Pubdate: Sat, 28 Aug 2010
Source: Daily Journal, The (San Mateo, CA)
Copyright: 2010 San Mateo Daily Journal
Contact:  http://www.smdailyjournal.org/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3778
Author: Heather Murtagh
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Proposition+19
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)

OFFICIALS: JUST SAY NO TO POT

Elected officials in the San Mateo Union High School District are 
taking a stand against a statewide measure that would legalize 
marijuana for people over 21 years old, arguing passage of 
Proposition 19 will have negative effects on the youth it serves.

Led by Trustee Peter Hanley, the Board of Trustee unanimously voted 
Thursday to oppose Proposition 19. The measure, which goes before 
California voters this November, would give adults 21 or older the 
ability to possess up to one ounce of cannabis, to be consumed at 
home or licensed business establishments.

Hanley believes, if passed, the measure would create numerous issues 
for the district like maintaining a drug-free work environment and 
helping children be mindful of negative side effects from using marijuana.

"I have become increasingly concerned about the implications [of 
Proposition 19] for education. I don't see it being discussed," he said.

Hanley has multiple concerns. First, legalizing marijuana would allow 
for more production, in turn lowering prices and making it more 
accessible to the teens attending schools.

"Too many kids are already using. This is a significant part of our 
discipline," he said.

Proponents of the measure, however, argue acquiring marijuana will 
become more difficult as it will require identification to be 
purchased and there will be criminal penalties for providing cannabis 
to a minor, according to the Yes on Prop. 19 website.

Maintaining a drug-free work environment is also a concern for 
Hanley. The federal government requires employers who receive a 
certain amount of federal funding, like a school district, to keep a 
drug-free environment to be eligible.

Proponents argue employers maintain the right to have a drug-free work place.

In a July document, the California Legislative Analyst's Office says 
that Proposition 19 "does specify that employers would retain 
existing rights to address consumption of marijuana that impairs an 
employee's job performance."

The issue was examined by Chief Deputy County Counsel John Beiers who 
found the law does not clearly outline an employee's rights on the 
issue. Basically, it would need to be decided by a judge.

Hanley also questions at what level someone would be impaired from 
driving or being in the classroom. He worries open fields adjacent to 
schools could soon become a place with cannabis growing without 
proper zoning regulations.

Due to the many concerns, Hanley is hoping other school districts 
will follow San Mateo Union's lead coming out against the measure. 
Admittedly, even if these concerns were addressed, Hanley would still 
be against legalization of cannabis.

To learn more about Proposition 19 visit http://yeson19.com/ or 
http://www.noonproposition19.com/.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom