars trying to convince Americans that marijuana prohibition is a recipe for success. We're running a statewide campaign to propose a reasonable alternative, and suddenly we're the big-money schemers? CRCM officially declares that we'd be happy to trade budgets with the drug czar any day of the week.

It's up to the voters of Nevada to choose a sensible marijuana policy based on the merits of Question 7. Please help us fix Nevada's broken marijuana laws. Vote, volunteer, donate.

CRCM has released a new commercial to inform voters about Question 7 and the increased penalties for driving while under the influence. Check it out for yourself.

Question 7 takes a ribbing from Jay Leno in one of his monologues last week ... but then, so do our opponents. Check it out.

Update: YouTube has taken down the clip. You can download a Quicktime version here.

The latest webisode of the Question 7 campaign is now up! This new look inside the campaign takes us to Reno for a news conference featuring religious leaders in support of marijuana regulation.

The filmmakers of Authentic Entertainment present another insightful look into the campaign to pass Question 7 this November ...

And now, the moment we've all been waiting for ... you can vote yes on Question 7 starting today! Early voting begins today and lasts through Friday, November 3. To find your early-vote location, use our nifty poll locator here. You can also contact our helpful Volunteer Coordinator Krystal at krystal@regulatemarijuana.org, and she'll let you know just where to go in your neighborhood to cast your vote for Question 7.

Early voting is an easy and convenient way to put your support behind taxing and regulating marijuana in Nevada, and voting is the most important way to make sure we end marijuana prohibition in Nevada. So get out to the polls in the next two weeks and vote yes on Question 7!

CRCM is now providing a Spanish-language web page on our site with information about Question 7. We have the animated web video that explains Question 7 in 90 seconds, an introduction from CRCM Campaign Manager Neal Levine, and our frequently asked questions -- all available for Spanish-speaking Nevadans. Bienvenido!

CRCM has created a page to host the images, commercials, and videos we've received from the supporters of Question 7. Check out the wide range of supporter-generated content here. And if you feel inspired to make something showing your support for a sensible marijuana policy, send 'em our way at web@regulatemarijuana.org.

The Review-Journal ran a story on CRCM's lawsuit against public officials who have used public resources to speak out against Question 7, the marijuana initiative. The suit names seven members of the Clark County Board of Commissioners, six members of the Nevada Board of Regents, Washoe County District Attorney Dick Gammick, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Lieutenant Stan Olsen. CRCM held a news conference Thursday morning to announce that we are seeking a restraining order from the court to prevent any other public officials from campaigning against Question 7.

Key quote:

The public officials' actions caused "immeasurable and immediate harm" to the marijuana committee's campaign because early voting starts Saturday, [CRCM Campaign Manger Neal] Levine said.

"We are forced to take this action," he said."It's a sad commentary when we have to sue the people charged with setting the laws to get them to obey those very laws."

These officials shouldn't be using public resources to try to influence an election that will be decided by the voters of Nevada. It's up to us to decide on a sensible marijuana policy for Nevada.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal today endorsed Question 7, the ballot initiative to tax and regulate marijuana in Nevada. We're pleased to have their support for a sensible marijuana policy for our state.

Key quote:

[A]rguing that in order to protect kids we must limit the rights of adults to make their own personal choices is to advocate the creation of an infantocracy and a return to alcohol Prohibition. In fact, many of this nation's drug policies have long been expensive failures. Let's try something new and allow law enforcement to redirect resources to more pressing priorities. Vote yes on Question 7.

Taxing and regulating marijuana is a sensible alternative to the continued failures of marijuana prohibition. Please help us pass Question 7 on November 7. Volunteer, donate.

CRCM today filed an emergency Petition for Writ of Mandamus with the Eighth Judicial District Court in Las Vegas. We're asking the court to issue an injunction to halt the use of tax dollars by public officials illegally campaigning against Question 7, the marijuana initiative on Nevada's statewide ballot this November. A number of public officials in Nevada -- including seven members of the Clark County Board of Commissioners, six members of the Nevada Board of Regents, Washoe County District Attorney Dick Gammick, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Lieutenant Stan Olsen -- have used public resources to campaign against Question 7, despite the fact that the State Ethics Law prohibits them from using tax dollars to oppose any ballot questions. Additionally, other public officials may still be considering opposition to Question 7, but a restraining order from the court can prevent them from doing so.

