Yesterday, outgoing California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 1449 — which reduces adult marijuana possession charges from a criminal misdemeanor to a civil infraction. NORML would like to thank the 2,500+ of you who took the time to write the Governor over the past week via NORML’s ‘Take Action Center’, and the many more who called the Governor’s office directly in support of this historic measure.
Senate Bill 1449 amends the California Health and Safety Code so that the adult possession of up to 28.5 grams of marijuana is classified as an infraction, punishable by no more than a $100 fine — no court appearance, no court costs, and no criminal record.
Passage of this bill will save the state millions of dollars in court costs by keeping minor marijuana offenders out of court. The number of misdemeanor pot arrests has surged in recent years, reaching 61,388 in 2008.
The new law, which takes effect on Jan 1, 2011, will have an effect even if Californians vote to legalize marijuana by passing Prop 19. Proposition 19 leaves misdemeanor possession penalties in place for public use and smoking in the presence of children; under SB 1449, these offenses would be simple infractions.
“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.”
I hope this paves the road for the rest of the country.
i agree ^ but with every change there is always opposition, obviously our stride has not slowed, congrats everyone this is only the beginning!
Thank you MR. Schwarzenegger! I hope others follow your example.
Let’s hope this is just setting the stage for the big vote in one month now!!!!
AZmom, agreed! Thank you Governor Schwarzenegger for doing the right thing.
I love you Arnold!!
“The Chopper!”
I really thought that Arnold was going to shoot this bill down! Thank you Governor Schwarzenegger for taking the step for saner Marijuana laws.
And so it begins my friends.
Thank you for finally signing this into law! Looking forward to Jan 1!!! Join the Hemp Network Today and help spread the word!!!
hes still an ignorant when it comes to immigration laws….
One issue down and I hope more states follow our lead…THANKS NORML FOR YOUR HARD WORK. We the people could not have done this without your lead.
Now lets keep up the pressure everybody to pass Prop 19.
Then we can sue the government again to remove Marijuana from the Schedule 1. It’s a government lie that keeps Marijuana a schedule 1 narcotic that it is now.
That is the next big fight on our hands…”Make the government tell the truth about Marijuana”
Peace
Zandor
Our progress out of the political dark ages of “Reefer Madness” is a welcome light. May we continue to bring sanity and practicality into government and our lives. Cheers to Arnold!
Thank you. Finally someone using their head and realizing these laws persecuting us are unjust and plain retarded. THANK YOU.
So will this change the misdemeanors in Prop 19 to infractions, that all the Stoners Against Legalization morons were crying about?
It’s strange to be able to say this..but Ohio beat them to doing this quite a while ago. As a matter of fact, anything under 100g in Ohio is just a civil infraction with nothing more than a $100 fine. It’s weird to think that Ohio has a more lax law than California…
I’m happy for California though, but still hoping Prop. 19 passes.
[Editor’s note: True enough regarding Ohio. But, unlike in CA, cannabis consumers in Ohio actually get busted for a pipe or bong, but not for possessing 100 grams or below of actual cannabis.]
Thanks Arnold. I thought you were going to shoot this down. I’m proud of you . This is much needed change!
The Governorator has many detractors but I for one see his administration greatly handicapped by by polarized and ineffective legislators. Once again, Arnold has demonstrated his political independence and will. Thank you Arnold for doing the right thing in this regard–now why not support Prop 19? Arnold’s opposition to Prop 19 makes is much less logical in light of enacting this decriminalization measure.
what about florida.. $100 and i’m good?
He seems opposed to prop 19 however.
http://dl5.activatedirect.com/fs/distribution:letterFile/yvcee9xanplikz_files/z65ij4mzqc9pon?&_c=d|yvcee9xanplikz|z65p1zm6c0d0km&_ce=1285948753.cf83fea1c4a3cc3d9042bbf21dde4c2e
Bravo to the Gov! I am impressed. Perhaps the Republicans Down South should take a cue from their fellow Republican in California, who did the right thing!
I don’t know if I fully support this measure. So now you can have up to 1 oz. of cannabis on you and you’ll only get a $100 fine? It now seems that if CA doesn’t pass prop 19 that this just makes it WAY easier for drug dealers to carry around and sell weed. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for Prop 19 (and I live in CA) but am I missing something here?
