Nevada Senate considering bill that could send medical marijuana patients to prison for 15 years

Sen. Joe Heck (R-Las Vegas) has introduced legislation that would subject anyone who grows any amount of marijuana in the vicinity of a child to 15 years in prison. This shortsighted legislation, known as SB6, includes in the same category as methamphetamine manufacturers those who grow small amounts of marijuana for personal use. Even worse, SB6 does not provide an exception for medical marijuana patients. This means that Nevada's sick and dying would be exposed to the same penalties as those who operate methamphetamine labs in front of children!

We need you to contact your legislators today and let them know that SB6 needs an exception for medical marijuana patients. Please click here to send your legislators an e-mail urging them to protect medical marijuana patients.

SB6 seeks to amend NRS 453.3325, which was enacted by lawmakers in 2005 as an answer to the growing methamphetamine problem. Quite simply, SB6 now seeks to bootstrap marijuana onto a very harsh law originally intended to battle the growing methamphetamine epidemic. This draconian legislation would make it a felony — punishable by up to 15 years in state prison and $10,000 in fines — to allow a child to be on the same property where a medical marijuana patient grows or obtains his or her medicine. You can click here to read a recent article in the Reno Gazette-Journal about SB6.

Please send your legislators an e-mail today and let them know that this legislation needs an exception for medical marijuana patients. Remember to personalize your letter as much as possible so that it receives the attention it deserves.

After you have e-mailed your legislators, take a few minutes to call the members of the Committee on Human Resources and Education and let them know that NRS 453.3325 is effective as is, and that expanding current law with SB6 is unnecessary. If you are directed to voicemail, simply leave a short message such as: "Hello, this is ________ of _________, NV. I just wanted to urge you to oppose Senate Bill 6. This bill would send medical marijuana patients to jail for up to 15 years for activities involving marijuana in the presence of a child. At the very least, I ask that you insist on an exception to Senate Bill 6 for medical marijuana patients. Thank you for your time."

Maurice Washington — chair (R-Washoe, No. 2) — (775) 684-1480