Cannabis decriminalization in the state of California?

it should be a states rights issue. it will be interesting to see how the feds handle it if Cali passes it.

I’d love to see what the conservative judges on the supreme court would rule…because it could hurt/help Roe V. Wade.

The current law in CA is that possession of less than an ounce is already decriminalized. It is an infraction subject to a ticket and a $ 100 fine. It is not an arrestable offense.

It is unlikely that any further decriminalization will occur. The logical ‘next step’ in decriminalization would be to decriminalize distribution – but marijuana distribution in CA is about 90% in the hands of Mexican drug cartels, that are some of the most violent in North America. Anything that channeled more cash into their hands would be a *really bad thing*.

To the poster above – there is NO Federal law prohibiting the possession of pot other than on Federal property, or in the military. The Federal pot laws prohibit sale or distribution only.

Richard

Decriminalizing is not the same as legalizing. Legalizing it would probably amount to licensed dealers and growers, and tax dollars generated. Decriminalizing it means it is still illegal, but the penalties are very light, or they do not prosecute for it (usually just a small amount).

Also, it doesn’t matter what the state does. It is still illegal under federal law. And because of the Interstate Commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution, federal law trumps state law.

*To Croaker* – The Supreme Court has already ruled on it in Gonzales v. Raich. in 2005.

Marijuana is illegal under Federal Law.
State law cannot override Federal Law.
If this ever comes to fruition (highly unlikely unless Federal Laws are change in the process), you would have to live in California to purchase marijuana legally. You would not be able to transport it across state lines.

Sorry that this is not what you wanted to hear.