Thank you Arnold, I honestly didn’t think you would sign that bill. You did the right thing and you are a much bigger person than those who fear Cannabis and Hemp. Let’s hope for the best for California and once again, thanks Arnold.
You did the right thing Arny.
Hey mitch daniels follow your fellow republican governor and do the right thinkg for us here in /indiana.The repulicans might be coming around to common sense thinking where cannibas is concerned.Thank you Arnold
What does this story or comment thread have to do with immigration? Nothing. Thanks for playing. Thank you Gov Schwarznegger.
MAYBE WE ALL SHOULD CONTACT THEGOVENOR AND THANK HIM!?.
But that is not a federal law correct, just a state law?
Thank you. I live in charlotte nc and im feeling the effect already. from coast to coast. Im hoping thawts just the stepping stone for the real initiative on prop 19. one month to go. 52% support in 2,004 likely voters that great. we need more however.
Thank You !!! — a major step forward…..
Three cheers for a jump in the right direction! The Snow ball starts rolling here.End the terror!!
Well he smoked weed he better not act like some prude, and of course he sucks on immigration he’s an immigrant!
Finally, some sanity, logic and common sense. This was long overdue. Thank you Mr. Schwarzenegger. I think I’ll watch The Terminator tonight while I celebrate.
Congrats Cali people, and great work, Governor! 🙂 As always, Cali sets the stage for the rest of America!
Peace and YES on Prop 19!!
If I get stopped by a Police Officer for speeding, he will right me a ticket, which I will pay to avoid a warrant for my arrest. but, I will be able to drive home in my car.(I don’t lose my car for this infraction)
Now, say you are pulled over for a taillight being out, the officer smells marijuana, being a good citizen I show it to him. He decides not to charge for the taillight if I get it fixed, but charges me with a possession of marijuana, this now being an infraction, I pay a $100 fine, (but do I get to keep possession of my marijuana?)
I am guessing that you lose it.
As we deservedly celebrate this step forward in the reform of the way our laws apply to non-narcotic organic substances, we must not forget that this action by the political establishment is not motivated by some patriotic fealty to the liberty rights of the citizens. The motivation, especially in California, stems from their anticipation of being able to achieve a tax revenue windfall which will levy excessive tax liabilities on every facet of Marijuana use and production; from cultivation and distribution to individual use.
As accurately stated in this NORML “news release”:
“Senate Bill 1449 amends the California Health and Safety Code so that the adult possession of up to 28.5 grams of marijuana is classified as an infraction, punishable by no more than a $100 fine — no court appearance, no court costs, and no criminal record.”
California law still allows/mandates up to “a $100 fine” for the simple possession of an ounce of Marijuana. While such a fine may be of little consequence to the affluent, it is hardly a cause for celebration amongst the vast majority of the citizens in this troubled democracy. At best, this is but a partial victory, which is fails to satisfy the doctrine of “equal treatment under the law”.
Arnold just got to the chopper.
For a Republican, this guy keeps doing things relatively properly.
Bravo
Sorry to rain on the parade. But he signed the bill in an attempt to make sure Prop 19 doesn’t pass. He wants the undecideds to come around to the prohibitionist side, and is offering this in lieu of full legalization. It’s a nice step, but it’s a political move against legalization.
Thank you so much Arnold!!! I had really lost hope that you would sign it but you proved me wrong.
Finally!! Maybe California will pave the road and other states will legalize too. I’m from Alabama and we’re still in the dark ages down here. You have to 19 to even buy tobacco products! Muchless marijuana. But we almost had medical marijuana passed in Alabama earlier this year. The bill made it to the house but only had 5 days so the bill never passed this year. They say next year is the year for us and im keeping my fingers crossed! But I am happy for California! Keep up the good work and the rest of the country will follow!! YES TO PROP. 19!!!
I just cant believe it was under such personal protest with the whole issue. So the Governator might as well be a “democrat” and do the will of the people.
I would love to thank Arnold for signing the bill and helping others realize. Now lets get Prop 19 passed and send our prayer to Jack H.
