There is a dichotomy when it comes to the legality of marijuana usage in America. On the federal level, marijuana is in the same category as other dangerous drugs like heroine (Schedule I), thus highly illegal. In contrast, small number of states has moved to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults (even more for medical marijuana). California has just joined pro-marijuana group via the recent passage of Proposition 64. Before the vote, plenty of Californians argued against or in favor of recreational marijuana usage. This paper will proceed to analyze the arguments made by the proponents of Prop 64.
One of the prominent proponents of Prop 64 is the group Californians for Responsible Marijuana Reform. According to the group, via Prop 64’s fifteen percent excise tax, annual revenue may eventually exceed one billion dollar …show more content…
inmate population . When it comes to marijuana usage being a direct contributor, Drug Policy Alliance reports “Between 2006 and 2015, there were nearly half a million marijuana arrests in California. During this period, there were on average 14,000 marijuana felony arrests in the state each year” (____). Because of the fact California also has the three-strike law; some inmates may be handed down a life sentence despite the nature of their crime (repeat convictions, even if it’s a drug offense, result in harsh sentences). Some may argue that drug offenses are nowhere near as serious as felony crimes like murder and rape. Yet, it is the case that even young adults are being sentenced to life in prison since some states force judges to ignore factors like age (no sentencing flexibility). In short, proponent groups like the Drug Policy Alliance points to the fact that too many people (some young) are being sent to prison. They argue for sympathy in light of the circumstances by arguing for the passage of Prop
One of the prominent proponents of Prop 64 is the group Californians for Responsible Marijuana Reform. According to the group, via Prop 64’s fifteen percent excise tax, annual revenue may eventually exceed one billion dollar …show more content…
inmate population . When it comes to marijuana usage being a direct contributor, Drug Policy Alliance reports “Between 2006 and 2015, there were nearly half a million marijuana arrests in California. During this period, there were on average 14,000 marijuana felony arrests in the state each year” (____). Because of the fact California also has the three-strike law; some inmates may be handed down a life sentence despite the nature of their crime (repeat convictions, even if it’s a drug offense, result in harsh sentences). Some may argue that drug offenses are nowhere near as serious as felony crimes like murder and rape. Yet, it is the case that even young adults are being sentenced to life in prison since some states force judges to ignore factors like age (no sentencing flexibility). In short, proponent groups like the Drug Policy Alliance points to the fact that too many people (some young) are being sent to prison. They argue for sympathy in light of the circumstances by arguing for the passage of Prop