by Divya Kumar
News Editor

Proposition 19, which relates to the legalization of marijuana-related activities in California, was defeated yesterday, November 2. If the law were to have passed, the local governments in California would be allowed to regulate activities to permit them to impose and collect taxes and marijuana-related fees, as well as authorize civil penalties in regards to marijuana abuse. The results were a close tie, with 53.8% of the people voting against it and 46.2% voting for it.

The legalization of marijuana would allow people over the age of 21 to carry an ounce of the product on themselves for personal use, as well as grow their own marijuana, but it would still remain illegal under federal law. Marijuana had already been legalized 14 years earlier in the state for the purpose of medical practices. Existing laws relating to selling the drug to minors and the effects of marijuana on employees would still be in effect if the law had been passed.

People who oppose the bill argue that legalizing marijuana would not help stop drug-related crimes and aid in human health. On the other hand, there are others who believe in the benefits of legalizing marijuana that will bring about the resolution of the previously mentioned issues, in addition to arguing that marijuana is not as harmful a drug as others because of the fact that it is impossible to overdose on and all of the medical benefits it provides. While this issue has temporarily been quelled in California, with such opposing viewpoints, it is likely the issue of legalization will arise sometime in the near future.

In regards to such an issue, it is important for voters to consider all possible viewpoints on the issue. What do you think, CHS, in regards to the legalization of marijuana?