Pubdate: Tue, 28 Sep 2010
Source: Visalia Times-Delta, The (CA)
Copyright: 2010 The Visalia Times-Delta
Contact: http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/customerservice/contactus.html
Website: http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2759
Author: Eric Woomer
Referenced: The Field Poll http://drugsense.org/url/I7MkxkYG
Cited: Proposition 19 http://yeson19.com/
Bookmark: http://mapinc.org/find?272 (Proposition 19)

PUBLIC SUPPORT UP FOR LEGAL POT

The Tulare County seizure of more than $5 million worth of marijuana 
last week has added context to the debate over Proposition 19, which 
would legalize the drug for those 21 and older.

A recent Field Poll shows that support for the legalization of 
marijuana is growing. About 49 percent support Proposition 19, which 
will be voted on Nov. 2, while 42 percent oppose it.

Most likely to support legalization are Democrats, men and 
nonpartisan voters, according to the poll.

The California Police Chiefs Association has come out strongly 
against Proposition 19, which would limit growing to 25 square feet 
per parcel of land. It also would allow local and county governments 
to prohibit or control the sale of marijuana within a city or county.

"The proposition is a joke," said Carlos Mestas, the Valley 
representative for the chiefs' association. "People think we'll be 
able to tax it and stop the cartels. That's a fallacy."

Mestas believes stores would have to charge $50 to $100 an ounce to 
make a profit, opening the door to a new type of cartel that would 
underbid local marijuana shops and fly beneath the county or state tax.

The law would prohibit driving while smoking, but Mestas said he 
fears fatalities would rise nonetheless.

In 2009 the California State Board of Equalization reported that the 
state would collect $1.4 billion or more through marijuana 
legalization. Local authorities disagree.

"People will find ways to break the law and sell with out a tax," 
said Sheriff's Lt. Mike Boudreaux. "If someone grows at home and 
sells it, they're not going to be taxed. That's a problem."

Some disagree.

"Are more people going to smoke [marijuana]? Yes. But the stats show 
that the state will gain money no matter which way you look at it," 
said Jeff Rodgers, 29, a Visalia man who says the state spends 
millions trying to eradicate the drug.

In Visalia last year police confiscated 177 plants worth about 
$467,000. This year the Tulare County Sheriff's Department has 
confiscated more than 400,000 plants from private and public lands, 
Sgt. Chris Douglass said.

She estimated the street value at more than $1.6 billion.

"We are not for this proposition passing at all," Visalia Police 
Chief Colleen Mestas said.

More than 61,000 people were arrested for marijuana possession in 
California in 2009, according to the FBI.

"Most of these people are not even doing time in jail. It's a waste 
of money for our police to be stopping people and arresting them for 
smoking," said Beth James, 20, a College of the Sequoias student. 
"Make it legal. Everyone is doing it anyway."

Most college and even high school parties she has attended offer easy 
access to marijuana, James said.

The States Legislative Analyst's office reported that the proposition 
could offer a significant savings to state and local governments. 
Savings would come from a reduction in individuals incarcerated, on 
probation or on parole, the analyst's office reported.

The argument doesn't sway Carlos Mestas.

"We have enough drugs out there," he said, "and I don't want my kids 
or grandkids out on the streets if it becomes legal." 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake