Vote 2016
Proposition 64: Voter Voices on Legalizing Marijuana
PalacioMagazine.com has been working with the California State University, Long Beach Political Science class of Professor Som Chounlamountry to gather Voter Voices on Proposition 64. On November 8th, voters will speak. We wanted to hear their opinions ahead of the election. The students were asked to interview fellow students, family members, teachers or random people on the street.
The B Word Projects Team is composed of Vrinda Bhuta and Tausifur Osmani. Their assignment was Proposition 64: Marijuana Legalization.
Proposition 64 Summary
Legalizes marijuana under state law, for use by adults 21 or older. Imposes state taxes on sales and cultivation. Provides for industry licensing and establishes standards for marijuana products. Allows local regulation and taxation.
Proposition 64 Voter Voices
Proposition 64 Arguments
Pro Argument
- With a 15% excise tax, California is looking at one billion dollars of projected annual revenue.
- There will be less drug arrests, which leads to less incarceration and legal costs.
- The proposition accounts for drug education programs as well as grants towards pre-existing social programs.
- The consumption of marijuana would only be allowed in designated and licensed outlets and violators of this rule would be fined $100-$250.
Con Argument
- Proposition 64 does not do enough to keep marijuana out of the hands of minors. In other words, simple drug resistance classes and community service is not enough to prevent teens from using marijuana.
- There would be more fatalities due to driving under the influence of marijuana.
- Proposition 64 would allow for big business takeover of marijuana industry, allowing the economic collapse of communities in the Mendocino, Humboldt, and Trinity Counties.
- Medical marijuana users would be restricted to taking their medicine only in areas where smoking is permitted.