Go Governator!!!!
*******Okay now Texas needs to start passing pro-cannabis laws**************
Wow. I must admit, I didn’t think Arnie had the sense. Yeah he should use some more sympathy when dealing with immigration laws, seeing that he himself is an immigrant.
This is a great example of us working together to make a change. As a california citizen and an advocate on the front line I wanted to say THANKS to NORML and for everyone who shared their opinion with the Governator!
Legalize marijuana for medical purposes in tn: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/590/020/861/
Arnold DID IT CHOPPER TO PROP 19 DO IT NOW!!!!
Thanks, Norml Russ Paul, and Allen you guys are great.
Thank you, Governor Schwartzenegger, for doing the correct & moral thing instead of the “right thing”, and signing SB 1449 into law.
Whatever your legacy as the “Governator” might otherwise be, the esteem with which you will be held in the hearts and minds of millions of Californians will not be forgotten. Good job, Arnold !
Now, Californian voters themselves will have the next job bringing some morality and sanity back to governance — passing Prop 19 !
Now the Ball is rolling, and now for the rest of this country
This is absolutely amazing news! As a medical marijuana patient I feel obligated to carry around my doctors recommendation in fear of getting in trouble with the law. Now I know that if I ever forget my papers I can take care of this with a fine instead of having to go through the courts to show them my proper paperwork.
three cheers for the (prohibition) terminator! hemp hemp horay…may his example pave the way for other state’s cannabis legislation to come in america’s fight for liberation against cannabis prohibition
Yes We Cannabis!
Governator, you are the man.
He was a smoker during his bodybuilding days. You can see him lighting up in the ‘Pumping Iron’ documentary.
As a cannabis user who has lived under systems where Police have the power to issue on-the-spot-fines for cannabis use or possession, I got to say I expected more from California when I heard pot was going to be legalized.
Police are, as always, not to be trusted. Possession is now as simple as the policeman saying so and handing out $100 fines like candy to children…
You honestly think this wont be abused and poor people wont bear the brunt of this instant karma?
When it happened here, ( South Australia, Western Australia, Northern and Australian Capital Territories), the number of (recorded for the price of a fine) possessions went through the roof because it was so easy for the police to abuse…
Just wish the good luck in the West will rub off all the way to the east in NC!! Great News for the cause!!
I’m envious of Cali!!!
Thanks to the governor for “terminating” (ha-ha) the craziness involving cannabis and criminal prosecution! This will go down as one of his greatest accomplishments! Power to the people!!! Let Freedom ring!!
Thank you, Arnie! If you help pass prop 19, I’m coming back home!
Alright, it’s kinda like giving back $5 after you stole $100, Ahnold, but thanks anyway.
One day you’ll look back and wish you were the governor remembered for freeing cannabis.
Ha, I just read his statement.
What an asshole. Even then he had to take a shot at Proposition 19. Then he goes onto explain why he is signing this measure (to save money) while opposing Prop 19.
What an asshole.
“Under a new measure passed into law by the governor, parents who smoke marijuana in the presence of young children will be subject only to minor fines.” I wonder how long it will take Prop 19 opponents to latch onto THAT one… Couldn’t this issue have been avoided with a little more careful drafting?
[Editor’s note: The passage of SB 1449, articulating no more than a $100 fine for parents who consume cannabis in front of their children, should not provide any fodder to the apparent minority of voters who oppose Prop 19 when tobacco, alcohol and pill using parents face no fine for ‘exposing’ their children to ‘drugs’.]
This Is Wonderful
My Parents were Emigrants
Thanks Governor for tERMINATING uNCONSTITUTIONAL lAWS that pad the pockets of bIG pHARMA and harm society as a whole!
I left California in 1986 – If AZ looses Prop 203… ‘I’LL BE BACK’ :-]
pEACE,
hAROLD
Thank you California, now it’s only a matter of time before we get to enjoy the same rights here in Oregon. It is a total waist of funds this war on drugs, and it’s not only the marijuana I speak of. Total legalization across the board would all but eliminate crime in our country, I’m not condoning drug use as a whole but the money our government spends is a true crime!!!!!
Sweeeeeet baby jesus! (:
Thank goodness.
