Brian Sandoval on Drugs

Rid the state of the scourge of opioid abuse

One of the major achievements of the last legislative session was the passage of the Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act. This legislation increased enrollment in the prescription drug monitoring program from 16% to 81%, and has expanded access to lifesaving overdose-reversal medication.

I convened a statewide prescription drug summit with participation from 500 stakeholders, that included legislators, health care professionals, law enforcement, judges, and victims. Based on their recommendations, I will introduce the Controlled Substance Abuse Prevention Act, which provides more training and reporting and heightened protocols for medical professionals. I look forward to ridding the state of the scourge of opioid abuse.

I opposed legalization, but let's make pot market work well

My budget includes one new source of revenue, a 10% excise tax on all retail sales of recreational marijuana. The proceeds of this tax will be invested exclusively in education. This new tax is in addition to the existing 15% excise tax on wholesale marijuana transactions.

I will also create by executive order the task force on the implementation of Question 2. It will include stakeholders committed to fulfilling the requirements of Question 2, without compromising Nevada's commitment to public safety. Additionally, I will ask regulators to limit the sale of marijuana products and packaging that appeal to children or may be mistaken for candy. Let's work together to make sure Nevada's market for legal marijuana is restricted, responsible, and respected.

Rated B- by NORML, indicating a pro-drug-reform stance.

OnTheIssues.org interprets the 2016 NORML scores as follows:

• C-/D/F: "hard-on-drugs" stance (approx. 243 members)
• C: mixed record on drug reform (approx. 45 members)
• A/B: pro-drug-reform stance (approx. 293 members)

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law's mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty.

NORML is a nonprofit, public-interest lobby that for more than 30 years has provided a voice for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition. We represent the interests of the tens of millions of Americans who smoke marijuana responsibly and believe the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana should no longer be a crime.

NORML supports the removal of all criminal penalties for the private possession & responsible use of marijuana by adults, including the cultivation for personal use, and the casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts. This model is called "decriminalization."

NORML additionally supports the development of a legally controlled market for marijuana, where consumers could purchase it from a safe, legal and regulated source. This model is referred to as "legalization."

NORML believes that marijuana smoking is not for kids and should only be used responsibly by adults. As with alcohol consumption, it must never be an excuse for misconduct or other bad behavior. Driving or operating heavy equipment while impaired from marijuana should be prohibited.

NORML strongly supports the right of patients to use marijuana as a medicine when their physician recommends it to relieve pain and suffering.

Lastly, NORML supports the right of farmers to commercially cultivate hemp for industrial purposes, such as food and fiber production.