Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Recreational marijuana supporters are gearing up for a big TV ad blitz before Nevada voters weigh in on a ballot measure that would legalize pot use for adults.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports (http://bit.ly/2bv1r92) that a PAC called the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol has reserved more than $800,000 in TV airtime at Las Vegas stations, according to Federal Communications Commission records. Ads are set to launch in early October and run through Election Day, although PAC officials said the content hasn't yet been finalized.
Coalition spokesman Joe Brezny sounded an optimistic note about the ballot measure called Question 2, saying voter attitudes have shifted in their favor.
"Marijuana prohibition has been a failure and people see that there is a better way to go about this," Brezny said.
The coalition has raised $285,000 this year as of the last reporting deadline in mid-June. Most of the funding is coming from Nevada marijuana businesses including The Grove Wellness Center, The Source, Silver State Relief and the Nevada Dispensary Association.
Some groups opposed to the ballot measure, including the Coalition Against Legalizing Marijuana, haven't reported raising any funds this year and won't have to reveal any recent fundraising until mid-October.
Reno Republican Assemblyman Pat Hickey, co-chairman of Nevadans for Responsible Drug Policy, said he expects business sectors including the gambling industry to begin airing their own ads against Question 2. The political nonprofit opposes the initiative but isn't required to disclose its donors.
___
Information from: Las Vegas Review-Journal, http://www.lvrj.com
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