@elrocker_tesla: This isn’t about immigration. It’s about something that has needed to be instituted for many decades. And it’s certainly ABOUT TIME!!! 🙂 I honestly never thought I’d see the day. Thank you, Arnold.
amazining news.. i thought he would go both ways on the bill, thank god he choice to pass
Congratulations Cali! I hate living in Alabama, lol
ELrocker_tesla, yopi show that Edison was indeed correct.
You completely miss the point. This is a major victory and likely the thing that ultimately turns the tide country wide, and as the usa relaxes, so will the UN, and 60 years of “Midnight Express,” international law enforcement, the cause of hundreds of thousands of completely ruined or lost lives, and the source of countless government jobs and reasoning for abridging of civil and individual rights worldwide…
Who gave governments the right to tell people what they can eat or otherwise ingest? Most are forced to do so by the UN drug control treaties, and they use this as an excuse to create government task forces, usually military in style, who often go through a country, as happened in Thailand about a decade ago, killing massive amounts of people on the spot for alleged dug use or sales. Results: nothing changed.
This has been repeated in country after country as governments use these UN treaties as excuses to give these task forces extra constitutional powers based upon supposed epidemics, which usually in Africa and Asia, only exist in the minds of the extremely raw media talent who prepare almost propagandistic so-called reports for third world newspapers about the supposed dangers of drugs, things even the cops in the USA have moved on from using as justifications for pot prohibition. nAnd since the task force exists with its extra constitutional powers, it might as well be used for whatever the murderous regime in power at the time says it should be used for, the danger of these often international task forces becomes clear.
The law enforcement requirement of the war on cannabis diverts and has diverted and thus wasted trillions of dollars worldwide, just because some are bigoted about which intoxicant they think should be allowed and which prohibited.
I hope every prohibitionist law enforcement agent in the country is aggravated and fearful that they will now have to fight real crime to advance in the ranks, rather than pad the arrest stats of yourself ,or of those you supervise, or even of whole departments by making arrests of marijuana smokers who are passive when arrested.
EJ
“The new law, which takes effect on Jan 1, 2011, will have an effect even if Californians vote to legalize marijuana by passing Prop 19. Proposition 19 leaves misdemeanor possession penalties in place for public use and smoking in the presence of children; under SB 1449, these offenses would be simple infractions.”
So then, how can the cops enforce Prop 19 “public use” and “presence of children” violations, when these will not be violations under 1449???
Does this mean, in effect, that the public can just forget about these 2 criminal issues from Prop 19?
Sounds like one of two things: either:
1) Cope won’t bother to bust people for either of these 2 issues or
2) If cops do bust, people can claim defense under 1449.
What do you reckon it will be? How will this work out?
[Editor’s note: “So then, how can the cops enforce Prop 19 “public use” and “presence of children” violations, when these will not be violations under 1449???”
What made the Governor’s signature so important to this bill is that the legislature has now largely insulated parents from serious penalties regarding cannabis use in one’s home, which is a good thing.]
Elrocker….. Just shut the F#%K up. Does this look like a political immigration talk site? No one cares about that topic here.
im stunned. and thrilled. thank you arnold. it takes a big man to set aside his own reservations and act on something like this.
Don’t know about the rest of his politics, but signing senate bill 1449 is a great step in the right direction. Due respect to Schwarzenneger. Thanks. *insert trite Terminator reference joke here, like “I am the Hempinator.”*
Ok! I signned the damned thing. Now gedd off my aass and gedd oud of da way, I have to get to da choppa !!
We did it!!
We have -just- changed the world.
I can’t wait until November!
Common sense prevails!
Thanks Arnold, you did the right thing.
Now if some more states adopt this, but still Schwarzengger you have made a step in the right direction for the rest of the country.
EPIC WIN FTW!
I am very happy to see this step in the right direction. Kudos to you Arnold. Now, lets see what happens in November.
“Elrocker….. Just shut the F#%K up. Does this look like a political immigration talk site? No one cares about that topic here. Johnny Says:”
Dude, that was rude and over the top. Maybe both issues are important to him. Now, go ahead and trash my post too.
