So it’s finally here, the petition they’ve been kicking around for a while (and I was one of the signatories, I’m proud to say) got approved for the November ballot.
I’m sure some naysayers will come in with “it’ll never pass” but I don’t know. Polls show a “slim majority” in favor, and the pro- campaign will be spending quite a bit of money (I can’t find the other article I read about it but basically they will be spending a lot more than the opposing side - and the opposing side is pretty cocky that they’ll win anyway). Hell, Nevada’s on their fourth try for legalizing it so I’m not going to plan the party just yet. But I am hopeful that it has a real chance of passing.
What say ye, Dopers?
I actually care less about the weed itself (though make no mistake, if it becomes legal I will definitely buy some), than the sheer glee at the uproar and culture shift that’ll come with it if it passes. I mean, you’ve still got that pesky DEA but how will they respond? Do they really have the funding to try and stop California, the state with the biggest economy by far, on a mass scale? And would that be a politically smart move? The fallout will be very interesting.
Well one thing’s for sure - it couldn’t have come at a better time. Our state needs the money way too bad to let this potential sizable new revenue stream slip away.
Not to burst anyone’s bubble, but the measure would also prohibit random drug tests. If you thought the Mormons were bad two years ago, just think how much worse the good folks at Wal*Mart will be. But if that bit gets tossed, I guess it could have an outside chance in 2012 when the liberals get fired up about the Obama/Palin race.
I dunno, that could work in its favor. Aside from Big Corporate, who really loves the idea of random workplace drug testing? Even if you’ve never done a drug in your life, that’s gotta be kind of demeaning and intrusive.
One of my professors is on the International Narcotics Control Board. I’m sure he’ll give us a little rant next Wednesday on this. I can guarantee already that it will not be positive. Heh.
My dad (who actually lives in California), on the other hand, seems delighted.
I don’t care either way. But then I’m not in the greatest mood this morning so for now I’ll be against it. Besides, why should you get legal weed when I can’t get married? (yep, guess I am feeling contrary today)
Why is weed bad? Because it’s illegal, that’s why.
Why is it illegal? Because it’s bad.
This time around, there is an actual money-making industry built upon (medical) marijuana, and they will be spending a good portion of their revenue on promoting the bill.
I think it has a good chance, but it will be narrowly defeated. I think enough of the central valley will vote against it, and enough people overall will get duped by the boogeyman ads run by opponents that we’ll have to try again later.
This is why I support the ballot initiative. I can’t vote in CA, so I’m going to give money to their campaign. Our stupid drug policy is killing people in Mexico, and imprisoning people here.
Please note that this is not decriminalization, but legalization. I hope it does usher in huge change. (not the apocalypse, of course.)
Think of it this way: when pot is legal people will start to mellow out more and get all “free love”-y, at which point they’ll be more prone to passing gay marriage.
Yeah but there are a lot of people who support the cause too, and the campaign is gonna have to hinge on getting those people (especially young people, the way the Obama campaign targeted young people) to actually get off their ass and vote.
