By Stephanie Madrigal |Staff Writer|
I think there are four reasons California should legalize recreational use of marijuana.
First, over half of the people I met in high school and college have a medical marijuana card.
I have asked them how they got it and it seems it is as easy as just saying you have insomnia.
With so many people obtaining a medical marijuana card I believe California should make smoking weed legal.
“Legalizing and regulating marijuana in California would benefit the state,” said a CSUSB student who asked to remain anonymous.
Secondly, I think marijuana should be legalized because it will benefit the economy.
Today, people pay for marijuana as well as food and beverages containing marijuana in legalized clinics. Imagine if these products were sold legally, in a smoke shop, it could be taxed.
I believe the state can make a huge profit from the sales of marijuana.
Granted, people will still grow and sell marijuana illegally, however, that can be reduced due to selling it in public outlets.
Buying it from a dispensary will also make it safer to smoke, knowing it is not laced with other substances.
Third, I believe the number of misdemeanors and felonies of possession would reduce jail populations.
I have heard of people who were put in jail for driving under the influence getting released early because there is not enough room.
Personally, possession of marijuana is a stupid reason for someone to be arrested. In reality they just take up the space for a real criminal in jail.
If the amount of marijuana in possession is not a massive amount as if they are importing or exporting it, then I believe people should not be penalized for having it on them.
Real criminals, such as people who are murderers, child molesters and thieves should be behind bars, not people who are high or who have marijuana in their possession.
Lastly, legalizing marijuana may even bring in more tourism to the state.
This is what voters assumed for the states of Colorado and Washington which legalized recreational use of marijuana as of the 2012 election, discussed on masslive.com.
Of course if California makes marijuana legal, I believe there should be certain regulations.
These regulations include not driving under the influence or having a large amount of marijuana in possession.
An age regulation should be made as well, just as alcohol is limited to Californians at the age of 21 or older.
Legalizing marijuana will happen for California, it is now just a matter of votes and time for it to happen.
Marijuana will be regulated and I believe this will benefit our state.