I was in California for the second time last October. The previouse time was in 1966 when I was discharged on the way home from Nam.
AHL B BACK
********Civil infraction… Prop 19… That’s it I’m moving to California!**********
Why don’t all the other politicians jump on board and accept the overwhelming scientific evidence that cannabis is safer than booze? Come on, it is obvious! Legalize it already, from coast to coast, and let’s provide a safer alternative to alcohol.
I sure hope no of you fuckers are stoned lying on the coach when the voting starts! Get out there!
CONGRATULATIONS CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!!!
Way to go Arnold, you did the right thing. Thats really unusual for a politician to do the right thing in this country anymore, most are owned and operated by big business. Very happy for the state of California, you guys are so lucky. Hopefully Georgia will wise up and get their heads out of their asses and do the same thing. The saving to the states are enormous. May the stupidity of Richard M. Nixon die soon in every state and may he burn in hell forever because of it..
Thank you Arnold!!!! Every since i read a story in a high times a few years back by Tommy Chong. I knew he was on our side.
Thank you Arnold, we are not truly free yet but at least you are not ruining our lives! Thank you California!!!
It’s about time he did something productive. Thanks Arnie!
There are two ways to read this:
Either he’s hedging his record: “Yes, I was against prop 19, but I was also against criminalization, don’t I get points for that?”
Or, he’s ‘burning the wagons’ – giving way in front of opposition in order to reduce their hand. Prop 19 supporters can no longer say it is going to save money, since that money is already saved. My doctor told me that from his experience at medical conferences, big pharma is not enthusiastic about cannabis getting into the hands of Joe sixpack, and the feds are concerned about the precedence prop 19 sets. Both would be happier with decriminalization, rather than legalization.
Yes, Thank you Mr. Schwarzenegger! We have a dream that one day we will make it to the promise land, the land where all people will be treated as equal and free and judged not by the color of their skin, nor by how they pursue their happiness, a dream that all the State of this mighty Union follows your State’s example and set it’s people free.
Thanks governor now come to Florida where cannabis oppression is in full swing from surviellance at grow stores to mandatory 2 year drivers license suspension on any drug case especially cannabis.
Florida is a cash register justice police state.
I cannot wait for the west coast scene to come to Florida, I am leaving and heading west where there is more humaity and respect for my medical rights.
Flori-duh is the absolute worst state and will be the very last state if ever to approve of any pro-cannabis legislation. Flori-duh sucks!
http://www.puffm.org
Thanks Arnold for a HUGE step in the right direction. We’re not done yet though. Vote YES on prop 19.
What about Iowa ? I feel Iowa is gonna screw around n wait till last, and people are gonna just go else where, where legal pot is, and people can get without hassle i guess its Iowans loss if someone moves to Where there’s revenue there and demand of good quality stuff PERIOD!!!
Arnold is numero uno!
finally we have something other than terminator to thank arnie for. wish we had some politicians making smart decions like that in australia
If this law really makes possession of less than an ounce a “civil infraction” and not a crime, cops no longer can search you or your car because you smell like pot or are seen smoking a joint because these facts will not support a reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.
But Penal Code section 16 defines infractions as a crime.
Prop 19:
“Support for legalizing marijuana comes from independents (63 percent) and Democrats (62 percent), while 62 percent of Republicans are opposed. It also showed support among all age groups, but most dramatically among young voters. Among those from 18 to 34, a resounding 70 percent support the measure.”
Sounds like a win to me. So, when prop 19 is passed, will the federal government sue the state for doing so?
[Russ responds: Nobody knows. Do you think a weakened President Obama, having suffered loss of the House and/or Senate in the midterms, seeing Democrats lose seats while marijuana measures pass in California, Oregon, Arizona, and maybe even South Dakota, would then offend the people of the state with 55 electoral votes by suing them over their election? Would an intelligent Democratic strategist advise Obama to alienate the 18-50-year-olds nationwide who support marijuana legalization so he can appear tough to older voter and red state residents?
Probably.]
What is the fine in California for drinking booze or smoking tobacco in front of children? How about popping prescription pills in front of children? Once again prohibitionists confirm their grasp of simple logic and common sense is on par with their understanding of freedom and liberty as cited in the Constitution of the United States. Prohibitionists are not just lying cowards, they are also illogical idiots.
