The new CA weed regulation is woefully inadequate

There is a new California weed regulation on the books, just signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger. The regulation makes cannabis slightly less illegal. The bill only decreases the penalty under law for possessing up to a certain amount. 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. Post resource – California marijuana law doesn’t go far enough by Newystype.com.

Marijuana reform is supported by Schwarzenegger

The SB 1449 bill was something Governor Schwarzenegger signed recently. The bill, SB 1449, reduces the penalty for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana. Right now, a person could be fined up to $100 and is needed to show up to court with a misdemeanor offence. The Los Angeles explains the penalty will now only be a fine as of January 1, 2011. Proposition 19 is an additional bill being looked at where it would be lawful to use cannabis for recreational purposes. Gov. Schwarzenegger opposes Prop 19, but he signed SB 1449 for practical reasons. The idea is to cut back burdens on law enforcement and courts. CA has super relaxed laws on medical cannabis. It has one of the most relaxed laws within the whole country.

Many dispute bill is insufficient

There is not much of a debate to say that marijuana is evil. Alcohol and tobacco are gateway drugs just as marijuana is. Whether or not that person uses marijuana first or not, someone seeking drugs will find them. The drug being illegal is odd to start with considering the history of the criminalization of weed. One of the reasons Nixon launched the “Drug War” was to give law enforcement greater powers to crack down on political dissenters.

No advantages

History teaches us that individuals will discover a way to do what they want, regardless of the regulation. Prohibition of alcohol in the early 20th century only enriched organized crime. Prohibition of marijuana does the exact same. The police end up having more to do. Anybody who testifies to that probably lived with the K.G.B. or the Stasi looking over their shoulder consistently. Marijuana being illegal helps nobody.

Articles cited

LA Times

latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2010/10/schwarzenegger-signs-bill-reducing-offense-for-marijuana-possession.html