Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently signed a new CA marijuana proposal into law. The bill only makes weed slightly less illegal. It doesn’t make it lawful, by any stretch, however it does change the nature of the offense of possession of certain amounts. The regulation changes possession of small amounts to only a small fine. Possession of small amounts was formerly a misdemeanor criminal offense, which warranted a court appearance.
Schwarzenegger seeking a marijuana reform
The SB 1449 bill was something Governor Schwarzenegger signed just lately. 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 a court appearance. However, as of Jan. 1, 2011, the new penalty could be only a fine, according to the Los Angeles Times. It would be lawful to use cannabis for recreational purposes with a new proposal. This one is called Proposition 19. Gov. Schwarzenegger opposes Prop 19, but he signed SB 1449 for practical reasons. Law enforcement and the courts will not have to deal with the burden as often. California has some of the most relaxed medical weed laws in the United States.
Several dispute bill is insufficient
Several dispute that weed is just an evil that should be avoided. It is actually a fairly flawed argument. Marijuana is no more a gateway drug than tobacco or alcohol. Anyone that is determined to use drugs will use them anyway, regardless of whether that person first uses marijuana. The drug being illegal is odd to begin with considering the history of the criminalization of marijuana. Anyone who was considered a political dissenter was stopped with the “Drug War” that Nixon started.
benefits
History teaches us that individuals will discover a way to do what they want, even with the law. Prohibition of alcohol within the early 20th century only enriched organized crime. Prohibition of marijuana does the exact same. 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.
Details from
LA Times
latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2010/10/schwarzenegger-signs-bill-reducing-offense-for-marijuana-possession.html
