A new poll by the Field Research Corporation shows that a majority of California voters now support the legalization of marijuana. This is a notable change from 1969, when they first started measuring sentiments on marijuana, when only 13% favored its legalization. The dramatic failure of punitive drug policy to reduce use, potency and crime no doubt contributes to the turnaround, as did recent successful legalization efforts in Colorado and Washington passed last year. Today only 31% of voters want strict enforcement of existing laws or tougher laws to be enacted. [continues 625 words]
Under current state law, the possession, cultivation, or distribution of marijuana generally is illegal in California. Possession of less than one ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine, while selling marijuana is a felony and may result in a prison sentence. In November 1996, voters approved Proposition 215, which legalized the cultivation and possession of marijuana in California for medical purposes. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2005, however, that federal authorities could continue to prosecute California patients and providers engaged in the cultivation and use of marijuana for medical purposes. [continues 604 words]
The World Hemp Extravaganga Event 2010 has come and gone but the debate goes on as to whether the gathering was appropriate or reflects well upon the citizens of Tehama County. The fact that federal and state statutes are at odds about the medical efficacy and legality of cannabis sativa (marijuana) and its psychoactive chemical constituent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), underscores the extent of dissention. When legal and medical wrangling combines with polarized accounts and attributions of THC effects on individuals the debate often devolves into personal attacks and widespread stereotyping. [continues 606 words]
Recent American history is becoming one of continuous war, now with over eight years fighting domestic and international terrorists, and 30 years battling drugs in the hands of our own citizens. The sad reality of these wars is that they should have never been considered wars in the first place. Traditionally war involved the disputes of patriots of particular causes and places that came to a violent resolution. Fortunately, these wars were relatively short lived and well defined, by that I mean the enemy was easily identified, the goal of property governance readily understood, and the moral imperative beyond reproach. [continues 622 words]
The Tehama County supervisors are considering an ordinance that tightens local medicinal marijuana restrictions. Medical marijuana has been legal in California since 1996, and allows the possession of 12 immature marijuana plants, six mature plants or half-a-pound of dried, processed marijuana if the person in question has a doctor's recommendation. Counties are not allowed to pass guidelines that lower these amounts, but can raise the limit or pass other ordinances related to the cultivation of marijuana. The ordinance crafted by Tehama County Supervisor Bob Williams is based on a similar ordinance in Mendocino County. [continues 414 words]
