NV attorney general, law enforcement bash rec measure

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Nevada’s attorney general and other top law enforcement officials have come out forcefully against the ballot initiative to legalize adult-use marijuana in the state.

The group cited various concerns late last week, ranging from the initiative being a money grab by the marijuana industry to public safety and the possibility that edibles would appeal to kids, an NBC affiliate in Carson City reported. Nevada has a medical marijuana program.

“This ballot initiative was written by major marijuana interests, whose biggest concern is making money,” Attorney General Adam Laxalt said.

A spokesman for the Question 2 ballot initiative, Joe Brezny, brushed aside such criticisms, noting there’s already a thriving black market in Nevada. Legalization, by contrast, will increase tax revenue and ensure that cannabis products are safe and regulated, Brezny said.

Nevada’s rec vote could be a close one. The latest public survey, by KTNV and Rasmussen in late July, found 50% of residents backed the measure, with 9% undecided. A poll in March by Ralston Reports found 60% support.

There’s also the chance billionaire casino mogul Sheldon Adelson, who helped fund an anti-medical cannabis campaign in Florida two years ago, could pump millions into the anti-rec push this year in Nevada.