| Graphic: NORML.org |
A new television advertisement criticizing a Nevada district attorney’s anti-marijuana position will air for the first time on Wednesday, according to Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws.The ad, which asks Washoe County District Attorney Richard Gammick why he opposes ending Nevada’s prohibition of marijuana, will air Wednesday, January 27, on KRNV-TV in Reno, Nevada.
“The ad we are unveiling Tuesday addresses a serious subject — public safety,” said Dave Schwartz, campaign manager for Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws.
“It does so by contrasting the fact that 25 to 30 percent of all violent crimes in the U.S. are alcohol related with District Attorney Gammick’s desire to focus law enforcement resources on adults who use marijuana, which is less harmful than alcohol and less likely to lead to acts of violence,” Schwartz said.
“In the end, we ask whether Mr. Gammick wants Washoe County to be safer. This is not a rhetorical question,” Schwartz said. “We want Mr. Gammick to explain how punishing adults for using marijuana and steering them toward alcohol instead makes us safer as a society.”
“As a man with a long history in law enforcement — as well as many interesting life experiences — Mr. Gammick should appreciate the wide range of societal harms produced by alcohol,” Schwartz said. “From domestic abuse to assaults outside of bars to irresponsible and reckless drivers on our streets, alcohol use poses a serious threat to the health and safety of members of our communities.”
“In every way, marijuana is less of a threat to our communities,” Schwartz continued. “Yet for some reason, Mr. Gammick feels that marijuana users are less responsible than alcohol users.”
An episide of the television show “Nevada Newsmakers” featuring Dave Schwartz and District Attorney Gammick is scheduled to air Feburary 43.