True, this may be the sole incentive for some voters to support Proposition 19, which will be featured on November's ballot. (See theusdvista.com for news coverage of this law).If enacted, the bill will legalize the use and cultivation of cannabis (more commonly known as marijuana) in California. However, if I were a California resident, I would cast my vote for Proposition 19 based on reasons beyond recreation.
Let's be honest with each other. Marijuana is a part of California culture. Even the text of Prop 19 acknowledges that "cannabis consumption is simply a fact of life for a large percentage of Americans." According to surveys cited by Prop 19, more than 15 million Americans have used cannabis in the past month. Some may be concerned that this high number may increase if marijuana is legalized. However, according to a recent study by the National Research Council, in the 11 states where marijuana is decriminalized, one step below full legalization, usage has not increased. In short, the people that want to use marijuana probably already do.
Now, some may throw up their arms and say, "There is a war against drugs in this country! Since marijuana is a harmful drug, it should be illegal!"
If this were the argument that drove our country's drug policy, then alcohol should still be illegal, as it was during the Prohibition. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 23,199 alcohol-induced deaths in 2007. There has never been a marijuana-induced death (both of these figures leave out drug/alcohol related accidents).
Alcoholism is a major problem in this country, and we shouldn't forget about it just because it has been a legalized drug for the past century. Similarly, there will be people who abuse marijuana under this law, but the majority will not. Under Prop 19, marijuana use will be limited to those over 21 and it will be a punishable crime for them to smoke in front of minors or in public.
Also, it is no secret that California is in major trouble financially. The state's budget deficit is more than $24 billion. Taxing marijuana could generate $1.4 billion in tax revenue, according to the Los Angeles Times, more than many of the other proposed budget cuts, including closing state parks and removing medical insurance coverage for impoverished children. This is money our state needs in order to continue providing such wonderful programs to its residents.
The state would also save a tremendous amount of money by ignoring marijuana-related crimes. According to the Los Angeles Times, there were 61,000 arrests in California due to marijuana last year. This would also allow law enforcements to tackle some of our state's more troubling issues, like illegal immigration and gangs. The government would also be taking the power over marijuana away from the gangs, which would be a massive hit against their influence.
According to the text of Prop 19, illegal marijuana transactions generate $15 billion each year. The government will have the opportunity to stop this trend and create a safe access environment.
Prop 19 would also provide increased legal protection for medical marijuana patients adhering to Prop 215 as it would not undercut or override the patients' rights, as some have said. In fact, Prop 19 directly references Prop 215 in multiple areas of the bill and notes that it would not undercut those provisions.
Legalizing marijuana would also allow it to be studied for scientific research, which could amount to medical breakthroughs in the near future. New jobs and (legal) entrepreneurial opportunities may be on the horizon too, depending on how the new regulation system is implemented.
Marijuana is not a big scary monster living under California's bed. It is a substance that has been proven to be less toxic than alcohol, medically beneficial and has the potential to help save governmental programs that have benefited citizens here for years. Even if you don't think you'll choose to use cannabis once it is legal, consider the positive implications for our state. There are many more than may meet the eye.
Source: The Vista
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