On October 1st, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed bill SB 1449 reducing the penalty for possession of less than an ounce of cannabis to a $100 infraction. Now, it is no longer any more of a blemish on your record than a parking violation. You know Arnold is right on this, but he also does not support Prop 19. Most critics state that SB 1449 is a good step. Be careful though, SB 1449 won't go in effect till January 2011. On the other hand, Prop 19 will go into effect the following day, November 3rd, if it passes.
On Tuesday, November 2nd, Prop 19 will appear on the ballot. Prop 19 will allow persons over the age of 21 to purchase cannabis at fine establishments. Just like alcohol, the bill will give state and local government the ability to tax the sale of cannabis for adult consumption.
These two new bills are a stepping stone for something wonderful. Prop 19 is more than the legalization of cannabis. Think about it, abandoned and closed buildings re-opened as coffee shops, head shops, or even a cannabis style restaurant. Then jobs appear, and the state can take their cut too. The taxes alone will help state fund projects like transportation,schools, roads and public safety. The police can now prioritize where they're needed the most. This bill has the ability to generate billions in annual revenue for California.
Let's make Prop 19 a reality. Vote Yes on 19. Change is always good. Also just in from the hotline...Shayne K. will be interviewed by a local publication on his views as a cannabis refugee from the East. The interview is going down on election day.
No comments:
Post a Comment