#prop 19

Yes on Prop 19

California has come to the point where the people now want to legalize hemp, otherwise known as marijuana. The law legalizing medical marijuana just isn’t enough to satisfy the people of California. Prop 19 proposes to legalize marijuana to the general population with the exception of a few restrictions. My position on this dilemma is to vote yes on Prop 19.

If marijuana were to be legalized, it would help out California’s economy significantly. Not only can the State tax the sale of marijuana, but also “the cultivation, processing, distribution, and transportation.” (LAO pp.2) of marijuana. This would help pay for and support local communities. It will help pay for schools, new roads, and perhaps provide new jobs.

            Another benefit of legalizing marijuana is that “the measure could potentially reduce both the cost and offsetting revenues of the state’s Medical Marijuana Program, a patient registry that identifies those individuals eligible under state law to legally purchase and consume marijuana for medical purposes.” (LAO pp.3)  This would happen because adults over 21 could purchase marijuana and wouldn’t require a medical marijuana license.  Therefore people would be less likely to take advantage of the medical need for marijuana.

Last but not least, legalizing marijuana would ultimately reduce “state and local costs for enforcement of marijuana-related offenses and the handling of related criminal cases in the court system.” (LAO pp.3) This would result in less money spent on arresting and taking marijuana abusers to court.  Not only does it cut back on money, but it would also let the police force focus on more important crimes such as murder and theft. This would most definitely help the State of California.

In conclusion, voting yes on Proposition 19 would ultimately benefit California in only positive ways. It will help California’s economy, keep people from misusing medical marijuana licenses, and allow police to focus on important crimes. Passing Proposition 19 could only result in more positive, rather than negative effects. Ultimately the decision to smoke or not is all up to you.