Johnny Says:
October 1st, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Elrocker….. Just shut the F#%K up. Does this look like a political immigration talk site? No one cares about that topic here.
Legalization has alot to do with immigration. i still dont understand why people separate issuses in this country. All issuses has SOMETHING to do with ALL other issues. Prohibs use this tactic all the time. Separate, compartmentlize, and Isolate.
good for cal. know if the rest of the country would do that.we the people have to pull together and get out and vote. that is the only way where going to get what cal. know has, and it’s about time. let hope Gov. Schwarzenegger has started something.
#39…My thoughts exactly. Was this the October surprise? Was the plan to pass it IF Prop 19 seemed to be gaining speed (which it is)? It is still a lie about a plant. Anything under the purvue of the law will still be a “gateway” to control.
AND…if Prop 19 does not pass, Oregon may decide not to get on the 2012 ballot after all.
Good for California (for the time being)…
Bad for the rest of the USA.
Hey Bob
The Only Crime is based on a Corrupted Judicial System
When I look back at history I see so many people in our prisons for inhaling Cannabis.
Have you ever wondered what a Hemp/Cannabis World Economics would be like?
No more dependence on Arab Oil, better paper to read books filled with ideas, in short A Better World.
Yes it is promising and welcome to see this sort of progress – it almost makes up for the shambles this egomanical B actor has left our state in. (f**k & run).
But law makers are NOT swayed by the public. They work for the wealthy & powerful. Population control is the key. If TV works in prisons, it works in the gen pop. If people are upset and stressed & want to cut off the heads of the rich & powerful AND ‘weed’ is shown to have a calming effect – then weed it is. Things are about to go from bad to worse. Maybe you should have been pushing for financial reform all this time instead of trying to legalize an easy to get low penalty weed. Now were going to be even more apathetic to our Banana Republic dictators. Beware of Greeks baring gifts. When the walls were torn down around the world, privacy rights quickly eroded & surveillance exploded. They don’t give a s**t about weed – you didn’t win anything. Keep on smoking !
Thank you Arnold! for having a backbone to say enough to stupid unjust public policy.
Your Modern Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding is one of my all-time favorite books, it changed my life.
Thank you Mr. Arnold, Hopefully the rest of the country will follow along. FREE THE WEED—>BRING US ALL TOGETHER
We can get more money out of taxing it through legalization than we can collecting $100 fines.
Kudos the the Governator! Many thanks to you! The timing on this is perfect. One of the benefits of legalizing marijuana for adult recreational use in California would have been all the savings of time and money currently clogging up the criminal justice system with small-time busts. This would appear to obviate a major argument in favor of Prop. 19 inasmuch as it nudges things along every so closer toward legalization on the continuum between complete totalitarian prohibition and enforcement to complete legalization, i.e. a regulated and taxed socially responsible marketplace from production to processing to retail sales. That is meant to be also not so much paperwork and fees for this and that as to maintain the attraction of the black market network currently in place. No New Jersey style bullshit though. Amercian style regulation of cannabis does not have to be a value added tax system pretext. Specifically no Governor Chris Christie type of BS at all. Bio or hydro standards and labeling requirements please for strain, potency with chemical percentages on tested samples, likely effects for large scale producers and processors, BUT none of that for personal or private collectives under a certain size/membership/sales volume/cash flow. You get the picture.
These savings
Proposition 19 and NOV 2.. will send such a Thunderous Message, as the chosen incumbents fall into that bottomless abyss, Citizens Reclaim Freedom.
As the Nixons/Harry Jacob Anslingers are forever forgotten and long buried in that Pit to Hell, the time comes to prepare the graves for their Followers.
Times are changing for The Good
Good for you California. I hope it becomes legal soon.
Meanwhile, here in the drunken state of Michigan, the government spends its time getting drunk and bringing up a new bill which allows alcohol sales at 7am Sunday, Christmas and Christmas eve. Am I the only one here that can see these drunken hypocrites for the greedy,evil idiots they are??
