The Pros and Cons of Marijuanna Legalization this November

On November 2nd, you will hopefully be heading out to the polls to vote on the legalization and taxation of Marijuana in California.

I was looking through the initiative data and found interesting pros and cons.

Full legalization will lead people to consume marijuana without the advice or guidance of a medical professional, and that could be dangerous for a number of people. Kevin Reed, who owns the Bay Area Green Cross medical marijuana delivery service, says, “This ballot measure, which likens cannabis to alcohol or tobacco, instead of ibuprofen or aspirin, hurts patients.

I guess the obvious problem here is that even though Marijuana may help manage pain, it really isn’t just an aspirin. It would be good for everyone to be guided on not abusing it and being careful, but medical guidance doesn’t seem to help people who abuse vicodin or painkillers. Marijuana is a drug – like alcohol. I think it’s a fine comparison.

Marijuana is illegal under federal laws. If marijuana becomes legal in California under state law, it will still be federally illegal.

True, but they have to be out of their mind to pursue this. They didn’t pursue Prop 215 that harshly.

Estimated fiscal impact: Savings of up to several tens of millions of dollars annually to state and local governments on the costs of incarcerating and supervising certain marijuana offenders. Unknown but potentially major tax, fee, and benefit assessment revenues to state and local government related to the production and sale of marijuana products.

I do think the fiscal impact will be a great positive one. There has even been talk to create a “Hemp Valley” similar to Napa Valley. Imagine the tourist effect, on top of the taxation.

The Field Poll released survey results in April 2009 which indicated that 56% of Californians support legalizing marijuana.
A PPIC poll on marijuana legalization in mid-May showed a very close match-up in sentiment between support and opposition. There were demographic differences, however: 62% of Latinos oppose legalization, men favor legalization more than women, and support for legalization declines with age.

Interesting – why do Latinos oppose legalizing marijuana? Maybe someone can enlighten me on this point.

Full text of the act: Click Here

And obviously, I would vote Yes.
November 2nd. Be there!

Ps. Happy Bday Sebastian! This post fits you, lol.