Medical Marijuana no Longer a Misdemeanor in California

By Ben Barnes

Marijuana comes closer to absolute legalization yesterday as California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs Senate Bill 1449, which reduces an adult possession of marijuana charge from a criminal misdemeanor to a civil infraction.

With the new law, adult possession of marijuana up to 28.5 grams remains a simple infraction.  This means that the worst punishment receivable is nothing more than a $100 fine.  That's right folks, no court appearances, no court fees, and no criminal record.  Also, the passage of this bill will significantly decrease the amount of state money directed towards the court.  This is because minor marijuana offenders will no longer be required to go to court.

A marijuana leaf.

This bill comes at the height of the national dispute of marijuana and its legalization.  There are countless arguments on either side of the debate, each harboring reasons supporting their belief.  Many states have different policies on marijuana, and California has always been known as a state with relaxed laws against the substance. Senate Bill 1449 has several significant benefits attached to it.

 These policies will still be in effect, even if Proposition 19 is passed by voters allowing the public use of cannabis; it would basically be treated and taxed the same as alcohol.  The deadline for voters
 is October 18. As for the current status of the vote; it's known that as many as 200 or more significant officials have already cast their "yes" to the vote, including law enforcement officers, physicians and doctors, economists and business leaders, elected officials, popular organizations, labor unions and faith leaders.

All in all, Governor Schwarzenegger has done a bold thing for the state of California; addressing a sensitive issue in a mannerly way.  With the new Senate Bill, state money will be saved and citizens will have even more allowance when it comes to the use of cannabis.

“Gov. Schwarzenegger deserves credit for sparing the state’s taxpayers the cost of prosecuting minor pot offenders,” said California NORML director Dale Gieringer, “Californians increasingly recognize that the war on marijuana is a waste of law enforcement resources.”