Marijuana and brothels

A marijuana sales ban while allowing people to sell sex in parts of rural Nevada might have outsiders scratching their heads.

In Elko, home to places like Desert

Rose Gentleman’s Club and Legal Brothel, people’s attitudes might be the product of history.

“They are a cultural part of the community and are viewed in a positive light,” Elko City Manager Curtis Calder said.

Though Elko County has outlawed brothels in its unincorporated areas, county Commissioner John Karr said the brothels in the Elko area don’t affect locals as much as legalizing local marijuana sales would.

“I have heard of marriage lost at a brothel,” Karr said. “But not addictions.”

Logsden is running against Councilman Reece Keener, who voted to ban medical marijuana dispensaries locally. The mayor’s race is nonpartisan.

On Thursday, a letter signed by Wells City Manager Jolene Supp said the city will allow one local dispensary.

And Winnemucca-based lawyer Rendal Miller is expected to ask Humboldt County commissioners in October to approve his marijuana business despite a 2017 ordinance prohibiting growth and sales.

“It is my sense that the board will not reverse their position, but you never know,” county Manager Dave Mendiola said. “The core issue is really the federal ban on marijuana.”

Miller did not return requests for comment.

Contact Wade Tyler Millward at 702-383-4602 or wmillward@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @ wademillward on Twitter.