Proposition 19 would have legalized recreational use of marijuana in the state of California. State voters rejected the initiative to allow anyone over the age of 21 to grow and use small amounts of marijuana. The production and sale of marijuana would be subject to certain regulations, limitations and taxes under the initiative. Medical marijuana is already legal in California.
Proponents of Proposition 19 say the fact that millions of Californians voted to legalize marijuana is a small victory in itself. Supporters also believe the attention surrounding the initiative is positive because it is fueling the debate. A debate they believe is long overdue.
Opponents are relieved. Those against Proposition 19 have raised concerns about overall safety in the community. Perhaps the biggest concern is drivers smoking marijuana before getting behind the wheel.
The Proposition 19 issue is an interesting representation of competing social values where each group is striving to get their viewpoint codified into law. Proposition 19 may have lost, but the debate is far from over.
Thanks for this post. I definitely agree with what you are saying. I have been talking about this subject a lot lately with my father so hopefully this will get him to see my point of view. Fingers crossed!