There is a brand new California marijuana law on the books, just signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger. The proposal only makes cannabis slightly less illegal. The penalty for possession has been lowered by the new law. Possession of small amounts of weed will now only result in a fine. Formerly, the penalty was a fine plus a court appearance.
Schwarzenegger working the marijuana reform angle
Recently, Governor Schwarzenegger signed a bill. The bill was called 1449. SB 1449 is about marijuana. Possession of less than one ounce of marijuana has a penalty that went down with it. Currently, it is a misdemeanor that calls for a court appearance, and up to a $100 fine. However, as of Jan. 1, 2011, the brand new penalty could be only a fine, based on the Los Angeles Times. Proposition 19 is one more proposal being looked at where it would be legal to use cannabis for recreational purposes. Governor Schwarzenegger only signed SB 1449 for practical reasons even though is really against Prop 19. Regulation enforcement and also the courts won’t have to deal with the burden as often. California has super relaxed laws on medical marijuana. It has the most relaxed laws in the whole country.
Debate arrives of the inadequate bill
The arguments concerning marijuana use and its relative “evils” are flawed. Marijuana is no more a gateway drug than tobacco or alcohol. If somebody wants to do drugs, they’ll get a hold of them effortlessly. Marijuana may not have even been their first drug. The drug being illegal is odd to start with considering the history of the criminalization of weed. There was really only one reason why Nixon even stared the “Drug War.” This was so that political dissenters would be stopped in their tracks.
Less advantages
We can see in history the effect regulation has. Obviously, individuals will not follow the if they do not want to. . Cannabis being illegal does the exact same thing. It just makes it harder on police. They have more to do to control people. Anyone who lived with the K.G.B or the Stasi looking over their shoulder can attest to the abhorrence of that experience. Nobody enjoys marijuana being illegal. It does not benefit anyone.
Citations
LA Times
latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2010/10/schwarzenegger-signs-bill-reducing-offense-for-marijuana-possession.html
