Regulatory nightmare: Proposition 19 has too many flaws [CA Marijuana bill]

Los Angeles Daily News ^ | Sept. 27, 2010 | Staff

[La Enchiladita]

TO truly consider the merits of Proposition 19, you must check your morals at the door. Because the heart of the Nov. 2 ballot measure is not about whether marijuana is no worse than alcohol or whether the law should allow for small amounts of personal pot.

The real question of this initiative is whether California wants to take on the federal government and allow any and every city in the state to make up its own rules about selling, manufacturing and transporting an illegal substance.

And the Daily News thinks the answer to the question is an emphatic "no."

The Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010 is a poorly crafted initiative that would set the scene for a regulatory nightmare in California. Besides, permitting anyone over 21 to possess, grow or transport up to an ounce of marijuana, it would also allow local governments to regulate and tax production, distribution and sale of marijuana in a way that suits their jurisdiction. This patchwork approach to regulation is the most alarming aspect of the measure. With every city and county in the state coming up with different marijuana laws, the resulting confusion could make the lawless and explosive growth of medical marijuana dispensaries in recent years seem like the good old days.

[Mojave]

The reality is that, compared with most propositions in California’s history, Prop 19 is very sensibly written, with the express purpose of giving state and local governments maximum flexibility to make legal marijuana workable.

The Chamber of Commerce is opposing it on the grounds that employers in California could be forced to hire pot users if it passes. What's "sensible" about that?

[Mojave]

MADD is a fascist organization

"MADD opposes Proposition 19 because it prevents bus and trucking companies from requiring their drivers to be drug-free."

What's a little carnage on the streets? Dope Über Alles!

[Nate505]

There needs to be a massive change for your prediction to be correct. Every poll I’ve seen shows it passing.

[Nate505]

“They” block it? Who is “they” and how can one block anything that is written?

[aces]

There is nothing morally correct about putting people in jail or taking their homes because they choose to smoke a plant..stop the siege on good people, government off the backs of people..

[Califreak]

True enough, but when it becomes taxed and regulated, they will probably become even more zealous trying to make sure all tax dollars are accounted for.