Voters will have to legalize for themselves

The Nevada legislature declined to vote on an initiative that would have legalized possession of one ounce of marijuana, and the panel's refusal triggers an automatic placement on the November 2006 ballot.

"It's time for new approach," said Rob Kampia, head of the Washington D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project. "If you don't like (drug dealers), put them out of business. We don't have people peddling alcohol on street corners."

It's up to the people now. Proponents already have one defeat under their belts from the 2002 elections and face stiff opposition.

"Marijuana will not be legalized on my watch," Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, said in testimony before the Assembly Judiciary Committee. Perkins labeled marijuana "a gateway drug" and said its legalization would "absolutely without question" lead to increased drug use.

It's an uphill climb to be sure but the pro side has well reasoned arguments and a less ambitious proposal this time around. They could still pull it off.