Cannabis for California

[Tref]

Well, the only thing the passage of this bill would change for me is that I would now have to pay a tax.

[Capt Jack]

Originally Posted by Alex

Per the language in the initiative, smoking that which is legal for personal possession can only happen in residences, non-private locations, or specifically licensed public locations. So it isn't going to become legal to smoke it in the local park or while standing in line for the ATM.

really, thats not different than most of the alcohol laws in place or now being popularized. no more drinking on beaches, many (most?) parks or in public in general. public intoxication has been against the law for quite awhile, regardless of what youre using.

I'd be very curious to see the actual percentages of pot related offenders in jail and in prisons currently compared to the overall prison population.

Ive been saying it needs to be legalized and regulated for decades, and while Im truly glad to see its going to make it on to the ballot, I fear Prop H8 has proven how truly fearful of change and entrenched in unfounded BS the cali populous can be. getting to vote and passing it are very different animals. even then, I can see it being tied up in courts from now until the end of days.

I have hope, but little faith at this point.

[Morrigoon]

Originally Posted by Alex

Per the language in the initiative, smoking that which is legal for personal possession can only happen in residences, non-private locations, or specifically licensed public locations. So it isn't going to become legal to smoke it in the local park or while standing in line for the ATM.

But it's still gonna happen.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Morrigoon

But it's still gonna happen.

Yep. And it will be a nuisance. But is occasionally getting a whiff of pot smoke really a complaint that has any bearing in a discussion where the other side involves jail time?

"I agree in theory that people shouldn't be put in jail for playing loud rap music, but if it's legal then I might hear it on the street, and so might my kids!"

[Ghoulish Delight]

To me the economic issue is secondary. The liberty issue is primary. I don't care if it ends up being MORE expensive for the state (which it won't). I don't think people should be sitting in jail for something that shouldn't be illegal.

[Alex]

I'll probably vote against it. Not because I don't support the intent but because I don't really support the initiative process. So unless it's pointed out that this is one of those things that must go through the initiative process I'll be on the no side but for a different reason that most who say no.

[BarTopDancer]

Legalize it, place [fairly useless] restrictions on it like cigarettes and alcohol and tax it. Oh and let everyone who has been arrested for possession or use out of jail/prison unless there is another reason to keep them locked up.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by BarTopDancer

Legalize it, place [fairly useless] restrictions on it like cigarettes and alcohol and tax it. Oh and let everyone who has been arrested for possession or use out of jail/prison unless there is another reason to keep them locked up.

That unfortunately is not realistic. Marijuana possession in the amounts covered by this bill has not been a jail offense for quite some time. There are very few people (if any?) in jail right now JUST for possession of < 1oz. of marijuana. Perhaps growing, I'm not sure about the law regarding that. If all you were busted for was possession of a small amount, and you are in jail, odds are you are in jail because you couldn't pay the fine. Which means you've essentially been convicted of bail violation (or whatever you're charged with for not paying the fine). So while their original crime will be wiped out, they will still be required to serve sentence for the crime of not paying.

[Morrigoon]

Originally Posted by BarTopDancer

Legalize it, place [fairly useless] restrictions on it like cigarettes and alcohol and tax it. Oh and let everyone who has been arrested for possession or use out of jail/prison unless there is another reason to keep them locked up.

It was still illegal when they chose to do it. Ergo, they still deserve jail time for breaking the law.

[Betty]

Will this make it commercially available a la the Marlboro Brand of Maryjane?