CA Governor is Open to Marijuana Legalization Debate
California is one of several states that have legalized marijuana for medical use. Last week Governor Schwarzenegger stated he thinks now is also a good time to open up the debate on legalization of marijuana. Looking at his words it is obvious he is careful not to say he supports legalization but merely that the discussion should take place.
Legislator Tom Ammiano has introduced a bill to legalize but regulate marijuana. The bill would allow for people over the age of 21 to grow, buy, sell, and possess marijuana. All of these actions are banned by Federal law but the current administration in Washington seems to take a hands-off approach in the medical marijuana debates as well.
This bill likely won’t pass yet but it could open the lines of communication on a largely taboo subject. Even the Police Chiefs Association, which opposes legalization states that the debate needs to begin.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, this regulation of marijuana could bring in $1.3 million per year for the state in new taxes. It also explains that a recent ABC news poll revealed that 46% of American support legalization of small amounts of marijuana.
Currently marijuana use is only legal with a prescription. Otherwise, if you are caught with it you will likely face criminal charges or a fine at the very least.
Being caught with less than one ounce of the green stuff is considered an infraction and carries a fine of $100. More than one ounce of personal-use marijuana carries up to 6 months in jail and $500 in fines. As the amount you are caught with increases, so does the penalty.
If you are facing any drug charges in the California courts, you should be certain to have an experienced attorney at your side. Call us today so we can talk about your case and the best course of action to take.
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