There are several hot issues that are being debated for California's upcoming elections. However, the topic that is probably generating the most attention (particularly amongst California's younger voters) is the law that proposes making marijuana legal in California. On November 2, 2010, Californians will vote on this proposed bill.
If Proposition 19 is passed, people who are 21 years old or older can possess, grow, and sell marijuana for their own intents and purposes. Congress could only demand drug testing for minors and for legal purposes, and persons could only be removed from the workplace for drug testing after an accident has occurred. Proposition 19 would also allow the state to collect a tax on marijuana's sales, similar to that of cigarettes. Legislature could amend the proposed bill according to popular vote.
Typically, when voters first hear of this proposition, the initial reaction is shock.
After all, haven't the dangers of marijuana been constantly hammered into our heads by public education systems ever since we were about twelve years old? However, upon further consideration, other people begin to think that Proposition 19 makes sense. Marijuana is ridiculously easy to grow in your own home and then distribute as you please. The fact that marijuana is illegal has not stopped anybody who really wants to get their hands on it; at least Proposition 19 would allow the state to earn some money off of the sale of marijuana.Of course, legalizing marijuana would not make the drug any safer for consumption. People who oppose Proposition 19 argue that making marijuana legal would make it seem more acceptable, promoting its use and consequently its dangerous side effects. Additionally, opponents to this proposition claim that several flaws in the initiative present potentially treacherous implications; for instance, operators of public transportation methods could drive their vehicles while stoned, without any consequences implemented by their superiors until after an accident has occurred.
Yet supporters of Proposition 19 claim that it will actually make conditions safer for people overall. By upholding a tax on legalized marijuana, law enforcement will be able to have greater control over the distribution of weed to kids. Police will also be able to fight drug cartels, who make an enormous percentage of their revenue from the illegal sale of marijuana.
It is clear that there's no easy answer to the question of legalizing marijuana in California. So, what do you think? Should marijuana be a legal substance in California?