Proposition 19 means big quarrels about cannabis

California’s Prop 19 has a little bit of every little thing that has made the 2010 election season interesting. There is a big debate over the prop and its effects. Specifically, the “Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis Act. Here is an overview of the arguments about California’s Prop 19.

Facts about Proposition 19

Weed for recreational purposes would be legal in CA with Prop 19. Those 21 or older would be able to “possess, cultivate or transport cannabis for personal use," if the initiative passed. Any local government would be given the right to regulate and tax any part of the marijuana industry. It would also be illegal to smoke in public while everyone younger than 21 was present, and driving while under the influence would be illegal.

Taxes with prop 19

CA would have a great tax revenue with Proposition 19 passing. About $1 billion in enforcing marijuana laws right now would be gone while $1.3 billion in tax revenue would be there with Proposition 19. In a state that has cut paydays to minimum wage to pay bills, that amount of cash could help the state keep paying its employees.

Prop 19 relies heavily on states' rights

Many conservative groups are supporting California’s Prop 19, not specifically for the legalization of weed, but for states’ rights. Conservative groups say that the United States federal govt has no place regulating intoxicants. There are Tea Party groups saying that state and individual rights are the concern. That is what Proposition 19 is about.

Stating no to Proposition 19 is a strange group

There are weird groups that are actually in opposition to California's Proposition 19. Some producers and sellers of medical weed have spoken out in opposition to passing Proposition 19 in California. They believe the medical industry will change too much with cannabis being legal for recreation. Not only could the price of cannabis drop, but their business could face high taxes for a medical product.

You can read more about California’s Prop 19 in this two-part series on the initiative. In the end, Proposition 19 brings up lots of tough issues for California residents. How do you plan to vote?