There is currently a full legalization proposal for marijuana in California that’s pending. Nevertheless a slightly different CA cannabis law was just signed by Governor Schwarzenegger. The bill isn’t really a full legalization. It is only a mild decriminalization. The bill only decreases the penalty under law for possessing up to a certain amount. The law is for people who don’t have a medical marijuana prescription. Those caught with a small amount of cannabis will only receive a small fine. The penalty used to also include court appearances.
The weed reform by Schwarzenegger
Recently, Governor Schwarzenegger signed a bill. The bill was called 1449. The penalty of carrying less than an ounce of marijuana around went down with SB 1449. This is considered a misdemeanor right now and may cost you a $100 fine. It also needs a court appearance. January 1, 2011 is when the change could be occurring. Only a penalty will occur with the brand new bill. Proposition 19 is another bill being looked at where it would be legal to use weed for recreational purposes. Prop 19 isn’t something that Governor Schwarzenegger supports. Of course it was only practical that he sign in SB 1449. It is a huge burden to courts to have too many cases in there. Also, it was a burden to law officials. Through the whole U.S., California’s medical weed laws are the most relaxed.
Debate arrives of the inadequate proposal
The arguments concerning marijuana use and its relative “evils” are flawed. Alcohol and tobacco are gateway drugs just as marijuana is. Whether or not that person uses marijuana first or not, someone wanting drugs will find them. The drug being illegal is odd to begin with considering the history of the criminalization of marijuana. There was really only one reason why Nixon even stared the “Drug War.” This was so that political dissenters would be stopped in their tracks.
Extremely little benefits
The regulation won’t stop individuals from doing what they want, says history. In the early 20th century, alcohol became prohibited. Of course more crime only happened with this. Marijuana being illegal does the very same thing. The police end up having more to do. Anyone who lived with the K.G.B or the Stasi looking over their shoulder can attest to the abhorrence of that experience. Nobody enjoys marijuana being illegal. It does not benefit anyone.
Articles cited
LA Times
latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2010/10/schwarzenegger-signs-bill-reducing-offense-for-marijuana-possession.html
