i don't get it. especially since prop 19 was written in norcal.
You mean the same norcal people that the anti-prop 19 people seem to hate so much?
No doubt Richard Lee stands to benefit from Prop 19. He, along with others are the "marijuana kings" of Oakland.
Under Prop 19 ... they will be able to help pass legislation locally which allows their marijuana businesses and others to flourish within city limits.
Unfortunately because of this ... some people would like everyone to believe that it will ruin the movement and damper the future for MILLIONS of people. This is simply not true.
Oaksterdam's local legislation will NOT effect all of California and under Prop 19 each and every city can choose to legislate commercial and tax regulations how they see fit. If you live in Oakland, you have the ability as a citizen to stand up for what you think is right and what you think is wrong. Richard Lee and co can not "monopolize" marijuana in Oakland (against the law). Nor can they directly effect legislation without the support of citizens.
But why vote no on Prop 19 and allow the status quo to continue? Because certain people stand to gain something if Prop 19 passes? EVERYONE stands to gain if Prop 19 passes. This is no different than Prop 215. When Prop 215 was on the ballot, there were already people out there who stood to gain with its' passing. Did 215 hurt the movement? Has 215 only helped a selected few?
It is in my honest opinion, that the overwhelming majority of people against Prop 19 are the following:
- Overly paranoid people who believe it's somehow a political ploy or trick. (Then why are the anti-pot politicians against it?)
- People who currently profit from the prohibition. (Legalization adds competition and lowers prices)
- People part of the "I gots mine" crowd. ("I can smoke marijuana without going to jail already under 215 so screw everyone else")
- Anti-pot people in general who still buy into the lies and stigmas associated with marijuana.
Fact is, Prop 19 does nothing more than legalize the possession, transport, and cultivation of marijuana within the state. Prop 19 then allows
cities to determine if they would like to use marijuana commercially and provides them with the legal ability to tax thus said commercial use.
Prop 19 does NOT supersede Prop 215 (If anything, it reaffirms medical users of their right to use).
Prop 19 does NOT force any commercial regulations or taxation.
Prop 19 does NOT treat marijuana any different than alcohol regulations.