I see the new law says “anyone” not just over 18
it is an infraction. When I read it it looks like it is
an infraction for everyone not just over 18. I see it is a misdemeanor for someone under 18 to have it on school campus, but looks to me like it now is just infraction for teens to have less than an ounce. I am 50 something mother and don’t want my 17 year old subject to arrest for pot. I don’t smoke now, but did in the 70’s. I am a Republican too. I will be voting for legalization and will explain my concerns with inappropriate use to my son the same as I do about alchol. The police can stay out of it thank you.
Some think that it is The End Of Times, and clap their hands on the way to Eternity.
Cannabis is the wedge, The gateway to understanding.
It was understood long ago, when you inhaled cannabis soon would come visions that spoke of freedom
If these are the end of times, I should cancel my subscription to Money Magazine
Vote YES on proposition 19
A YES VOTE will send a message of Universal Freedom
lets go NY!
Many more crimes against humanity to be deminished…thanks Arny, working for a penny a year, to actually try and help. Something the Government fails to do, allowing our police force to be corrupt cops instead of peace officers.
Senate Bill 1449 amends the California Health and Safety Code so that the adult possession of up to 28.5 grams of marijuana is classified as an infraction, punishable by no more than a $100 fine — no court appearance, no court costs, and no criminal record.
SO IT IS STILL ILLEGAL TO GROW !!!???!!!
great step forward, BUT why NOW ???
DAMAGE CONTROL.
to “take the wind out of our sails” on LEGALIZATION !!!
like an 18 wheeler is coming at them at 100 MPH,
their only hope is knock it off course, into a gully.
DO NOT LET THEM !!!
WE MUST PASS Proposition 19 !!!
We need a response NORML! Someone is saying that because Arnold signed this that he weakened support for Prop. 19!
http://caivn.org/article/2010/10/04/schwarzenegger-may-have-just-weakened-support-prop-19
[Paul Armentano responds; Russ responds to this allegation here: http://stash.norml.org/marijuana-decrim-in-california-good-prop-19-legalization-even-better.%5D
If L A District Attorney Steve Cooley gets elected as California’s Attorney General there is a very real possibility it will go back to the way it was before Arnold signed the marijuana infraction measure.
I was just reading an article from ASA about Steve Cooley …
“If Steve Cooley is elected attorney general, he promises to undo more than a decade of gains in the state.”
“Steve Cooley, the Republican candidate for California attorney general who is currently serving his third term as Los Angeles County District Attorney, has said that no one can legally buy or sell medical cannabis in California, and that he will ignore any local regulations for the operation of dispensaries. When the LA city council passed regulations for dispensaries, Cooley dismissed the council as “irrelevant,” saying he would prosecute anyone operating one.”
This is the type of person who would ignore a new law as well. Vote against this guy! The online community has become a political force. Let this guy know he is under the spotlight by posting articles about him and writing letters to draw attention to his archaic prohibitionist attitudes. His own posturing will turn the tide against him.
Vote Yes on 19, vote No on Cooley.
its good that arnold passed this but it still doesnt help the legalization movement it doesnt do anything to keep employers from firing employees for smoking pot on thier time off work, until drug testing for marajuana changes we are no better off
Prop 19 does not conflict with federal law. Proof here: http://brighton-towne.blogspot.com/
Semper Fidelis, Seize The Moment
When The Man On Your Back Jumps Off and Wonders
Proposition 19 Sends Clear A Message
The Governed Demand Justice
Really nice to see all these posts!
O.K. Arnold did a good thing – but – Steve Cooley – if elected Attorney General of California – will do a bad thing. Cooley doesn’t make the law – but – neither does he obey the law. That’s right! Cooley is a law breaker, and so is those rogue cops that backs him – The California Police Chiefs Association.
We’re looking for honesty in law enforcement – and – look what we get! Old King Cooley!
We have had this kind of law here in Minn. for some time now it is nice , but we still can’t get Med. Pot in this state. Wishing the people of Cali. good luck with Prop 19.Hey watch this Drit bag Cooley bad news the way it sounds , you all have come to far to let him F–k it up. About time Arny.
Wow, this is the fist time I’ve seen this long of a post where NOONE has opposed the consensus! That itself is a statement!
