Follow Up on Proposition 19-Legalization of Marijuana

California voters have spoken, and Proposition 19 did not pass. This ground breaking ballot initiative would have made the sale and recreational use of marijuana legal in California. Anyone over the age of 21 could legally possess one ounce or under, and would have the ability to grow their own.

The results of the election showed that 46.1% voted in favor of the bill, and 53.9% opposed it. State Ballot Measures|Election Results|November 2, 2010|California Secretary of State

Supporters of Proposition 19 remain undaunted. Richard Lee, the Oakland entrepreneur who was the driving force behind the initiative called the effort a “tremendous moral victory” that has “broken a glass ceiling. Prop. 19 has changed the terms of the debate.”

Stephen Gutwillig, the California director for the Drug Policy Project said “It’s still a historic moment in this very long struggle to end decades of failed marijuana prohibition. Unquestionably, because of Proposition 19, marijuana legalization initiatives will be on the ballot in a number of states in 2012, and California is in the mix.”

Supporters had argued that legalization of marijuana would provide cash-strapped California with much needed revenue, positively influence drug crime in Mexico, and reduce marijuana arrests.

However, both political parties, candidates for governor and every major newspaper opposed Prop. 19. Gil Kerlikowske, the former Seattle Police Chief and current White House Drug Czar,  said that “Today Californians realized that legalizing marijuana will not make our citizens healthier, solve California’s budget crisis, or reduce drug violence in Mexico.” He argued that legalization would only bring more traffic accidents, addition and emergency room visits.

While Prop. 19 did not pass; it has accomplished one thing for certain. Right or wrong, it has changed the national conversation about marijuana and brought the issue into the spotlight. What will happen two years from now at the next election is anyone’s guess.