Associated Press

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Backers of a drive to legalize and tax marijuana in Nevada say they're turning in almost 200,000 signatures supporting their measure.

Democratic state Sen. Richard "Tick" Segerblom and Joe Brezny of the Nevada Cannabis Industry Association say they'll turn in petitions Wednesday morning at the Clark County Elections Department in North Las Vegas.

Tuesday was the deadline for collecting almost 102,000 signatures to qualify a ballot measure.

The marijuana initiative would go beyond legalizing medical use of pot.

It would require the 2015 state Legislature to consider legalizing marijuana altogether, or automatically put the question on the November 2016 ballot if state lawmakers fail to act.

Supporters say the Nevada measure would put Nevada with Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and the District of Columbia in lifting prohibitions on marijuana.