Proposition to Legalize Marijuana Falling Short in Recent Polls
Proposition 19, the California ballot initiative that would legalize marijuana possession and sales in California, is falling behind in popularity in recent polls. Proposition 19 will be on the ballot in November.
According to the Los Angeles Times, a recent poll found that 48 percent of likely voters oppose the initiative, while 44 percent support it. A poll back in May found that likely voters leaned slightly towards supporting the initiative. The law would allow individuals over the age of 21 to possess, grow and transport marijuana, as well as allow counties and cities to tax and regulate marijuana.
Proponents of the initiative claim that it will raise tax revenue while giving the government the chance to regulate marijuana. Opponents argue that Proposition 19 will lead to additional crime and drug addiction. Even if California passes Proposition 19, federal drug laws will still apply to California.
If Proposition 19 passes, it will represent a huge change in the way California deals with marijuana possession. Over the last three decades, California has increased the resources it has devoted to arresting and imprisoning drug offenders. Beginning in the 1990’s, drug possessors became a primary target of law enforcement. Between 1990 and 2008,misdemeanor marijuana possession in California (possession of less than an ounce of marijuana) arrest rates increased by 127 percent, while arrests for virtually all other drug crimes and other serious crimes decreased.
If you have been charged with or are being investigated for a drug crime in California, you need an experienced, dedicated Los Angeles drug crime defense lawyer to advise you of your rights. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf have significant experience advising individuals who have been charged with California drug crimes. Call us today at (310) 277-1707.
