Will Marijuana be legal?
Things are getting interesting in California. After next week, if Proposition 19 passes marijuana could be legal in the state of California. What does this mean? Will there be sobriety checkpoints checking for stoned drivers, or will people step outside their local drinking establishment for a quick joint?
If Proposition 19 passes, it could mean a strange new world ahead. Marijuana would be legal immediately. Adults could legally carry up to one ounce of marijuana and related paraphernalia without fear of legal recourse. They would also be allowed to cultivate their own garden and consume their marijuana in non-public places. It will still be however, illegal under federal law.
Proponents claim that that the passing of Proposition 19 will bring much needed tax revenue and provide up to 100,000 new jobs. Beyond that, it is still unclear how this scenario will play out. Local governments would decide whether to license business establishments who sought to sell or cultivate the drug commercially.
There are interesting issues that could arise. For instance, California has very tough anti-smoking laws that forbid smoking in bars and restaurants. Any business establishment that wants to allow consumption of marijuana in their establishment would face a regulatory challenge to say the least.
Some enterprising entrepreneurs are already devising business plans revolving around legal marijuana consumption. Some envision something not unlike what is seen Amsterdam. There, patrons can enter a coffee shop and order a latte and their favorite brand of marijuana. These supporters argue that it could be consumed in an herbal vaporizer device, thereby skirting the anti-smoking laws.
San Francisco which is known for its liberal stance on many issues said they would likely allow retail sales at establishments that are now serving as medical marijuana dispensaries, and who already have permits in place.
On the other side, opponents say that the legalization of marijuana will never be allowed to happen. Marijuana is still illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. So if a marijuana grower or retailer fills out regulatory paperwork they are essence, admitting to a federal offense.
Opponents speculate that it will create an influx of driving related fatalities, as well as cause an increase in drug related crimes and addiction problems.
If California legalizes marijuana, will other states follow? It will be interesting to see how it plays out.