We hope that the public officials of Nevada, entrusted with carrying out our state laws, would always abide by them. The issue of a sensible marijuana policy for Nevada should be decided in a fair election by voters -- not by the personal opinions of a few public officials.

The Question 7 campaign has released a new television commercial in support of the marijuana initiative. This hard-hitting ad challenges Nevada's misuse of law enforcement resources to go after non-violent offenders, while more serious crimes are going unsolved every year. Be sure to check it out for yourself.

Ready for another sneak peek inside the campaign to end marijuana prohibition in Nevada? Authentic Entertainment, the filmmakers who are producing a feature-length documentary about the Question 7 campaign, have released a second "webisode," available for your viewing pleasure here. This latest webisode contains an in-depth and behind-the-scenes look at CRCM's confrontation with the Clark County Board of Commissioners in September. Check out the exciting new webisode, titled "Going to Meet the Man," here.

CRCM Campaign Manager Neal Levine was interviewed Monday morning by the Las Vegas Fox affiliate, KVVU, on the merits of Question 7. Check out the interview for yourself here.

KVVU Fox News covered Drug Czar John Walters' visit to Nevada to attack Question 7, the November ballot initiative to tax and regulate marijuana. You'll see plenty of CRCM protesters outside the drug czar's meeting, expressing just how we feel about his intrusion on Nevada's elections. Watch the clip here.

KVMY NBC reported on the federal drug czar visiting Nevada to argue against Question 7, the marijuana initiative. CRCM was on hand to protest Drug Czar John Walters' wasting federal tax dollars and interfering in a Nevada election issue. See the clip here.

The local ABC affiliate in Reno carried a story about the commercial CRCM released to confront the drug czar on wasting federal taxpayer dollars campaigning against Question 7, Nevada's marijuana initiative. See that story here.

The local news on Las Vegas' Spanish-language station, Telemundo, covered CRCM's protest of Drug Czar John Walters when he was in Nevada last week to attack Question 7, the initiative to tax and regulate marijuana in Nevada. See the story here.

KLAS, the CBS Las Vegas affiliate, ran a story on the local news about Drug Czar John Walters' visit to Nevada to campaign against Question 7, the marijuana initiative. CRCM was on hand to protest the drug czar's waste of federal tax dollars and interference in Nevada's election issue. We've got the footage, check it out here.

Update: As an astute viewer noticed, the anchor in this clip says that voters this November will decide if marijuana will be regulated for those "under 21." It's a clear slip-up on his part!

KTNV news on Las Vegas' ABC station carried a story about the drug czar campaigning against Question 7, the marijuana initiative on the November ballot here in Nevada. Walters is shamelessly using federal taxpayer dollars to campaign against Question 7, and CRCM dogged throughout his visit to make sure he knew how little we appreciated his interference in Nevada's election. You can see the coverage here.

The local news on KTVN, the Reno CBS affiliate, provided a profile on Question 7, the marijuana regulation initiative on this November's ballot. It includes statements from both CRCM Campaign Manager Neal Levine and noted prohibitionist Washoe County District Attorney Dick Gammick. See it for yourself here.

Drug Czar John Walters, in town last week to campaign against Question 7, also made a few snide comments about folks who support a sensible marijuana policy.

Key quote:

During his visit to Las Vegas on Thursday, he attracted a small group that supports the regulation of marijuana. As members of the group chanted "czar go home" nearby, Walters said his detractors rarely show up before 10 or 11 a.m.

"They have a little trouble with early morning activities," he joked.

It's nice to see that this federal public official respects citizens who disagree with his policies! Fortunately, CRCM was able to get in a swipe at the drug czar on behalf of Question 7 supporters.

Key quote:

"He takes the term 'czar' a little too literally," [CRCM Campaign Manger Neal] Levine quipped.

Our government shouldn't be trying to dictate how Nevadans should vote when it comes to a sensible marijuana policy for our state. Please help us pass Question 7. Register to vote, volunteer, donate.

CRCM Campaign Manger Neal Levine has been planning on participating in a Question 7 debate on the University of Nevada Las Vegas campus Tuesday evening. The student newspaper reported on the debate today, giving the details of who, when, and where. Sounds innocuous enough, right? But the article also included some quotations from Spencer Yasbin, director of Nevada Student Affairs, who organized the debate.

