Do you support marijuana legalization in California? (Fortuna: to live, law)

[chacho_keva]

I voted YES because legalization will take away the romantic allure of getting away with something which is prohibited by law. Plus, 1920's prohibition proved that, the more we tell people they can't do or have something, the more they want it. Keeping marihuana use as an illegal activity creates black markets and increases crime. Legalization (not decriminalization) will create controls, safeguards, and industries which do not currently exist.

[shooting4life]

Originally Posted by 04kL4nD

Right, but my point is that by legalizing it in CA and other states now, eventually the Feds may decide to reschedule it once it gains enough national momentum. If/when that happens, I don't see how people would be allowed to own guns and consume alcohol, but not marijuana. I can totally see federal jobs still banning its use (security clearances, etc), but I think this is a different issue altogether. I am definitely not an expert on guns (don't own one), but I know plenty of people that drink and own guns/shoot (my parents included), so how would it be any different if it wasn't a federal issue anymore?

If it wasn't a federally controlled substance than it wouldn't be an issue. But it still is and will remain so for the immediate future. Maybe in 20 years that will change, maybe not. It won't change federally until politicians find a way to make money from it, that much I know.

[04kL4nD]

20 years? I would put my money on it being within 5-10. The federal government will absolutely want a piece of the pie like they get from alcohol and tobacco.

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by 04kL4nD

20 years? I would put my money on it being within 5-10. The federal government will absolutely want a piece of the pie like they get from alcohol and tobacco.

Five years tops.

[shooting4life]

Originally Posted by 04kL4nD

20 years? I would put my money on it being within 5-10. The federal government will absolutely want a piece of the pie like they get from alcohol and tobacco.

Its not what the government wants, it's how politicians can line their pockets making the change. Right now various unions and attorneys make lots of money/power by arresting people. They donate some of this money and lend some of this power to politicians. Until the politicians can make more money/power by legalizing the status quo will remain.

[04kL4nD]

If you say so. Once Prohibition was repealed, the government didn't waste much time getting it's hand in the cookie jar. In fact, despite all the well documented evidence that alcohol is the most destructive vice to the US population, very little has been done to stop people from abusing it, other than many states ramping up the punishments for DUIS, since it's become a huge cash cow. In fact, given how profitable the wine and craft beer industry are right now, and how the tobacco is on life support by comparison, they'll accept the change pretty quickly, I'd think.

Just a guess, but I'm pretty sure the federal government would love to reallocate all that money wasted on the failed war over marijuana and come up with all sorts of new ways to spend on it on newer threats like like cyber security and terrorism.

I guess we will have to wait and see.

[Big-Bucks]

Yes. I don't smoke pot but pot is no worse than alcohol. Why cherry pick banning pot. Legalize it and generate money for our broke state.

[DriveNotCommute]

The LA Times published this about a half hour ago, looks like Prop 64 has passed:

Californians vote to legalize recreational use of marijuana in the state [latimes.com]

[artillery77]

Haha...marijuana is now legal, but the baggie it comes in has been banned.

[OwlKaMyst]

Originally Posted by artillery77

Haha...marijuana is now legal, but the baggie it comes in has been banned.

lmbo-
I give you a brownie for that one!