Marijuana initiative revived in Nevada

I find it so galling that Bush pretends to bring democracy to other countries when his administration and its supporters consistently try to pervert the democratic process at home. Thank God for courageous jurists who won't let them get away with it. "U.S. District Judge James Mahan granted an injunction Friday that will force the 2005 Legislature to consider a petition calling for the legalization of marijuana ruling Secretary of State Dean Heller followed an unconstitutional procedure when he rejected the initiative petition in December."

Heller tried to kill the petition by "moving the goalposts" for accepting the signatures. He changed the guidelines a week before they were due. The state will not appeal the order.

That will give lawmakers 40 days to act on the initiative proposals. If they fail to do so, then the initiatives will be put on the ballot for the 2006 general election so voters can decide.

MPP worked hard collecting signatures for this initiative -- which would remove all penalties for marijuana use by adults aged 21 and older, as well as create a system for the legal cultivation, distribution, and sale of marijuana to adults. They need money to lobby the lawmakers now. If you have ten bucks to give this project, click here.

Congratulations to Committee to Regulate and Control Marijuana, the Marijuana Policy Project and the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada for a job well done.