Key quote:

According to Yasbin, he even contacted Todd Raybuck, a narcotics agent, to come speak in addition to Heverly on the side opposed to the legalization of marijuana. However, Levine felt it would be two against one.

Interesting -- Levine "felt" it would be two against one? Yasbin may not be a math major, but this is a pretty simple calculation. Two people on the opposing side versus one person on the supporting side makes ... yep, two against one.

Key quote:

Even after Yasbin offered to get another person to accompany Levine's views, he still refused, stating he would be the only one able to talk about the regulation of marijuana, according to Yasbin.

Even though Raybuck will not present facts beside Heverly, he will still be attending the lecture.

"I expect Todd to be actively involved," Yasbin said.

So "Todd" will be actively involved?

Ambush, anyone?

It is grossly unprofessional on Yasbin's part to make an agreement with us, then try to change it at the last minute by inviting a new opponent to the debate. But then to attack us in the newspaper on the day before the event for protesting his unprofessional behavior goes beyond the pale. We have never heard of a debate organizer attacking one of the two parties debating the day before the event.

And to top it all off, he practically brags that he's going to have a law enforcement mole in the audience who will be "actively involved" in the debate, which is a complete violation of the debate terms we agreed to.

So much for the objective college forum we thought we were invited to participate in.

Las Vegas political commentator and Las Vegas CityLife editor Steve Sebelius blogged the drug czar's visit to the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce yesterday and critiqued his opposition to Question 7, the marijuana initiative on this November's ballot here in Nevada. In his typical no-nonsense fashion, Sebelius takes on the drug czar's and the chamber's dishonest representation of marijuana.

Key quote:

Only in films like Reefer Madness, media campaigns from the drug czar and in news releases from the chamber do we find that marijuana smokers are dangerous and a threat to the very capitalist system that's at the heart of our democracy.

Sebelius caps it off by urging voters to ignore the advice of state officials like Walters and the chamber -- who clearly aren't being straightforward with the people of Nevada -- and decide for themselves whether or not they want the state telling them what they can and can't do in the privacy of their own homes. Needless to say, we agree.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal covered the federal drug czar's visit to Las Vegas last week. John Walters, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, was in town to announce that his office will provide funding to local groups opposing Question 7. The drug czar is clearly intruding in a local Nevada election issue, and CRCM was on hand to let him know that we don't think he should be spending federal taxpayer dollars to oppose Question 7.

Key quote:

More than a dozen protesters gathered at both locations, holding "Yes on 7" signs and chanting slogans such as "Leave Nevada alone; czar go home."

Neal Levine, campaign manager for the Committee to Regulate and Control Marijuana, was among the protesters. He criticized Walters for using federal taxpayer money to campaign against a Nevada ballot measure.

"You would think he would have better things to do with his time than to come to Nevada to tell Nevadans how to vote on a local issue," Levine said.

Nevada has the right to vote on a sensible marijuana policy without interference from the federal government. Please help make sure we pass Question 7. Register to vote, volunteer, donate.

Saturday's editorial in the Las Vegas Review-Journal is a critique of Drug Czar John Walters, head of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, who was in Nevada last week to attack Question 7. The editorial makes it pretty clear just how much Nevadans appreciated having a federal bureaucrat come in to tell us how to vote on a state issue.

Key quote:

Electioneering on the taxpayer dime is illegal in most states -- and should be for federal officials, too. Nevadans are perfectly capable of weighing the issues surrounding Question 7 and rendering judgment on their own without being browbeaten by the standard-bearer for decades of failed federal drug policy.

Mr. Walters should have stayed home.

Please help us pass Question 7. Register to vote, volunteer, donate.

CRCM has a new commercial in support of Question 7! This time we're taking on the myth that claims our marijuana laws are working ... by invoking another widespread -- yet fuzzy -- myth. Check it out for yourself here.

This week's edition of the Las Vegas CityLife has two pieces about Question 7. The first is a blurb on Authentic Entertainment's documentary film about the Question 7 campaign. (Authentic is also releasing short "webisode" updates as we get closer to Election Day. You can see the first one here.) The second is a column by Randall Shelden, professor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, in support of taxing and regulating marijuana and of Question 7. Be sure to check 'em both out.

