Pubdate: Thu, 09 Feb 2012
Source: Bradenton Herald (FL)
Copyright: 2012 Bradenton Herald
Contact: http://www.bradenton.com/contact_us/feedback/
Website: http://www.bradenton.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/58

WILL CALIFORNIA FINALLY LEGALIZE MARIJUANA? STUDY SHOWS 62% OF
CALIFORNIA VOTERS POLLED FAVOR LEGALIZATION

In November, 2010, a ballot initiative to legalize marijuana was 
narrowly defeated (53-46) in California. Convinced the time has come 
to legalize cannabis, activists are collecting signatures to place the 
Regulate Marijuana Like Wine Act of 2012 (RMLW) on the November, 2012 ballot.

"Wine is something that people understand can be used in moderation," 
said retired LAPD Deputy Chief Stephen Downing, who coauthored the 
voter initiative. "In fact, a recent study found that 64 percent of 
people polled stated marijuana poses no greater risk to society than 
drinking alcohol."

In the report, conducted by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & 
Associates (FM3), 62 percent of California voters polled believe 
marijuana should be legalized, 67 percent believe responsible adults 
over the age of 21 should have the right to use marijuana, and 80 
percent believe new drug policies are needed. 
The report further indicates most Californians believe law enforcement 
spends too much time enforcing marijuana laws, which prevents them 
from concentrating on more serious crimes like murder, rape and robbery.

According to the FM3 survey:

    71 percent of respondents agree state and local law enforcement 
agencies spend too much time, money and resources enforcing marijuana.
    63 percent believe a main reason for severe prison overcrowding is 
the prosecution and incarceration of non-violent drug offenders.
    64 percent say marijuana should be taxed to fund public schools, 
police and fire services, and other vital services.

According to a summary prepared by the Attorney General, some of the 
initiative's regulations include:

    Decriminalizing marijuana sales, distribution, possession, use, 
cultivation and transportation.
    Retaining laws forbidding use while driving or in the workplace.
    Establishing regulation of commercial marijuana trade to match 
regulation of wine and beer.
    Directing state and local officials to not cooperate with federal 
enforcement of marijuana laws.
    Banning development of genetically modified marijuana.

California's Legislative Analyst's summary of the initiative's fiscal impact

If the initiative passes, the potential fiscal impact on state and 
local government could:

    Save tens of millions of dollars annually because state and local 
governments will no longer incarcerate and supervise certain marijuana 
offenders.
    Net hundreds of millions of dollars in additional tax revenues 
related to the production and sale of marijuana products.

Jack Cole, co-founder of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, a 50,000 
member organization of police, prosecutors, judges, and supporters, 
said, "LEAP believes the citizens of California are far ahead of the 
federal government in assessing a policy that will reduce death, 
disease, crime, and corruption, when they register 62% support for the 
initiative Regulate Marijuana Like Wine."

The State of California Drug Policy Reform Ballot Measure Issues Survey

The survey was conducted January 26-29, 2011 by Fairbank, Maslin, 
Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3), a public opinion research and 
strategy firm with offices in Santa Monica an Oakland, California; 
Madison, Wisconsin; and Mexico City. In telephone interviews the firm 
polled 804 California voters likely to cast ballots in the November 
2012 election. Margin of sampling error is +/-3.5% at the 95% 
confidence level. Margins for subgroups within the sample will be higher.

To obtain a copy of the Regulate Marijuana Like Wine Act of 2012 
(RMLW), The FMR Poll Report and PowerPoint Presentation, or to make 
donations for obtaining signatures to place the ballot on the November 
2012 ballot, visit www.regulatemarijuanalikewine.com.

www.regulatemarijuanalikewine.com

The Regulate Marijuana Like Wine Act (2012)   A California Voter Initiative
CA STATE CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 136887
PO Box 13591, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96151
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.