Prop 19: legal weed in LaLa Land?
This topic is sure to get the conversation ball rolling no matter the setting. As you probably know, medical marijuana was legalized in California back in 1996 via Prop 215. Days later, thousands of jokes about having glaucoma surfaced.
Since then, 13 other states have also legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes only. In a few months, Californians will be voting on a proposition that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults. If passed, it would be the first state to do so.
Richard Lee, a marijuana legalization activist and medical marijuana provider based in Oakland, CA, is the measure’s originator, and the proposition is known as Prop 19 (aka Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010). The official summary:
“Allows people 21 years old or older to possess, cultivate, or transport marijuana for personal use. Permits local governments to regulate and tax commercial production and sale of marijuana to people 21 years old or older. Prohibits people from possessing marijuana on school grounds, using it in public, smoking it while minors are present, or providing it to anyone under 21 years old. Maintains current prohibitions against driving while impaired.” 1
Some highlights:
- Personal possession limited to one ounce
- 25 sq ft. max space allowed for growing cannabis for personal consumption at a private residence
- If cannabis is sold/given to a minor, the culprit (18+ yrs) could serve anywhere from 3-7 yrs in prison
Expected fiscal impact:
It’s no surprise that new legalities are often the result of needed tax dollars, and this situation is no different, especially considering the dire straits of California’s financial condition. There is an estimated $14 billion in illegal cannabis transactions in California each year. Legalizing these transactions could translate into $1.4 billion in tax revenues and over $200 million in annual savings for public safety (amount spent on arrests, prosecutions, and prison for non-violent cannabis consumers). 2
For a refresher on the arguments in favor/against the legalization of marijuana, go to http://www.balancedpolitics.org/marijuana_legalization.htm.
Is this the right way to handle California’s debt problem? Should that matter? Should marijuana be legalized regardless of the tax implications? Sound off in the comments below, or take these facts with you to your next dinner party and start your own debate!
Read on:
Wikipedia – California Proposition 19
ArcataEye.com – Mariellen Jurkovich: Read Flawed Prop 19 For Yourself And Decide
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