Prop. 19 Backers: See you in 2012

[marmar]

from the SF Chronicle:



Backers of Proposition 19, which would have legalized recreational marijuana sales and use in California, said Wednesday they would try to return to the ballot in 2012 with another attempt to pass the measure.

Although Prop. 19 lost handily Tuesday, the fact that millions of Californians supported it means marijuana advocates have a solid base of support, proponents said.

"It's clear that the electorate has spoken," said Dale Jones, a spokeswoman for Prop. 19, said at a news conference in Oakland. "We have proven that the skull-cracking criminalization has failed, and we won't tolerate it any more. So we've already moved this conversation forward."

The measure, the nation's most sweeping proposal ever to legalize marijuana sales and use, would have legalized possession of as much as an ounce of marijuana for personal, recreational use by anybody 21 or older, and would have allowed people to grow cannabis in a 5-by-5-foot space. ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/11/03/BACQ1G6BNU.DTL&tsp=1#ixzz14G95uvev

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

1. Don't stop using, don't roll over, it's about freedom and the

pursuit of happiness.

[mike_c]

2. luckily, it's CA where its already easy to obtain and use marijuana...

...with relatively few hassles, anyway. Nothing has changed. Nonetheless, we'll be back in 2012 and by that time, I'll bet that several other states will join us, like Colorado.

[Kennah]

3. My brother lives in California ...

... and he predicted 40% for Prop 19. Actually did a bit better.

Medical marijuana failed at first. Got about 40%. Tried again and it passed.

I think it might take one or two more tries, but then legalization will pass.

Folks tried to get I-1068 (legalize pot) here in Washington state, I signed it, but it didn't get enough signatures so it didn't make the ballot. Next time around, or maybe the next, I predict it will make it to the voters.

[droidamus2]

4. Interesting

From what I understand Prop 19 lost in the Emerald Triangle which is Humboldt, Mendocino and Trinity counties in Northern California the prime pot growing areas. The people most directly connected to the illegal market in California don't want legalization because they are afraid, rightly as far as I am concerned, that corporations will take over production once pot is legalized. I grew up in that area and I understand their concerns but I disagree with them on two main points. One, they miss the idea of taking the same place in pot culture that micro-brewerys have in the beer business. Yes their profits would be less do to licensing fees, taxes and a lower price overall for the product. On the other hand they could grow in the open and not worry about being busted or having their families harassed. Two, I have a real problem with people that say I would rather make a bunch of money even if it means people end up in jail for possessing the product I am selling. Way too self serving for me. The only way I see to truly legalize pot is to get it off the DEAs schedule 1 so that the Feds are out of the picture then and only then will it make sense for the states to legalize.

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

5. I agree with your points completely.

[XOKCowboy]

11. Many in those counties are also very anti-government

and in most cases not very affluent. Not making any judgments just stating the facts. There are many who normally wouldn't have anything to do with marijuana profiting from the illegal pot industry.

I also agree with you about the DEA.

[droidamus2]

13. Agreed

Like I said I was born and raised in Eureka, CA which is basically the center of the Emerald Triangle. You are correct that since the lumber mills and fishing have declined there are not a lot of high paying jobs in those areas. Actually the local paper ran quite a few articles investigating how legalization would effect the local economy. There are towns in Southern Humboldt country that are almost totally dependent on the pot industry.

[Xicano]

6. We should attach alcohol's legal status to it. Ha ha!!

Make it a proposition whereas a yes vote = marijuana is equal to alcohol and whereas a no vote = both are illegal. Hey, I say its high time for the prohibitionists to put up or shut up as far as I am concerned. whatever reasons they argue against marijuana there's plenty of scientific documentation to show alcohol as being worse and a more toxic substance.

Time for them to put up or shut up!



Peace,
Xicano

[David__77]

7. I would prefer a simple decriminalization measure.

I voted for it, and will again. But a short, to-the-point measure may resonate better.

[Xicano]

9. I wouldn't want to that because......

Decriminalization only helps the organized criminal element and in turn that would reflect badly on any chance to legalize it in the future.

Anyway, that's my opinion on it.



Peace,
Xicano

[David__77]

10. Decriminalization of possession but not sale?

Well, perhaps it's just a difficult issue and a "simple" proposition would be problematic.

[krabigirl]

12. It's already decriminalized as of Jan 1st, well, possession of less than 1 oz.

It will help the cartels and the medical cannabis industry that voted against 19.

[Bobbieo]

8. Think you all should think, right now, on the 'immediate threat' -

the Mexican drug cartels. I know most of you do not live on the border and really could not care less what happens down here BUT they are an eminent threat to this country. Prop 19 as well as AZ's 203 for medical marijuana. which should have put a dent in their spines, did not pass.

What you can do is make people aware of ther existence. They are vicious, well armed and their major goal is to make money and spread their influence through drug dealng, kidnapping and bribery.

Last week an attempt was made to kidnap a well-to-do family living in the Mexican border town of San Luis, Rio Colorado, Sonora just south of Arizona. Seven well-armed men broke into the home and one of them was killed.

Who were they? Mexican police officers from the neigh-
boring state of Baja California. Now, that is scary!!!! Luckily the family is safe and moving across the border to Yuma

The cartel, right now, is pretty much in control of the border and am sure they are making plans on how to increase their territory.