Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The new California marijuana law is too vulnerable

There is presently a full legalization proposal for cannabis in CA that’s pending. Nevertheless a slightly different California weed regulation was just signed by Governor Schwarzenegger. The proposal only makes marijuana slightly less illegal. The possession of small amounts of marijuana has slightly less stiff penalties. The law is for people who don’t have a medical cannabis prescription. Those caught with a small amount of cannabis will only receive a small fine. Possession of small amounts was formerly a misdemeanor criminal offense, which warranted a court appearance. Source of article – California marijuana law does not go far enough by Newystype.com.

The Schwarzenegger marijuana reform

Governor Schwarzenegger signed a recent bill, titled SB 1449. SB 1449 is about marijuana. Possession of less than one ounce of marijuana has a penalty that went down with it. Right now, an individual can be fined up to $100 and is required to show up to court with a misdemeanor offence. However, as of Jan. 1, 2011, the brand new penalty could be only a fine, based on the Los Angeles Times. It would be lawful to use weed for recreational purposes with a brand new bill. This one is called Proposition 19. Governor Schwarzenegger only signed SB 1449 for practical reasons although is really against Prop 19. The idea is to lower burdens on law enforcement and courts. Via the whole U.S., California’s medical marijuana laws are the most relaxed.

Many dispute bill is inadequate

Many argue that marijuana is just an evil that should be avoided. It is actually a pretty flawed argument. Marijuana is no more a gateway drug than tobacco or alcohol. If someone wants to do drugs, they’ll get a hold of them very easily. Weed may not have even been their first drug. The drug being illegal is odd to begin with considering the history of the criminalization of marijuana. Anybody who was considered a political dissenter was stopped with the “Drug War” that Nixon begun.

Fewer benefits

We can see in history the effect law has. Definitely, individuals won’t follow the regulation if they do not want to. Prohibition of alcohol within the early 20th century only enriched organized crime. Prohibition of marijuana does the very same. It opens the door to a police state. Everyone who testifies to that probably lived with the K.G.B. or the Stasi looking over their shoulder continuously. Nobody enjoys marijuana being illegal. It doesn’t benefit anyone.

Articles cited

LA Times

latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2010/10/schwarzenegger-signs-bill-reducing-offense-for-marijuana-possession.html



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