Don’t throw the party yet though folks, this is only one milestone. Keep up the fight!
Ummm. . . How “much” is 28.5 grams?????
I used to live in Cali and wish I was back there. Unfortunately I live in SC. I wish NORML would make more of a presence in states like this where they believe that the only people who want Marijuana reform are junkies. I am a long time sufferer of anxiety, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, and Post Traumatic Stress. Pot is the ONLY thing that truly helps with all of my issues and does not cause nasty side effects. It’s sad that I have to either suffer or be a criminal!
ChiefChimp:
I am dealing with a lot of the same problems, though not all of them. I strongly suggest you research Cannabidiol . Your local sources won’t have it, even the medical stores don’t. But, over the coming years, it will be available. For the issues you list, it’s a godsend. Better than THC and it doesn’t get you high, so you can take it (almost) whenever.
Walter:
Thank you so much for the info!!! I will definitely look into it. Recently I have had to try a ton of different medicines all of which have bmade me very sick. Besides being 31 and feeling 91, I feel like I’m missing out on the world around me because I can’t enjoy it. I’m open to try anything that actually works! Thanks again!
ChiefChimp
Thanks so much !!! I have to take Morphine due to an Accident and I just received my License and it helps me get off the Narcotics !!! I hope you have set a course for the United States as one to help so many people !!! Thank you so Much !!!
wowwwwww im so disappointed prop 19 a failure… i live in Indiana and currently do not smoke weed bcuz i waz arrested for dealing. Although its not just on Cali 2 get this done but everybody in every state needs to step up an support the movement. Everybody knows its a better recreational drug than alcohol and helps u deal w stress better than nicotine plus its a hell of a lot safer. Im tired of seein young adults like myself go to jail and spend thousands of dollars that they dont have to the govt wen they can just legalize it and tax it and still make their money. Also there are many more uses besides smoking it. The marijuana industry would b huge for this country. Somethin we need to help pull us outta debt. Anyway this has gone on 4 far too long people need to quit talkin about it and finally take action. Thanx Arnie 4 takin the first steps but all supporters around the us need to write their congressmen start campaigning and holding rallies… SCREW individual props needs 2 b federal
Since THC is illegal… recently there has been synthetic products goin around which could potentially be harmful w long term effects. Although it may not be safe i still smoke it cuz im on probation. I live in indiana and every county has banned k2 (mainstream synthetic weed) jwh018 is the chemical still producers keep tweaking the chemical to change it enough to be legal and still get u high. IDK y weed can just b legal and cut out this nonsense yes i get it the children must b protected from it and u shouldnt be able to be high in public or operating machinery but lets face the facts its not as addictive as nicotine and it will not destroy your life like alcohol cocaine heroine or meth can. The govt needs to focus on the real problems here. Anyway everybodies opinion does matter so everybody needs to speak up. If anybody has any info on campaigns or rallies in Indiana PLZ email me (kjball89@gmail.com) and i encourage everybody to write n blogs to motivate ppl to legalize marijuana
Right now a minor under 21 in possession of pot gets it reported to DMV even if it doesn’t involve possession in a car. When this becomes an infraction on January 1 will the DMV still get the report and have the power to suspend a minor’s license?
that law is just a simple quick way of making revenue off the poor before the law i just had to goto class and pay 100 dollars so idk what kinda cloud the govt has put over your eyes but it dosent fool me it should have been legalized and now we all have to pay for have a plant in our pocket good job growers youll keep making millions and users will keep paying out the nose for it…
Hopefully, this will spur more awareness. As more and more laws decriminalize recreational use awareness will grow and continue the springing tide of support over the last decade. With a now Republican congress we have a tough fight on our hands for the next two years at least. They were elected because of their Health Care and Deficit/Spending related views. Sadly this is an issue that has taken a back-burner in the political scene since the Nov. elections, but we need to talk to even the most staunch opponents on this issue. Let them know taxing marijuana can bring in revenues in the form of taxes and reduce spending by reducing prosecution. This can help with the core issues they were elected on.
I would rather pay a tax and buy legally than going through a local street dealer any day of the week. A $50 an ounce tax would raise $1000+ a year from this tax payer alone.