Good morning, Netizens...

This morning's David Horsey cartoon addresses California Proposition 19, which would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use and cultivate gardens up to 25 square feet. It leaves the decision on whether to allow use and tax sales of the drug to local governments.

The Golden State already allows the sale of medical marijuana, which has made it relatively easy for even perfectly healthy people to buy the stuff without fear of being shoved into the back of a patrol car. Prop. 19 would expand that right. Any person 21 years or older could buy an ounce from a licensed seller or grow their own in the backyard while local jurisdictions that opt into the program reap a tax bonanza from the sales.

Any positive effects of the current ban on marijuana will be eliminated or at least substantially reduced with the passage of Proposition 19. On the other hand, you will have more stoned drivers and more people needing treatment for substance abuse. It also stands to reason that the drug cartels will not be put out of business simply because marijuana is legalized, because they will find new ways of making an illicit buck.

Then what do we do about our kids? Although we live in a society where both alcohol and marijuana are illegal for persons under 21, there doesn't seem to be a school in America where either pot nor alcohol are not readily available. The question seems to be whether legalized pot for adults will make it more available and desirable for kids, and whether that is something we can live with.

Some of us will never be interested in pot. Many others will indulge and live more or less happily with the consequences.

While we can legislate laws governing human behavior, do they always work as planned?

Dave

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