Marijuana may soon be legal in the state of California. Just a few months ago in May 2010 it was decided that it would be allowed on the November ballot. This decision did not come lightly but there is overwhelming support for legalization of this currently illegal narcotic. Nearly half a million signatures were required in California to just make it on the ballot but supporters showed nearly 700,000 signatures in the time they were given. It is clear that the legalization of Marijuana will have an impact on health and the California economy.
Legalization
If marijuana became legal in California it would not be without limitation. An individual over the age of twenty-one would be able to carry on them one ounce of marijuana. This is a crime currently punishable by a $100 fine and a misdemeanor on their record. Any amount over one ounce would be considered excessive and for the possible use of distribution.
Marijuana could not only be held by an individual but could also be grown within their home. It is important that only enough for personal use be grown. There will be regulations put into place on exactly how much will constitute for personal use and what amount is considered excessive. Sale of marijuana will be legal to those who present a valid photo I.D. stating they are twenty-one or older. Sale of marijuana must have the proper taxes according to state laws. The tax on marijuana will surely help the state currently running one of the largest deficits.
Medicinal Effects
Legalizing marijuana will aid in many treatment regimes. Marijuana would be beneficial in reducing or eliminating the feeling of nausea which is generally caused in chemotherapy treatments of cancer patients. It has also been linked to treating several forms of epilepsy and reduce the severity of multiple sclerosis. Many are aware of the increasing effect marijuana has on the appetite. This would be beneficial for individuals with AIDS who as their conditions worsen develop life-threatening complications with gaining weight.
What marijuana is already legal for in some cases is for treating patients with glaucoma. Marijuana helps the patient because it lowers the pressure within the eyeball. When used in proper doses it can greatly alleviate symptoms associated with glaucoma.
Opposition and Support
This idea that marijuana could be legalized provides many with comfort they will be able to use it in their treatments legally. For some however they believe it is the first sign in giving up against the war on drugs. Marijuana has been compared with alcohol since the first attempts at legalization. In an overwhelming percentage of cases and comparing factors alcohol is actually more harmful and dangerous that smoking marijuana. With results such as those it is difficult to deny the legalization of such a product.
Once it was clear that legalization was a possibility the next obstacle was how to tax it. Making it available only in small doses such as cigarettes in a carton will increase the amount of people that stop by the gas station and pick some up. This would be beneficial because most dealers in marijuana deal with other dangerous narcotics. Those would only use marijuana will now have a safer way to get an amount acceptable for personal use.
California is allowing the possibility of marijuana legalization on the Ballot this November because that is what the people want. Using several prestigious poles, one being the Gallop pole, it is apparent there is a great deal of support behind the possible legalization. It will have a positive effect on those who need it for medical purposes. It will bring in more tax revenue for the state currently eye-ball deep in deficit. It appears to be what the people of California want and in November the voters will decide whether legalization gets pushed through.
Sources:
Reuters.com
Marijuana Benefits
