California Blazing a Trail? Proposition 19 and the Marijuana Debate

If you haven’t heard what’s getting the most buzz this election day, chances are you’ve probably been partaking in the very activity. Proposition 19 hits California today and aims to legalize marijuana and then allow government to regulate the activity and impose fees.

The general summary of the proposition, according to Ballotpedia, is as follows:

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.

Proponents argue that the legalization of marijuana for the personal use of those over 21 years old would help with California’s budget shortfall, whereas opponents maintain that there still remain gaps and flaws in the proposition that may lead to unintended consequences on public safety.

It will be interesting to see how the voters respond to the proposition; if it is passed, it could be a very interesting case study for several other states who remain on the fence regarding the legalization of marijuana. One thing is for certain: we know where Zack Galifianakis stands on the subject.

Around the Web

Voters to weigh in on marijuana legalization, health-care law, state budgets [Washington Post]

California Cities May Find Collecting Taxes On Pot A Bummer [Wall Street Journal]

Marijuana Mogul Bankrolls California's Prop. 19 [ABC News]

Marijuana joins the mainstream [Philadelphia Inquirer]