Noted conservative commentator Andrew Sullivan blogged the drug czar's intervention in the campaign to pass Question 7 -- the marijuana regulation initiative -- here in Nevada. In no uncertain terms, he objects to the federal government using taxpayer dollars to meddle in Nevada's statewide policy issues.

Key quote:

If you're a Nevadan, you have a chance to tell the federal government where to shove it. Vote yes on Question 7. If you're an American tax-payer, tell the feds not to spend your money interfering with state politics.

It's good advice. Help us send a message to Washington bureaucrats that they shouldn't be intruding in Nevada's elections: Support Question 7. Register to vote, volunteer, donate.

Reno's alternative weekly newspaper, the News & Review, published an article on public officials misusing taxpayer dollars to campaign against ballot initiatives. It highlights the recent confrontation between CRCM and the Clark County Board of Commissioners.

Key quote:

"Unfortunately, we all know that the Clark County Commission is no stranger to violations of state law," said Ballot Question 7 campaign manager Neal Levine.

He was speaking on Sept. 19, just after the corruption-tainted Clark County Commission adopted a resolution opposing Question 7 while it met in a public facility and used public resources -- something the commission is forbidden by state law to do.

The article also covers CRCM's conflict with Washoe County District Attorney Dick Gammick, who recently appeared in news stories campaigning against Question 7 -- from behind the district attorney's podium and in front of the state seal of Nevada. Nevada law prohibits public officials from using taxpayer resources to campaign for or against ballot initiatives. Apparently, Gammick disagrees.

Key quote:

Responding, Gammick said, "Yeah, it's all bullshit."

Well, that's a profound legal analysis. Nonetheless, Gammick is campaigning against Question 7 illegally, and he shouldn't be using public time and resources to express his personal opinion about regulating marijuana. It's up to the voters of Nevada to decide on a sensible marijuana policy for our state.

Please help us pass Question 7. Register to vote, volunteer, donate.

CRCM Campaign Manager faced off against Drug Czar John Walters during yesterday morning's "State of Nevada" on KNPR. Listen to the show here.

This morning on KVBC "News at Sunrise," CRCM Campaign Manager Neal Levine refuted the misleading statements of Drug Czar John Walters, interviewed moments before about his opposition to Question 7 -- the marijuana regulation initiative on this November's ballot here in Nevada. In an outrageous move, Walters announced that he would be using federal taxpayer dollars to fund local groups who oppose Question 7. Neal was quick to point out that this is a blatant example of federal interference in a state election issue.

You can see all the details of Walters' interview and Neal's rebuttal here.

Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist Erin Neff published her recommendations for each of Nevada's ballot initiatives, including Question 7, the initiative to tax and regulate marijuana. She'll be voting yes on Question 7 to support a sensible marijuana policy.

Key quote:

I'd much rather give local cops time for real law enforcement, not enforcing failed U.S. drug policy. That's why I'm voting yes.

It's time for Nevada to stop spending our resources on putting non-violent offenders in jail, and instead allow our law enforcement officials to focus on real crimes. Last year in Nevada, there were more arrests for marijuana possession than there were for the violent crimes of murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault combined. Is that a policy that makes sense for our state?

Please help us pass Question 7 -- it's a solution to the current failures of marijuana prohibition. Register to vote, volunteer, donate.

From Neal Levine: Sorry for not posting for a few hours -- it's been a very busy day at CRCM! Tonight, there will be coverage of Question 7 supporters on all major networks in Las Vegas -- ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and Telemundo -- confronting the drug czar during his visit to Nevada. At 10:00 a.m. this morning, we had about 25 supporters with Yes on 7 signs protesting an appearance by the drug czar before the Police Supervisors and Managers Association. Our ranks swelled to over 50 at noon as we challenged his appearance before the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. When leaving the event, the drug czar's motorcade was forced to pass between two crowds of Question 7 supporters holding signs and chanting, "Czar, go home! Leave Nevada alone!" Needless to say, he didn't stop to say "hi." Now I'm off to PBS to tape a debate on Question 7 with one of our prohibitionist opponents -- Las Vegas Metro Police Detective Todd Raybuck. Stay tuned to our blog for video and audio clips from all of today's Question 7 media appearances. And thanks to everyone for your support today!

From Neal Levine: Despite his best efforts to avoid me today, we've been able to at least get a word in edgewise. Of course, we're running our commercial all day to combat the lies as well. We'll get the KNPR clip online as soon as we can -- thanks to everyone who tried calling in. On to the next event ...

From Neal Levine: Walters was not at the 8 a.m. event. I was just interviewed on K-NEWS Las Vegas, and the czar is about to be a guest on KNPR's "State of Nevada." More lies about to be broadcast ... Please call in and let him know how "happy" you are that he's doling out taxpayer bribes to the opposition. The number is 702-258-3552. More to come shortly ...

Hi all, this is Neal Levine blogging this morning, on the road in pursuit of the drug czar. I just came from KVBC "News 3 at Sunrise," where I was interviewed following Drug Czar John Walters' interview about Question 7, our initiative to tax and regulate marijuana in Nevada. I'll be posting updates on the blog periodically as we try to confront the drug czar everywhere he goes while he's in Las Vegas today.

I showed up at the TV studio this morning and was greeted by dozens of secret service agents. The drug czar is traveling with a huge security detail, clearly spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money just to be here. The interview went very well. Predictably, Walters made some outrageous statements about Question 7. And unbelievably, he announced on NBC this morning that he's here in Nevada to hand out taxpayer dollars to local opposition groups because they can't raise enough money on their own to put up TV ads opposing Question 7. This is an outrageous abuse of taxpayer funds by a federal agency. How do you like knowing that your tax dollars are going toward funding groups who oppose passing Question 7? (If you haven't donated to CRCM before, now would be a good time ...)

I'm on my way now to try to intercept Walters at an 8:00 a.m. event. We don't know for sure that he'll be there -- Walters isn't exactly forthcoming with the public about his schedule -- but if he is, we'll be there too, representing Nevada's right to vote for a sensible marijuana policy without federal interference. Stay tuned for more updates.

... and CRCM rolls out the welcome mat.

The Las Vegas ABC station also produced a segment on the Nevada religious leaders in support of marijuana regulation. You can see that clip here.

For more Las Vegas coverage of the coalition of religious leaders who support ending marijuana prohibition in Nevada -- including an appearance by Washoe County District Attorney Dick Gammick, once again illegally campaigning against Question 7 -- check out the local NBC news story here.

Las Vegas' local Fox news covered the coalition of Nevada religious leaders who came forward last week to support regulating marijuana. You can see the clip for yourself here.

The Daily Buzz -- a nationally syndicated news and weather show -- recently aired a story about the coalition of religious leaders in Nevada announcing its support for marijuana regulation. Check out the quick clip here:

Thursday morning, CRCM Campaign Manager Neal Levine will appear on "News 3 at Sunrise" on KVBC Channel 3, the Las Vegas NBC affiliate. He'll be on immediately following an interview with federal Drug Czar John P. Walters, Director of the While House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), which will take place at 6:40 a.m. The drug czar is in town once again to campaign against Question 7, the initiative to tax and regulate marijuana in Nevada. Notably, Walters turned down the invitation to openly debate Neal on the news program.

You did not misread that last sentence. Drug Czar Walters is using federal tax dollars to fund his campaign against Question 7, won't debate, and refuses to abide by our state's campaign finance laws. Sounds like someone takes the term "czar" a little too seriously ...

As we blogged during Walters' last visit to Nevada, the drug czar is blatantly interfering with a state issue -- and the federal government needs to keep their hands off Nevada's election.

A recent issue of Las Vegas CityLife reviewed the initiatives on this November's statewide ballot -- which of course includes Question 7, the initiative to tax and regulate marijuana in Nevada.

Key quote:

Anti-marijuana laws aren't working, given that pretty much anybody who wants it can get it now. Moreover, anti-marijuana laws are stupid, given that marijuana is less harmful than, say, alcohol. Proponents, in fact, argue that marijuana should be treated just like alcohol: Controlled, regulated and taxed, with prohibitions on sales or use to kids. Locking up people for marijuana use (it does happen) is a waste of time for police, jails and courts.

Hear, hear. It's certainly true that our marijuana laws aren't working, that marijuana is safer than alcohol, and that prohibition is wasting our resources. But CityLife goes on to point out some supposed downsides to the initiative.

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Not only would Nevada's reputation (?!) suffer, but legalizing even small amounts of marijuana sends a message that using the drug is OK. Using marijuana might lead people to try harder drugs, too. Besides, small amounts of marijuana now are treated as a minor offense, bringing a citation and a fine in most cases.

It seems that CityLife isn't too concerned about the damage to Nevada's reputation, but they do play devil's advocate with some tired marijuana myths. Our initiative won't send the message that using marijuana is ok -- it sends the message that our current marijuana laws don't work. Taxing and regulating marijuana will do what prohibition hasn't been able to do: place controls on the easy accessibility of marijuana and make serious inroads into eliminating the criminal market for marijuana. And when nearly 100 million people in this country have used marijuana, how can we say that the current system is sending the message that using marijuana isn't ok?

As for the so-called "gateway theory," it's simply a myth. If everyone who used marijuana in this country went on to use harder drugs, we would have almost 100 million hard drug addicts in the U.S. People who use drugs like heroin or cocaine may have used marijuana first, but only because it's so ready available -- they probably started with caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol.

Small amounts of marijuana are in fact treated as a minor criminal offense in Nevada. But that policy only ignores the obvious: that marijuana users are getting their marijuana from the criminal market, which profits violent gangs and drug dealers. Should we really continue to fund the activities of these criminals?

Key quote:

Nevada law currently prohibits driving with a “prohibited substance” in your blood, including marijuana. Currently, two nanograms are enough to send you to jail, even if you're not impaired in any way.

It's true that Nevada law punishes sober drivers who have marijuana remnants in their blood -- and wrongly so. But that misguided law is already on the books, and our initiative simply can't address every bad law. Nevada needs to change the system by which it measures intoxication, and we urge the legislature to take up the issue immediately. In the meantime, we'll continue working to correct another bad law: the prohibition of marijuana.

Key quote:

Moreover, federal law still makes possession of any amount of marijuana a crime. Even if it's legal under state law, a federal agent can still arrest people who have marijuana at home.

Interestingly, we've heard this before. When Nevada passed a medical marijuana law in 2000, opponents claimed that the federal government would swoop in and shut down the program -- but it hasn't happened. When the federal government can't seem to handle natural disasters, secure our borders, or inspect even five percent of the containers coming into this country, they clearly have more pressing issues to deal with.

It's time to stop wasting our resources on the endless failures of marijuana prohibition. Nevada is ready for a sensible marijuana policy. Please help us pass Question 7. Register to vote, volunteer, donate.

A recent letter-to-the-editor in the Nevada Appeal seems to miss the point of Question 7, the initiative to tax and regulate marijuana in Nevada. Writer D.E. Lovelace points out that smoking anything is bad for you -- so, as Lovelace muses, why do people who support Question 7 say that smoking marijuana is good for you? Lovelace's whole premise is flawed, and the wrong question is being asked. Supporters of passing Question 7 don't think that "breathing the products of combustion" is good for you. In contrast, we support taxing and regulating marijuana because our current marijuana laws have completely failed to prevent marijuana use and have created a thriving criminal market for marijuana that finances the activities of violent gangs and drug dealers.

However, if you line up the health effects of tobacco and marijuana, it's clear that tobacco creates far greater harm than marijuana. Hundreds of thousands of people die every year in the U.S. due to the effects of cigarettes, while no one in all of recorded medical history has died of a marijuana overdose. Additionally, a recent study from the University of California, Los Angeles, discovered that marijuana users -- even very heavy consumers -- have no increased risk of lung cancer.

Regulating marijuana -- a substance that is safer than alcohol -- is a sensible solution to the failures of our current marijuana laws. Please help us pass Question 7. Register to vote, volunteer, donate.

In August, we reported on Nevada conservatives rallying to support Question 7. Today, we're glad to have the progressive support of Craig Bergland, the Green Party's nominee for Governor of Nevada. Mr. Bergland recently contacted us to express his support for Question 7.

Key Quote:

"As the Green Party's nominee for Nevada governor, I'm writing to say you can count on my vote for Question 7. I'm a new grandfather, and I want to help leave the world a better place for my little granddaughter. By taxing and regulating marijuana in Nevada, we'll be able to lessen the influence of violent criminals and drug dealers in society while generating much-needed revenue for drug education and treatment. The success of this initiative will put the failed policy of marijuana prohibition behind us, and I'm urging all supporters of grassroots democracy and social justice to vote 'yes' on Question 7 on November 7."

As we've blogged before, Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist Vin Suprynowicz commented on the two major party nominees for governor -- neither of whom have spoken publicly on our initiative to tax and regulate marijuana.

CRCM is excited to announce that a reality television production company is in the process of filming a documentary about the Question 7 campaign. The filmmakers of Authentic Entertainment will ultimately produce a feature-length documentary about the campaign to tax and regulate marijuana in Nevada.

But what's the best part? Authentic Entertainment is providing "webisodes" to the campaign -- short sneak peeks into CRCM that will air between now and Election Day. The filmmakers at Authentic Entertainment have been granted unparalleled access to every aspect of the campaign, providing a glimpse into the life of our campaign as CRCM works to pass Question 7 on November 7.

CRCM is running a cutting-edge campaign to end marijuana prohibition here in Nevada, and we're thrilled to be a part of this documentary and the accompanying webisodes. We now have a new and dynamic way of reaching supporters all over the country -- not to mention voters here in Nevada. So sit back and enjoy the first webisode of the Question 7 campaign ...

And now, the moment we've all been waiting for ... CRCM is releasing our first television commercial in support of Question 7. It begins airing on stations throughout Nevada today, but we've got an exclusive viewing just for Question 7 followers here. You can also check it out in the Commercials section to get the QuickTime and Windows Media Player versions, as well as a Spanish-language edition.

KRNV-CBS of Reno ran several stories about the coalition of religious leaders that announced support for marijuana regulation. These members of Nevada's clergy did a great job representing their viewpoints on why we should take marijuana out of the criminal market. Once again Washoe County District Attorney Dick Gammick appears to spread the usual myths about marijuana, and to try to convince viewers that marijuana prohibition is successful. DA Gammick is illegally using his public office to spread his personal opinions, but that doesn't dampen his prohibitionist fervor.

You can see the clips here, here, and here.

The news continues ... Reno's CBS affiliate, KTVN, also attended the press conference announcing a coalition of religious leaders who support ending marijuana prohibition. These clips contain some fantastic interviews with the clergy members who spoke out for the regulation of marijuana, so be sure to check them out here, here, and here.

KOLO-ABC Reno covered the press conference of religious leaders who announced its support for regulating marijuana in Nevada. Check out the footage of these responsible and eloquent clergy members are they argue for ending marijuana prohibition. Also look out for Washoe County District Attorney Dick Gammick's angry response to the press conference -- he's continuing to illegally campaign against Question 7, using public resources to campaign on a ballot issue. The clips are available here, here, and here.

CRCM Campaign Manager Neal Levine appeared on "Nevada Newsmakers" this week to discuss Question 7, the marijuana initiative. See the episode for yourself here.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal published a front-page article on the recent announcement of a coalition of Nevada's religious leaders who support marijuana regulation. Representatives of the coalition spoke out on Tuesday, calling for a policy alternative to the current failed policy of prohibition. They spoke on behalf of more than 30 clergy members who have signed a resolution to support removing marijuana from the criminal market and placing into a tightly regulated system.

Key quote:

The Rev. Ivan Gunderman, senior pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, who did not attend the news conference but was among those endorsing the measure, said in an interview that the penalties for using marijuana are far worse than the offense merits.

"Sometimes the crime is worse than the problem," Gunderman said. "Look at Prohibition. It didn't stop people using alcohol. If anything it launched organized crime."

There are many reasons to enact a sensible marijuana policy, and very few to continue pursuing the policy of marijuana prohibition, which hasn't reduced the accessibility of marijuana and has created a thriving criminal market.

Interestingly, however, one person does speak up in defense of marijuana prohibition: Las Vegas Metro police Lt. Stan Olsen, who -- like his colleague Todd Raybuck -- implies that clergy members who support marijuana regulation don't know what they're talking about.

Key quote:

"I would guess they don't have the true facts, or they could not make this decision," said Olsen, a longtime foe of marijuana. "I am sure the motives of these people are good, but if they knew the facts they would take a different position."

Fortunately, Olsen is soundly rebutted in short order.

Key quote:

Neal Levine, campaign manager of the Committee